For a dynamic promo package for Science Channel’s “Space Week,” motion504 was tasked by film production and motion design company Mrs. K to create compelling graphics and animation. The result: an homage to the memorable retro graphics of arcade video games.

“Space Week,” which airs from May 6 – 13, 2007 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, immerses viewers in the ambitious, cutting-edge science of space exploration.

“‘Space Week’ caters to a clever, informed and science-savvy audience,” explains Mitch Monson, Creative Director of Mrs. K. “The client provided the initial logo treatment, and wanted us to design a motion package that was dark but playful and quirky. After reviewing my original designs, Amy [Schmitt] and Scott [Wenner] of motion504 brought these playful elements to life in a clever animated story, creating an unconventional build of the ‘Space Week’ logo.”

“Most promos are VFX-driven and cinematic,” says Scott Wenner, motion504 Creative Director/Designer. “We chose to create one that was more cartoon and cel-animated looking. Using an isometric camera, glossy floor and data elements, and 3D extruded block type, we turned the logo into a retro video game. The client went for it right away, and gave us a great deal of freedom and trust.”

Designing this promo also required motion504 to use a different process than the norm. Instead of doing linear animations, Wenner and Schmitt built little vignettes of the actions and movements, which came together in different sequences.

motion504 used Adobe After Effects and Maxon Cinema 4D to build a comprehensive toolkit wrapped around the “Space Week” theme. Their graphics were also incorporated into three live-action-based spots shot by Jeanne Kopeck, Director/Creative Director at Mrs. K. These spots featured cool science factoids and mnemonics that were presented in an unexpected and quirky style.

“From beginning to end, everyone was on the same page,” concludes Amy Schmitt, motion504 Creative Director/Designer. “Our close relationship and collaboration with Mitch Monson really helped to streamline our process. The client was very excited about the final package and so were we.”

About motion504
motion504 is a broadcast design and animation studio, which specializes in the art of motion. Featuring the talents of senior-level creative directors, designers and animators, the company has done work for film, TV, advertising and music clients including Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and mega artist Beyonc?¬¨¬© Knowles. motion504, with its open studio space, is built upon the idea of collaboration through communication, critique and contribution amongst its artists and clients. This collective philosophy lends itself to the company’s talent contributing to each and every project, and drawing upon their creative skills and technical experience in design, animation, 3D modeling, illustration and visual effects.
www.motion504.com

Client: Science Channel

Production Company: Mrs. K
Director/Creative Director: Jeanne Kopeck
Creative Director: Mitch Monson
Executive Producer: Peter Thron
Producer: Donna Carver

Design & Animation Company: motion504
Creative Directors/Designers: Scott Wenner & Amy Schmitt