VSO: The Psycho Suite Animation

Motion Graphics Animation

Emergent Media Center / Vermont Symphony Orchestra

Orchestra Performance with Motion Graphics Animation (Muted)
Full Motion Graphics Animation (Muted)

About Project

A 10:12 abstract motion graphics animation played behind the Vermont Symphony Orchestra during their “The Hollywood Sound” performance on March 2nd, 2024 at the Flynn Theater in Burlington, Vermont. The client desired an abstract piece which would go alongside the orchestra’s “Psycho Suite for Strings'' performance without overpowering it. Utilizing the Flynn theater’s unique back wall, our team projection mapped our animations to give a unique textured effect. The visuals are inspired by artist Saul Bass’s motion graphics work in the original 1960 movie “Psycho”.

About Project

A 10:12 abstract motion graphics animation played behind the Vermont Symphony Orchestra during their “The Hollywood Sound” performance on March 2nd, 2024 at the Flynn Theater in Burlington, Vermont. The client desired an abstract piece which would go alongside the orchestra’s “Psycho Suite for Strings'' performance without overpowering it. Utilizing the Flynn theater’s unique back wall, our team projection mapped our animations to give a unique textured effect. The visuals are inspired by artist Saul Bass’s motion graphics work in the original 1960 movie “Psycho”.

Project Phases

Conceptualization

Our team started by exploring visual identity directions for the project, and iterating our concept until approved by the client. Here, I also developed a template file for the team with the proper sizing, resolution, and file structure to ensure all animations would be correctly scaled.

Storyboarding

With our visual identity in place, we began to storyboard the eight movements spanning the duration of the performance. Each movement was given its own visual flair to be distinct while enhancing the feel of the music. Our 218 storyboards went through iteration until approved by the client. 

Animation

We then worked on animation, the largest phase of the project. I led the team’s division of labor strategy for animation, while creating a significant amount of the animation for the final product. As I had the most motion graphics experience on the team, I was responsible for the more complex 3D animations for the project.

Compositing

After all animations were completed, we fine tuned the speed and intensity of each section to make the final video. 

Project Phases

Conceptualization

Our team started by exploring visual identity directions for the project, and iterating our concept until approved by the client. Here, I also developed a template file for the team with the proper sizing, resolution, and file structure to ensure all animations would be correctly scaled.

Storyboarding

With our visual identity in place, we began to storyboard the eight movements spanning the duration of the performance. Each movement was given its own visual flair to be distinct while enhancing the feel of the music. Our 218 storyboards went through iteration until approved by the client. 

Animation

We then worked on animation, the largest phase of the project. I led the team’s division of labor strategy for animation, while creating a significant amount of the animation for the final product. As I had the most motion graphics experience on the team, I was responsible for the more complex 3D animations for the project.

Compositing

After all animations were completed, we fine tuned the speed and intensity of each section to make the final video. 

Job Title

Motion Graphics Producer

Job Title

Motion Graphics Producer

Job Title

Motion Graphics Producer

Project Responsibilites

Visual identity creation, storyboarding, motion graphics animation, video compositing

Led the team’s division of labor strategy for storyboarding and animation

Iterated designs based on client feedback

Built the team’s template file to ensure all files were correctly formatted and scaled

Assisted and taught co-workers about animation

Project Responsibilites

Visual identity creation, storyboarding, motion graphics animation, video compositing

Led the team’s division of labor strategy for storyboarding and animation

Iterated designs based on client feedback

Built the team’s template file to ensure all files were correctly formatted and scaled

Assisted and taught co-workers about animation

Project Responsibilites

Visual identity creation, storyboarding, motion graphics animation, video compositing

Led the team’s division of labor strategy for storyboarding and animation

Iterated designs based on client feedback

Built the team’s template file to ensure all files were correctly formatted and scaled

Assisted and taught co-workers about animation

Programs Used

Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Media Encoder

Adobe Media Encoder

Adobe Media Encoder

Other Contributors

This job was highly collaborative, and I worked closely with my two co-workers throughout the entire process on conceptualization, storyboarding, animation, and compositing.

Jack Duffy

Motion Graphics Producer

Worked with me on all aspects of the project, and led the technical aspects of projection mapping the animation to the Flynn theater’s back wall.

Ruby Singer

Motion Graphics Producer

Worked with me on all aspects of the project, including concepting, storyboarding, and animation.

Other Contributors

This job was highly collaborative, and I worked closely with my two co-workers throughout the entire process on conceptualization, storyboarding, animation, and compositing.

Jack Duffy

Motion Graphics Producer

Worked with me on all aspects of the project, and led the technical aspects of projection mapping the animation to the Flynn theater’s back wall.

Ruby Singer

Motion Graphics Producer

Worked with me on all aspects of the project, including concepting, storyboarding, and animation.

My Animation Highlights

The Rainstorm
The Knife
The Cellar Stairs
Finale Ending
The Murder
Prelude Lines

Process Work

Stage Grid Map
Stage Wall Sections