Hayden Somers Motion Design

Step into a world of intrigue and corruption as we unveil the conceptual title sequence for Gerard O'Neill and Dick Lehr's gripping book, "Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal." Prepare to be captivated as we blend artistry, technology, and storytelling to create a mesmerizing audiovisual experience.

We embark on our journey through the dark underbelly of Boston, a city pulsating with secrets and hidden alliances. The stage is set with intricate maps of the city, meticulously crafted to guide you through the intricate web of streets and neighborhoods. Our focus zooms in on Southie, a notorious stronghold of organized crime, where the enigmatic Whitey Bulger ruled with an iron fist.

As the story unfolds, we employ the masterful techniques of Cinema 4D, utilizing volumetric builders to sculpt and mold the text. Each letter takes on a life of its own, embodying the essence of the narrative. Dynamic and fluid, the text dances and transforms before your eyes, morphing and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of deception and power.

To heighten the suspense, we introduce animated fractal noise, an ethereal force that envelops the text, evoking a sense of foreboding and mystery. Swirling patterns and intricate designs pulsate and evolve, symbolizing the intricate layers of corruption and intrigue at play.

As the visual masterpiece reaches its crescendo, we seamlessly transition into the realm of After Effects. Here, our talented team of composers and sound designers craft a symphony of excitement and anticipation. Evocative soundscapes echo through the ether, enhancing the visual feast before you. Each beat and crescendo propels you deeper into the heart of the narrative, building tension and leaving you yearning for more.

Prepare to be dazzled as colors explode, blending seamlessly to create a kaleidoscope of emotion. Vivid hues and subtle gradients wash over the screen, symbolizing the complex moral landscape of the characters involved. From the stark contrast of light and shadow to the vibrant tones of loyalty and betrayal, every color choice is deliberate, evoking emotions that transcend the screen.

In this conceptual title sequence for "Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal," we invite you on a thrilling journey. Through the convergence of art, technology, and sound, we bring the essence of the story to life. Brace yourself for an experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the truth hidden within the pages of this compelling tale.

The process behind creating this captivating experience was driven by a combination of meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the source material. Drawing from my extensive knowledge and research, I harnessed the essence of the book, "Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal," and translated it into a visually stunning concept.

With a clear vision in mind, I dived into the creative process, employing a variety of tools and techniques. Utilizing Cinema 4D, I meticulously sculpted and animated the text, allowing it to evolve and transform in sync with the narrative. The intricate details and fluid movements were carefully crafted to captivate and engage the audience.

To enhance the visual impact, animated fractal noise was introduced, adding an ethereal and mysterious quality to the overall composition. This dynamic element added depth and complexity, further immersing the viewers into the dark and intriguing world of the story.

The post-production phase was equally important in bringing the concept to life. Through skillful compositing and color grading in After Effects, I meticulously curated the visual palette, carefully selecting vibrant hues and contrasting tones to evoke the desired emotional response. Each frame was a canvas, meticulously crafted to enhance the narrative and intensify the viewer's experience.

Embarking on a thrilling collaborative journey, myself and two incredible friends joined forces to breathe new life into the promotional materials of a somewhat overlooked show. With a shared passion for creativity and a desire to make a lasting impact, we decided to explore uncharted territory and delve into the realm of horror.

Our first step was extensive research and analysis, dissecting the show's original promotional efforts and comparing them to our own vision. Armed with our findings, we crafted a detailed research book that highlighted the missed opportunities and outlined our humble yet audacious suggestions. This comprehensive document became our compass, guiding us towards a path of reinvention and intrigue.

In the spirit of teamwork, we collectively brainstormed and debated, fueling each other's creativity and pushing the boundaries of our ideas. No stone was left unturned as we explored various concepts, contemplating the perfect blend of horror and allure to captivate the audience.

As our collaboration flourished, our individual strengths seamlessly merged. From graphic design to copywriting, we each brought unique skills to the table, blending our expertise to craft a cohesive and spine-chilling narrative. The exchange of ideas was exhilarating, as we challenged and inspired one another to push the boundaries of our collective vision.

