toddlers & tiaras
I'm posting some work that is unique in several respects. It's not uncommon for projects to be done and then not air for a while, but this one still has yet to air. Though both the client and the network were happy with it, maybe it never will, most likely just because of management and programming changes that have nothing to do with the show. This project also stands out for me because the client called cause they were in a pinch. They needed something to replace the original open fast and with limited resources. To me, having a client turn to you with a "help us fix it" is the ultimate compliment. While the show continues to sit on a shelf, the producers said it was fine to go ahead and post the open. So here it is, along with the original rough draft of a press release that will never actually be released, so forgive the third person writing style:
jonberrydesign Dresses New TLC Show “Toddlers & Tiaras”
Los Angeles broadcast design studio jonberrydesign designed and produced the main title for the new TLC show "Toddlers & Tiaras." The show is an uncompromising but non-judgmental look into the world of child beauty pageants.
“In our discussion of the show, Executive Producer Lauren Lexton explained to me that the show did not take sides on what some may see as good or bad about the world of child beauty pageants, so it was important to me that the open maintained that objectivity,” explained Designer/Creative Director Jon Berry. Through extreme close ups and cropping of still photography, Berry highlighted details of contestants in ways that could seem both beautiful or unnatural, leaving the judgment to the perspective of the viewer.
The entire open uses simple cuts to create energy while keeping the design clean and minimal. Minimal light effects were added to play on the glitz and glitter aspect of pageants. The show had pre-existing internal graphics, so the magenta and silk textures as well as the serifed typeface were used to tie to those pre-existing internal elements.
All design and animation of the main title sequence was completed by jonberrydesign using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects entirely on Apple Macintosh platforms.