Combine text, graphics and images in stunning 3D animations
The Deep Web Explained by Keanu Reeves
The award winning motion designer Duncan Elms was kind enough to share his thoughts on Yanobox Nodes and its use on his latest project Deep Web.
Please tell us about the project’s goals and motivations.
I was tasked with creating the Title sequence and two infographic pieces for the Deep Web Film. The aim was to visually explain the concept of the deep web.How did you get involved in this cool project and how long did it take?
I was approached by Alex Winter the Director of the film. He had seen my Bitcoin Explained video and thought my style would be a good fit for the film. It was a great project because he already liked my style so he gave me a lot of creative freedom to come up with the look of the graphics. I worked on it for about five weeks.
What tools / Workflow did you use?
I used Cinema 4D, Photoshop, Illustrator and Yanobox Nodes inside After Effects. First I gathered references for the look I wanted to achieve. Then I made a visual script where I presented ideas and rough boards to go with each section of the script. Then I made style frames and after that moved onto the animation. I used Yanobox Nodes in the last scene to create a tech style world.
Have you used Nodes in some other projects? Which ones?
I do a lot of infographics work and Nodes is great for this style so I use it a lot. Sometimes I will will use it as a feature element in the shot and other times I use it for design elements in the scene. Here are some examples:
The Divergent Series - Insurgent
At the beginning of this year and end of last year I worked with the team at Animal Logic on the UI elements in the Insurgent movie. That was my first big Hollywoood project and a fun one to be a part of.
© Lions Gate Entertainment. Produced at Animal Logic. Creative Director - Paul Butterworth, Art Director - Anna Fraser.
Bitcoin Explained
Probably my biggest success was a personal project I made with Australian Journalist Marc Fennell, called Bitcoin Explained. This received a lot of attention online and really helped get my name out there and bring in more work.
A Rational Fear
The Dangers of Sitting
Thanks Duncan! To wrap things up, please tell us a bit more about yourself. How long have you been doing this? How did you start?
I started doing motion graphics in 2005, so ten years now. I completed a Media Degree at the University of Canberra and from that I made a portfolio of work that helped me get my first gig. During my career I have worked in Sydney, London and NYC. I have worked in-house at production companies / design studios, as a team member on TV shows and Films and also directly with clients through my own studio. During my time working on a current affairs TV show called Hungry Beast in Australia, I developed an interest in creating 2-3 minute infographic stories that could be used as content in documentaries or stand on their own as separate pieces online. I also recently launched a new studio that specializes in this style of work, called Another Place.
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