Dead Poet Society

︎︎︎Title Sequence
︎︎︎Motion
︎︎︎3D

Programs:
After Effects, Cinema 4D, Premiere Pro, Octane, and Redshift

Collaborators:
Jiani Hong and Sierra Lee


︎︎︎ Communication Arts Award 2023 

In making this title sequence for the 1989 film "Dead Poets Society," our goal was to employ a trophy metaphor, revealing the subtle irony of a prestigious academy unwittingly molding what we colloquially term "trophy children." Targeting a mature audience, with a focus on young adults, the sequence dives into the nuanced world of academic excellence, capturing the essence of individuals groomed as emblematic achievements in a high-stakes environment. It resonates with viewers, inviting reflection on the profound impact of societal expectations and institutional pressures, particularly in the context of these emblematic "trophy children."

The molten metal transforms into a human-shaped trophy on the assembly line, holding a briefcase to symbolize success. As the camera pulls back, the trophy joins other trophies in the academic cabinet, illustrating the elaborate production process—essentially a mass production assembly line. Closing the cabinet signifies the students' control, encapsulating the metaphor of conformity within the sealed trophies.

Since the trophy undergoes a gradual transformation, starting as metallic liquid and evolving into a gleaming, smooth-surfaced gold trophy, we aimed to evoke a mood transition from a cold ambiance to a warm one.

Big Caslon, a classic serif typeface, is used for the main title and names to evoke a sense of tradition and literary sophistication, while Century Gothic, a modern sans-serif typeface, is used for the supporting text to create a contemporary and approachable feel.