Following on from the workshop regarding motion
graphic packages I decided I would elaborate on the importance of a title.
A motion or media graphics package is
essentially the cover to a video or the wrapping to a present. The package
sets up the viewer for the tone and language of the content it is representing
and therefore is an integral part of the film and/or animation. The package
makes up a mixture of elements which can include title sequences, credits, a
“bumper” to inform the viewer of a break or just to inform them that the topic
has changed, for example on news channels when changing from the main headlines
to the sport. These are most typically called Idents and that is because it
displays the “Identity” so to speak of the programme.
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| Still from my Typographic Animation |
After creating the mock title sequence I found
it reminded me of a children’s show called Horrible histories. I found when I
looked the show’s title and topic “bumpers” up they were a lot more flat and
simplistic in comparison to that which I had created. This surprised me with
being reminded of such by my own quite different example and I feel the
connection will have been made due to the following: The contrasting colours I
used and the use of a metal texture, which when bevel was applied onto the type
reminded me of roman battles. However the Horrible Histories animated titles do
share techniques.
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| Screenshot from the "Horrible Histories" programme |
The children’s television show Horrible Histories is one
example of how Layer styles can be used in simple yet effective manners. For
the horrible histories series it is informational through a slapstick manner as
to educate children on history. The style in which the titles appear therefore
reflect that of the content, bright, bold and with some laughs. Above you can
see a screenshot from one of the episodes in which it depicts romans. I found
the type is considerably flat against the page with the exception of a subtle
yet effective dropshadow. This is usually teamed up with a funky playful
movement as it appears on screen and here we have a animated character whom interrupted
to introduce the section. I noticed that they have used a drop shadow with a far
distance as to create this illusion of depth between the character and the
title screen.
You can find out more about the Horrible Histories programme here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/horrible-histories#watch
