#01
Name_ Ross Francis Student ID_ 102181 Level_ 06 Module Code_ OUG603
Brief Title Type Of Brief Skills Collaborators Nature of Collaboration
DRIP
Brief
Live brief for the context of film. Layout, Type Design, Concept Generation, Art Direction
Create the visual brand for the independent film DRIP, which includes but is not limited to the main visual image for the film, any supporting visuals, the press kit and screener copy packaging, and the further promotion of the film.
Joel Burden In the collaboration Joel and I generated concepts and conducted research independently. The design direction was done collaboratively. I put together the press kit and designed the poster under the direction of the film director. We collaboratively designed the typeface.
Background
Considerations
The film DRIP marks the start of the professional working relationship of Mark Trifunovic and Mike Smith. The collaborative pair will be looking to submit the film to nationwide film festivals in order to help spread their name as a production duo, with the hope for more lucrative future work. The film is in it’s final stages of development, with the visual identity, promotion and distribution the only things left to add. Consider how the packaging of the screener copy can help to make the film stand out amongst other entries. Consider how much the visual identity gives away about the film? How can the visual identity and promotion of the film be executed to exude professionalism, but maintain an independent conscience?
Solution
To resolve this brief, a eery and disturbing aesthetic was created in order to reflect the subject matter of the film. Unsettling child like scrawls were created with a level of ambiguity to the creator. While being initially child like the scrawls, in context, start to hint on the wider subject matter of the film. The theme is carried through a range of deliverables, from press kit and screener copy, to the post production titles for the film.
Evaluation
The brief started out very well. I personall y had to pitch to get the brief, to do this had to put together a personal portfolio of work, and respond to a set brief from the film director. Having been successful with this I thought that this would give me a level of ownership and garner a certain respect as the graphic designer. However, it became apparent that the director had a very particular idea about the film’s graphic design elements. While some ideas were kept, such as the child like scrawls, many of our ideas were at the mercy of the director. I feel that this lead to a very average and immature response. The design process became very difficult to navigate through as a multitude of amendments came through for a range of different deliverables. This meant that the design became a mash of initially good ideas followed by bad and unimaginative executions. The issues arose due to a lack of planning , a forced aesthetic, a failure to take control of the design direction and as a result, a mundane and difficult design process. Working within the context of film is something that initally excited me and was something that I was interested to be a part of, however I did not particularly enjoy the brief, and it has helped me realise that I do not want to design for film directly. I think the industry is highly intriguing, however I think my own interests and skills are more directed towards the wider contexts of film, such as, theatres, production companies, as opposed to the film itself. Perhaps this is too quick to right off, and it may be safe to assume that my next experience will be better after learning so much from this brief, but as far as I am aware, I will be steering clear of working within the context of film directly. Ultimately the director was very happy with the work that was done, however, I personally was left very unsatisfied with the brief itself. The design work completed struggles to be called graphic design, and reminds me of a photoshop project done by a 14 year old.