Project 3- DVD menu

I decided that for my DVD menu I would use project 2 as I really enjoyed working with the whole technology theme. I wanted to find some sort of graphic content which would reflect the videos on the DVD. I decided that some sort of game would make for a really fun and interactive menu. After going through a list of games in my head I finally settled on Tetris, not only because it is probably my all time favorite game, but also because I see it making a great DVD menu interface.
I still have to scan and upload my story boards, but until then you can all watch the animation I created as a transition for the menu.

The Graveyard

I finally got my act together and began to think about what I want to do for my DVD menu. I decided too continue with the whole Wired inspired work and create a DVD menu for everyone's project 2. I went onto the Wired site to find some inspiration for the menu and got side tracked by an article about a mini game called The Graveyard. It isn't much of a game, but rather it is a multimedia experience. The graphics are amazing and the whole thing is really thought provoking. The game is free to download, and is well worth the ten minutes it takes to play.


Also, feel free to read the article published in Wired.
As for my DVD menu- stay posted...

DVD Menus

Sitting on my desk I have a pile of 20 DVDs both movies and TV shows and frankly most of their menus aren't even worth mentioning. For some it is not really shocking but others I expected better from. Casino Royale for example had such a cool title sequence and yet when it comes to the menu- nothing. Out of 20 DVDs the 3 that impressed me most were Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Sin City and shockingly enough, Zoolander.
The actual navigation for the Holy Grail was simply text and not very exciting, but there were some really fun motion graphics going on in the background. Typical Monty Python stuff but entertaining none the less.
Sin City kept the whole comic theme throughout the menu. Blood splatters follow the cursor and in general the graphics are just really cool. I especially like the seamless transition between graphics and video that goes on throughout the whole time you are in the menus.
Zoolander is a different story entirely. Like Sin City it meshes graphic and video quite well, but my favorite part of the menu has nothing to do with visuals but rather "Derek Zoolander's" explanations of what each button does. Very funny- but you have to appreciate Ben Stiller.
Unfortunately screen capture does not work while the DVD player is going so I was unable to take any pictures.

Oh Snap!

I know we were supposed to be looking at DVD menus but honestly who has the time to watch movies?! Ok.. ok, I'll do it I promise. I mean I have just been given an excuse to watch multiple movies after all...
In the meantime, check out this show reel from Studio Snap. Their animation style is really lo-fi and funky. They go from detailed girl drawings to very cut and paste. I love their stuff. Oh, and yes- I did send them a resume as well. It is a learning process as well as a desperate attempt to find something to do in May and June :)

Proximity

I am starting to get worried I may not find an internship in Tel Aviv (despite the 45 resumes I have sent out) so I have begun to look at companies in London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Brussels. (I know it may seem like a strange list but it makes sense in my head.) In my search I came across the website of Proximity Worldwide which is a sub company of the advertising mega-giant BBDO. Their website is so much fun! It is super whimsical and calming. Not what you would normally expect of a design company. The motion graphics are great and they even use depth cues!

The Great Life Extension Debate

Project 2 has been completed! Check it out.

It was written, created and narrated by Fiona McDougall and I.
Please visit our documentation blog for more details on the project.

Using My Power for Good

I know, I know, you have all had enough with my jPod rantings to last you the rest of the semester, but I can't help it- I really am so sad about the cancellation. So, as a response I have used my powers of graphic design for good and created some downloadable posters, desktops backgrounds and banners all which can be found at savejPod.ca. Check it out, and while you are there see what you can do to save one of the best shows around!

Staplesville?

This has to be the weirdest website I have ever seen. Staple's "Staplesville" is this entire virtual world dedicated to helping people find jobs at Staples. It is even filled with a flock of strange characters such as talking dogs and people with PHDs in Advanced Workology. Make sure to watch the tips video- I can't recall what any of their tips are but the man with the exploding head was memorable.
For someone who has no interest in working at Staples I spent a lot of time on this site. The motion graphics are really fun and quirky. The site really looks amazing. Staples should probably try to integrate some of this stuff into their normal über-boring website. It would set the apart from the competition. You would never guess that the two sites were produced by the same company. Staplesville has this collage like, small town feel. At the same time though the amazing, sharp graphics and design are anything but old school.
Even if you aren't looking for a job. I recommend checking it out.

Ford

So it is video not motion graphics, but this commercial is amazing. The art direction and choreography is seamless. While the sentiment that the commercial is pushing is a little cheesy the visuals are awesome.

jPod canceled

This Saturday CBC announced jPod was being canceled. As I wrote in a previous post it is an awesome show, brilliantly written and art directed and has amazing motion graphics. (Oh, and those graphic interludes are apparently called interstitials.) Watch it while you can. It will be missed. Also, feel free to call or email CBC to complain. I already have!

Casino Royale

About a year ago I saw Casino Royale with some friends- I was completely blown away by the amazing motion graphics in the opening credits- but somehow with time I forgot about the credits and only memories of the movie were left in my head. Luckily I really liked the movie because for the longest time I had meant to watch it again and then this weekend's snowstorm gave me the perfect chance. The second I popped the DVD into the player I remembered those opening credits and watching them again after spending two months learning all about how to create motion graphics I am even more impressed by what was done. After sitting around and chatting to my friends, who honestly didn't really care, about how cool the graphics were and how- well, I can almost, sort of, kind of, am learning to, maybe one day will have the ability to, create all that stuff. They told me if I ever get to the point where I am working on a James Bond movie that would be cool. At least now I know what it takes to impress my friends.
Seriously though- they way the graphics flow and the way the animation and video are seamlessly integrated- incredible. I also love all the playing card imagery. It is so cool when the bad guys explode in diamonds.
Watch, enjoy and be in awe.

Son of Rambow

Son of Rambow a cute looking movie with some great hand lettering and type in motion in the preview. Although I am pretty sure there was some more illustration and type when I saw the trailer in the theater- this should still give you a basic idea.

This lettering has this great child-like feel which reflects the story perfectly.