Concept and creative process
A short, simple title sequence for the drama series 'Ace', using playing cards to reveal the main title caption. Playing cards were shot on a 35mm rostrum camera using stop frame techniques. The first shot, showing the cards revealing in a circle, was shot in reverse. All the cards were set in a circle, then removed one by one as the 'Ace' card on a cell overlay replaced each card in succession, combined with a camera track in on the black centre of the card circle. The second section made use of plasticine wedges with which the 'Ace' card was physically moved stop frame into the upright position held up by each wedge, then back down horizontal again. This was shot on the rostrum but lit as a model shoot. The last two scenes made use of panning techniques. The penultimate scene was shot in reverse with the 'Ace' card pasted onto a clear cell and panned stop frame across the row of cards, which were removed one by one. The final scene was shot normally with the two cards panning in opposite directions as the camera tracked in to reveal the title card 'Ace'. The title logo was completed by the addition of a further cell overlay of the lettering as the camera came to rest. Flat lighting was essential to make this idea work.
Concept, Design and Art Direction - Liz Friedman.