With a shared purpose in mind, we embarked on the execution phase, meticulously crafting updated promotional materials that would leave a lasting impression. The visuals we created were an artistic fusion of darkness and elegance, combining chilling imagery with captivating typography. Each element was carefully chosen to evoke a sense of anticipation and invoke the thrill of the horror genre. Step one was creating a style frame for each of our scenes those can be seen here.

Through our collaborative endeavor, we dared to take risks, challenge conventions, and offer a fresh perspective. Our college-kid perspective may have been humble, but our passion and dedication shone through every aspect of our work. The materials we produced became a testament to the power of teamwork and the exhilaration of embracing the horror genre.

As we stepped back and admired our collective creation, we couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. The journey from underappreciated show to captivating horror experience was a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration and the boundless creativity of young minds.

We crafted a full toolkit for the show package, encompassing a range of elements such as the mortise, bumps, credit squeezes, and promo mockups. Each component was carefully designed to captivate and engage the audience.

The mortise served as a spine-tingling introduction, setting the tone for each episode. Bumps added suspenseful interludes, while credit squeezes provided seamless scene transitions. Promo mockups offered tantalizing glimpses into the show, leaving viewers craving more.

Our collaborative efforts resulted in a cohesive and immersive experience, elevating the show's branding. The toolkit enhanced the visual and auditory impact, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

While our collaborative efforts drove the overall creative direction of the project, there was one aspect that relied heavily on individual expertise: 3D modeling and animation. With my unique background and experience in this field, I took the lead in this particular area.

Given the tight timeline and the urgency to meet our work-in-progress (WIP) deadline, the responsibility of creating a full model of the home fell solely on my shoulders. The team entrusted me with this task, recognizing my proficiency in 3D modeling and my ability to deliver under pressure.

With determination and focus, I dedicated myself to bringing the home to life within the given timeframe. I meticulously studied references and architectural plans, ensuring every detail was captured accurately. The process involved carefully constructing the virtual model, layer by layer, meticulously recreating the intricate elements that comprised the home.

The challenge was not only to create a faithful representation but also to imbue the model with a sense of atmosphere and ambiance that aligned with the show's dark and mysterious theme. Through careful lighting and texturing, I breathed life into the digital creation, evoking the desired emotions and immersing the audience in the haunting environment.

Despite the demanding timeline, I maintained open lines of communication with the team, providing regular progress updates and seeking feedback to ensure the model aligned with their vision. Although this aspect of the project was more individually driven, I welcomed their input and integrated their ideas whenever possible.

As the deadline approached, I successfully completed the full model of the home, meeting the WIP milestone with pride. While my individual expertise played a significant role in this particular task, it was ultimately a collaborative effort that encompassed the collective vision and aspirations of the team.

Inspired by Liquid Death's intriguing branding strategy, my Liquid Death series sought to capture its essence through a collage-based animation. To bring this concept to life, I leveraged the power of 3D layers within After Effects, allowing me to create a visually captivating and immersive experience.

Building upon a monochromatic foundation, I meticulously constructed the project, carefully layering elements and textures to craft a cohesive visual environment. This intentional monochromatic approach added a touch of timelessness, reminiscent of a modern sepia tone, evoking a sense of nostalgia and intrigue.

As the project took shape, I injected vibrant colors strategically, serving as bold highlights that punctuated the composition. This color infusion brought a dynamic energy to the otherwise subdued palette, creating visual focal points and guiding the viewer's attention.

To enhance the overall depth and richness of the animation, I incorporated an overlay of particles. These subtle additions added a touch of magic, evoking a sense of wonder and expanding the visual space without overpowering the composition. The particles provided an extra layer of depth and movement, igniting excitement and drawing the viewer further into the Liquid Death series.

Through this combination of meticulous layering, monochromatic storytelling, vibrant accents, and subtle particle overlays, the project took on a life of its own. It encapsulated the spirit of Liquid Death's branding strategy while offering an exciting and immersive experience for the audience.

