An important part of the post-production team is a motion graphic designer, but what part of the film or video are they responsible for?
Think of any iconic opening sequences in a film: James Bond movies with gun barrels, girls and playing cards; Star Wars’ scrolling text reaching toward a galaxy far, far away; or the gore-filled comedy of Deadpool.
Opening credits build up an audience for the main event. They can introduce a genre and a specific cinematic style in just seconds, and they’re remembered for decades.
It is the job of a motion graphic designer to create opening credits. However, it doesn’t end there… the role covers everything involving graphics in film, video, TV and commercials. In fact, opening sequences are just one small part of it.
Why is a motion graphic designer essential?
A motion graphic designer can produce any type of graphic asset in a post-production studio. Everything they create has to mirror the genre, tone and feel of the film or video.
Branding and identity
Beyond creating opening and closing credits for a film or TV programme, they can use their skills to create a recognisable identity. They can often produce logos, visual assets, and social media graphics that drive the overall look of the promotion.
The typography chosen by a designer can have a huge impact on the tone and identity, too. Think of the glowing red serif font of the Netflix series, Stranger Things. It is used on the show’s vast array of merchandise, with everything from mugs to pyjamas.
Words on pictures
Any text material laid over the picture is classed as motion graphics. How the text looks, how it is placed on the screen and how it’s animated are all considerations for the designer.
If your protagonist takes a trip to Monaco, for example, or if the timeline jumps a decade or century, the viewer needs to know. The designer tells them by inserting expository intertitles, usually in the same or a complementary style as the opening credits.
Captions and subtitling for other languages come under motion graphic design. Messaging between characters on their mobile phones, appearing in bubbles on screen, has become more common in the past few decades.
Charts, maps and other items
Introducing maps or charts to a film is a great way to demonstrate movement without having to film the sequence. Famous examples include the Indiana Jones franchise, where in each film a red line on a map tracks the protagonist’s travel across the globe.
Commercials and explainer videos
It’s not just on big-budget film and TV shows where the services of a good motion graphic designer can be used.
Motion graphics can also be heavily utilised in TV advertisements, explainer videos and corporate videos. This is especially the case in explainer videos where text and graphics are used to make organisational structures or complicated ideas much simpler.
These post-production projects can be done in line with the existing branding to match the tone and ethos of the company or product.
Professional post-production can make standout title sequences and videos that will linger in the memory of the viewer. While many common apps can add DIY bookend titles, captions and logos to a film, it takes a real expert motion graphic designer to make it truly iconic.