2. Motion Graphics
“Motion graphics combine the language of film, animation and graphic design.”
– Al Boardman
Kaplan International ‘8 Great Things To Do In London’
July 2014
Al Boardman

3. Saul Bass Born in New York, 1920-1996 Produced his work in Hollywood
Has worked on motion graphics for over 40 years

4. Career Was taught by Bauhaus artist Gyorgy Kepes
The creation of the title sequence for “The Man with the Golden Arm” (1955) kickstarted his career in motion graphics
He has created over 50 title sequences
Other movie titles he worked on include Psycho, Vertigo and North by Northwest
Also made corporate logos for US companies
Such as AT&T, Continental Airlines and United Airlines
All modern opening title sequences that introduce mood or theme for a film are a legacy of Bass’s work

5. Work Style Simple geometric shapes and their symbolism
Captures mood of films with these simple shapes
Single dominant image can deliver powerful message
“Bass uses nervous jazz riffs, bold, flat graphics and nouvelle vague jump cuts to create an atmosphere” Codrington, A (2003). Kyle Cooper, New Haven: Yale University Press, p-8, line-19.
Bass describes the goal of his work style is to “try to reach for a simple, visual phrase that tells you what the picture is all about and evokes the essence of the story.”

6. Awards
Academy Awards USA - Best Documentary Short. Oscar Award for “Why Man Creates” (1969)
Fantafestival - Won Special Award for “Quest” (1984)
Sitges-Catalonian International Film Festival - Won Time Machinery Honorary Award (1994)
Venice Film Festival - Won the Lion of San Marco for Best Film about Adolescence - “The Screaming Eye” (1965)

7. The Man with the Golden Arm

8. Vertigo

9. West Side Story

10. Kyle Cooper Born in 1962 in Massachusetts
Directed and produced over 150 film titles
Founded “Imaginary Forces” and “Prologue Films”
“He is a true-believing Christian whose oeuvre has often lingered on the sinister themes of murder and madness. Codrington, A (2003). Kyle Cooper, New Haven: Yale University Press, p-7, line-6.

11. Career Attended Yale School of Art, US
Studied under a graphic designer Paul Rand
Creator of title sequences for “The Walking Dead”, “Spider-Man” and “American Horror Story”
Recognition received after David Fincher’s 1995 film “Se7en”.
“Cooper is a postmodern paradox” Codrington, A (2003). Kyle Cooper, New Haven: Yale University Press, p-7, line-6.

12. Work Style
His personality reflects film as he tends to “Dart associatively in conversation from one topic to the next.” Codrington, A (2003). Kyle Cooper, New Haven: Yale University Press, p-7, line-28.
Focus on gruesomeness and evil style after his mother passed away, as said by himself “Why deny the existence of evil? Let’s all look for it what it is”, p-10, line- 4.
Heavy focus on symbolism to be linked with film
Loud imagery and unexpected eerie jump cuts
Obsessively precise

13. Awards
SXSW Film Festival - Excellence in Title Design. Film Design Award for “American Horror Story” and “Godzilla” (2015)
Primetime Emmy Awards - Outstanding Short Form Picture Editing. Won Primetime Emmy for “The 81st Annual Academy Awards” (2009)
Primetime Emmy Awards - Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special. Nominated for “The 74th Annual Academy Awards” (2002)
Satellite Awards - Best Visual Effects. Golden Satellite Award for “Titus” (2000)

14. Se7en

15. American Horror Story

16. Spiderman

17. Contrasts Kyle Cooper Saul Bass Geometrical Shapes
Abstract Animation Influences?
Simplistic Style that’s easy to follow
Kyle Cooper
Fast Paced
Montage Style
Intends on using the title sequence to set the mood and atmosphere of the film.
Both artists successfully portray the mood of the film through entirely different yet effective mediums.

18. Comparisons Saul Bass & Kyle Cooper Narrative based sequences
Both artists usually sync their sequences to music
Both revolutionized title sequencing
Both follow kinetic typography
“It’s inspiring to me that Saul Bass took what was arguably a modernist sensibility and a more innovative type of graphic approach and show people that the title sequence can really stir you emotionally and again get you excited about the film.“
- Kyle Cooper
Both directors have a background in Graphic Design and motion graphics

20. Bibliography Kyle Cooper Images Saul Bass Images Other
Saul Bass Images
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Other
Bibliography