The resulting animation not only celebrated Liquid Death's unique approach but also showcased my passion for building captivating visual environments. It was a labor of love, blending artistic techniques and storytelling to create a compelling and unforgettable journey.

In summary, the Liquid Death series was brought to life through the use of 3D layers in After Effects. The monochromatic foundation, vibrant colors, and subtle particle overlays all contributed to an exciting and immersive experience. By incorporating these elements with finesse, the project successfully captured the essence of Liquid Death's branding strategy while adding its own touch of excitement without being overly intrusive.

The creative process for my project began with a collection of assets that I had gathered. Inspired by the concept of a heavenly jungle, I envisioned towering spires and a mystical atmosphere shrouded in foggy skies.

To infuse a sense of mystique into the assets, I embarked on a process of deconstruction and reassembly. By cutting them up and rearranging the pieces in different orders, I transformed them into ethereal and otherworldly elements. This manipulation allowed me to create a mystical ambiance that would captivate the viewer's imagination.

Satisfied with the altered assets, I proceeded to tweak them further, refining them according to my personal standards. This iterative process of fine-tuning involved adjusting colors, textures, and other visual elements to achieve the desired aesthetic. By meticulously honing each asset, I ensured that they harmonized with the overall vision of the project.

With the assets now transformed and refined, I embarked on the construction of a side-scrolling environment. This entailed assembling the elements in a way that would create a visually captivating and cohesive experience. Each asset was strategically placed to build up the scenery, evoking the sense of a journey through a heavenly jungle.

Throughout this process, I maintained a careful balance between the mystical and the tangible, allowing the viewers to feel immersed in the enchanting atmosphere while still providing familiar visual cues. The side-scrolling format added a sense of movement and progression, inviting the audience to explore the mystical world I had created.

I had the opportunity to create a short logo animation for "MTV," aiming to encapsulate the essence of the golden era of music television. Inspired by the nostalgia and impact of the logo animations that aired during that era, I wanted to pay homage to the original while infusing it with my own artistic vision.

Drawing inspiration from the branding of Adult Swim, which has become iconic among my generation, I aimed to capture the essence of both the past and present. By incorporating elements that resonate with contemporary audiences, I sought to create a logo animation that would resonate with viewers and evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.

One particularly exciting aspect of this project was the opportunity to incorporate music from Alice in Chains, which happens to be my father's favorite group. Utilizing their music, specifically the interlude of a song, had been a long-standing creative desire of mine. It was a chance to combine my personal connection to the music with my passion for animation, resulting in a project that held deep personal significance.

Throughout the production process, I maintained a professional approach, meticulously crafting each frame and ensuring that the animation aligned with the overall vision. From conceptualization to execution, I strived for excellence, paying careful attention to the smallest details to create a polished and impactful logo animation.

I began by acquiring a character animation from an online source. With this animation as my foundation, I proceeded to rig the bones to a basic human model. Simultaneously, I embarked on constructing a miniature television set as a pivotal element in the scene.

A significant aspect of the animation was the intentional pairing of the camera's perspective, which remained fixed on the TV screen. This creative decision served multiple purposes. Firstly, it aimed to provide viewers with a surreal and distorted viewpoint, fostering a sense of intrigue and captivation. Secondly, it sought to play with the viewer's relationship to their own television, inviting them to question and reflect upon their interactions with the medium. This deliberate manipulation of the camera added depth and meaning to the overall composition.

Additionally, I sought inspiration from the lyrics of Kenny Rogers, who once famously sang about discovering his mind "in a brown paper bag within." Drawing from this evocative phrase, I aimed to allude to the notion of introspection and hidden revelations. Through subtle visual cues and symbolism, I endeavored to convey a sense of introspective discovery, mirroring Rogers' sentiment in a visually engaging manner.

I created this piece specifically for the Festival de Cannes, as I found their classic logo to be a compelling subject for exploration. The initial inspiration came from the idea of incorporating a dynamic palm leaf, which also served as an opportunity for me to enhance my rigging skills.

