THINGS YOU DIDN'T
KNOW ABOUT MOTHS
✷
Short explainer video for NBC news.
CLIENT
NBC (MOCK PROJECT)
PROGRAMS
PHOTOSHOP + AFTER EFFECTS
ROLE
ANIMATOR + DESIGNER
DURATION
4 WEEKS
[ VIDEO BASED ON THIS ARTICLE BY LINDSEY KONKEL ]
THE CHALLENGE
Adapt an NBC article into a short explainer video for a diverse audience of adults ranged 25-54. The final animation should be as realistic as possible, similar to a documentary.
KEY POINTS
The animation must be beautiful and engaging
Imagery must be clear and readable
The video must be adaptable to 1:1 format
Imagery must be universally understood
PROCESS WORK
⦿ TIP: CLICK EACH IMAGE TO VIEW IT IN EXPANDED MODE
✦ RESEARCH
Understanding the movement of moths was crucial in learning how to animate them. I assembled a plethora of reference videos to study before I moved into production.
(Fun fact: while most moths flutter about like butterflies, a select few species of moths dart around so sporadically they are often confused for hummingbirds!)
✦ INITIAL CONCEPTS
01 • EXTRAORDINARY DISCOVERY
In this concept, the audience is taken on an immersive journey through an elaborate and well organized series of pinboards and diagrams. The aesthetics hinge on the use of patterns and well defined grids.
02 • MOON GARDEN
For this direction, the audience ventures through a moon garden (a garden designed to be viewed at night) and views various moths interacting with the wildlife. The visuals will be calming and peaceful, with colorful moths popping out against the flowers.
03 • COMIC SEQUENCE
For this final concept, the article is displayed as a stylized and sophisticated comic sequence. The visual engagement will come from setting the story in a vibrant environment. Important words will be emphasized through onomatopoeia.
✦ LOOK DEVELOPMENT
After landing on a concept, I began developing the look and feel for crucial story beats within the animation. The textured background was later scrapped for being too busy/competing with other elements.
✦ ANIMATION DEVELOPMENT
When conceptualizing the final look, the largest hurdles to overcome were the final shot and natural movement of the moths. I spent most of development time studying and mimicking moth flight patterns and drafting up alternatives for the ending.
FINAL DELIVERABLES
✦ REAL WORLD APPLICATION
