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Succession Title Sequence
A short, flat style animated mograph title sequence for HBO's television series Succession, accompanied by the show's original score and crew members.
Utilizing storytelling as a technique, this motion graphic takes viewers on an emotional journey. The design works in conjunction with the original theme music to set the dramatic tone for the television series Succession. Awarded Honourable Mention by RGD for Motion Design (2022).
Timeline
Feb 2022
Role
Designer
Tools
Adobe After Effects & Illustrator
The Challenge
How can a short 2D motion graphic attract attention?
The Solution
The viewer is taken on an emotional journey with the use of dramatic graphics, musicality, conflict and leaves them with a lasting impression.
This project started with mapping the key aspects of the series - the characters, location, concepts, and symbols present. The storyboards helped plan and create the resulting title sequence which foreshadows the tone and actions of the TV series.
The sequence with four heads represents the possible successors to the family's company. The action of the heads being knocked out is symbolic of succeeding and taking another's place. The heads are anonymous because the show's finale has not yet been revolved - the winning successor is unknown at this point.
The presentation of the main characters in the TV series, the dysfunctional family members who fight for control of the family company, are partially revealed and fragmented to create tension. Having the character's eyes cut off alludes to the schemes they secretly plot against one another. The simplified rectangular pieces flying in and out of frame are inspired by puzzle pieces. The game of power and backstabbing within the family is like a complex game.
An emotional journey map was used as a tool. Using a three part structure, I designed the visual story to have (1) a dramatic beginning, (2) an interesting middle with action created by rapid changes in tempo, visuals, conflict, and (3) the climax a the end.
The ending composition plays off of the New York skyline with the inclusion of New York City buildings. The pole off the top of one of the buildings extends to form the 'i' in Succession and the blinking light is used to create additional visual interest.
The colour palette of the piece is mainly black and white with a bit of red as an accent colour towards the end. This was a deliberate choice because I wanted to reference newspaper as a form of media (the family company controls media). The father of the family is very old so many characters criticize the old-fashioned ways he runs the family company. I emphasize a cut out newspaper look with the use of paper-like texture overlays and a subtle implementation of halftone dots on images.
I overcame the challenge of telling the story of the series without knowing the ending. I told the story from a family dynamics perspective with symbolism to express the meaning of succeeding each other - the family is tense, dishonest, and backstabbing. The true successor is unknown as future seasons have not yet been released.