From the outset, my intention was to keep the animation simple, yet impactful and effective. To achieve this, I employed a piece of glass as a symbolic representation of the lens. This element added a layer of depth and intrigue to the composition, allowing the viewers to contemplate the artistic process and the act of viewing itself.

Furthermore, I introduced animated framing techniques to evoke the experience of watching a movie on a screen. By carefully crafting these framing elements, the final frame of the animation resembled that of a movie screen, further emphasizing the connection to the cinematic world.

Interestingly, this idea of exploring the relationship we all have with our televisions seemed to subconsciously crossover from my previous MTV project. Our connection to the television screen is complex and difficult to articulate, but through art, I aimed to provoke contemplation and spark an emotional response from the viewers.

The scene setup for this project was relatively straightforward, apart from the rigging aspect. To maintain simplicity, I focused on building an environment that incorporated scattering for rays of light and visible volumetric effects. This choice enhanced the overall visual impact of the scene.

Once the rendering process was completed, I imported the footage into After Effects, where additional elements were incorporated. Typography was added to convey specific messages or information, while careful color correction was applied to achieve the desired aesthetic. Additionally, the animated "frame" element was introduced towards the end of the scene, providing a captivating visual transition.

For the assignment of creating a short promo for social media, I selected HBO Max as the streaming service due to its dramatic nature, which resonated with my artistic sensibilities. Additionally, being fond of the color purple, I found it an exciting opportunity to incorporate it into the promo.

To achieve the desired level of drama and dynamic camera movement, I employed a combination of creating my own models and downloading existing ones. This allowed me to curate a collection of assets that would serve as the foundation for the promo. By meticulously arranging and assembling these assets, I created a visually captivating scene that reflects a "frankenscene" concept.

The promo showcases a composition that combines different elements and models to evoke a sense of intrigue and anticipation. The dynamic camera movements further enhance the dramatic effect, adding depth and visual interest to the scene.

Embarking on my first character and rigging project, I decided to create a scuba diving character. With a deep connection to the ocean and a passion for all things saltwater, this choice allowed me to infuse a personal touch into the project, reflecting a part of who I am.

To bring the scuba guy to life, I employed rigging techniques, specifically incorporating inverse kinematics (IK) functionality. This allowed for more natural and intuitive movement of the character's limbs, enhancing the overall realism and fluidity of the animation.

For the scene rendering, I utilized alpha channels to preserve transparency, enabling flexibility in post-production. This approach provided the freedom to composite the character seamlessly into various backgrounds or elements, depending on the desired visual outcome.

To complete the project, I turned to Adobe After Effects and Premiere for compositing and sound design. Through careful manipulation of visual elements and the integration of sound effects, I aimed to enhance the overall impact and cohesiveness of the final composition.

In summary, this project marked my first foray into character creation and rigging. By choosing a scuba diving character, I was able to imbue the project with a personal connection to the ocean. Rigging the character with IK functionality allowed for natural and lifelike movement. The scene was rendered with alpha channels, providing flexibility for seamless compositing in post-production. The final touches of compositing and sound design were accomplished using Adobe After Effects and Premiere, further elevating the project's visual and auditory impact.

As an artist, it's natural for me to feel hesitant about sharing one of my earliest works. However, revisiting this piece reminds me of the journey I embarked upon to develop my artistic style. While the final result may not have perfectly matched the idea I had envisioned, it represents a crucial step in fleshing out my collage style, which I later refined and embraced in my Liquid Death series.

This project holds significant value as it showcases where I started and how my artistic vision began to take shape. It serves as evidence of my initial exploration and experimentation with the collage technique, which eventually led to the more polished execution seen in my subsequent works.

In addition, I also mention another project within my Liquid Death series where I fully embraced and expanded upon the collage style. Sharing this project alongside the earlier work would provide a comprehensive glimpse into my artistic progression, highlighting the growth and development of my techniques.

Thank You! I know I am long winded and if anyone read all of what I wrote it means the world. Feel free to reach out. [email protected]