Batman or Gotham Titles?

Ok so for the next project (the title sequence project), the theme that I am thinking of is based on the Batman franchise, but I'm torn between 2 ideas.

The first idea is basically to recreate the Title sequence from Batman vs. Robin (aka the worst of the Batman movies). Now why would I want to recreate this? I grew up watching these movies and, while it is a bad movie, the title sequence was pretty good. Although not great. When I watched it back recently I was commenting on how static the camera movement was until the bat and robin symbols fly in. But otherwise, there isnt too much in terms of the motion. And I was thinking, may using sure target and some clever ideas, I can make a a much more dynamic title sequence. Also maybe change some of the color and style to make it feel less sci fi and more gritty like Batman should be (Schumachers Batman movies I always found looked too futuristic and sci-fi-ish for Batman). I'd also make this one a parody, using references to what fans hate about this movie, like Bat credit cards and the infamous batsuit nips. So thats one option.

But I had another idea. It still pertains to Batman, but its for a TV show: Gotham. Gotham just started its second season, and is actually a pretty good show that serves as a prequel to long before Batman started roaming the streets of Gotham, following the character of Jim Gordon and most of the popular villains before the Dark Knight showed up. Anyway, it is a good show, but there was one thing that always bothered me, and that was the opening graphic title. Its because its WAY TOO Simple, its literally text moving pass the camera in Z space on a background of dark clouds. Its actually really sad in my opinion. I was expecting much more from it. So I want to try to challenge myself with this option. I would want to make my own title sequence for this show, something thats much more dynamic, something that reflects the show very well.

So either way, Im thinking Batman, but I'm not sure which way to go. Right now I'm leaning more towards the Gotham option mainly because I can be as creative as I want. But I could also do the other one and have a little bit of fun with it. I could really go either way. What do you guys think? Leave a comment and let me know which bat idea you like better.

Losing My Train of Thought

One day this week I found myself lying in bed watching music videos from my favorite show as a child, Thomas the Tank Engine. Beginning in 1984, the show was made using miniature model trains on a meticulously crafted set. Of course looking back, as a child, I always thought everything was life-sized. Obviously now I know that is not true, but if watch long enough I truly begin to believe I'm watching something actually shot on an actual railroad.

I really appreciated the using of actual landscapes as opposed to CGI. In that time period, CGI didn't exist. The fact that the environment was physically crafted by humans was impressive, and in my opinion is just as impressive today. It just gives off a feel that CGI cannot. Just knowing how much work was put into the design makes it all the more enjoyable to watch. As an adult now watching the show for nostalgic value, I can really appreciate all the hard work that was put into it.

I read that in 2009, the show (still in production) completely switched over to CGI. That was extremely disappointing to read. Just because something can be updated doesn't mean it should be. Now of course I realize CGI takes a lot of hard work as well. But it's just not the same as crafting with one's own hands.  It truly is a dying art.

1984

2012