The Slap | On-Air Promotions
Art Direction, Concept, Design, & Editorial
Based on the Australian series of the same name, this 8-part Event Series centers around family and friends trying to make sense of their lives in the aftermath of a child being slapped by an adult.
Art Direction, Concept, Design, & Editorial
Based on the Australian series of the same name, this 8-part Event Series centers around family and friends trying to make sense of their lives in the aftermath of a child being slapped by an adult.
At its core, the subject matter remains polarizing and divisive, immersing the audience in the debate from the beginning. As the show develops, varying viewpoints are presented with each episode focusing on a different character's perspective. Each moment sheds more light on the intricate inter-relationships at play.
The title conveys so much about the show that it felt less intriguing to show episodic clips, but rather to speak to the relationships and the depth of the characters themselves by way of captured moments.
The characters are multi-faceted, flawed, hopeful, people who are struggling with themselves and those closest to them. Thus the design showcases moments of each of the principle cast as they are simultaneously juxtaposed with variations of themselves.
We are the same, neither all good, nor all bad, but all at once human.
CREDITS
Director: Brad Gensurowsky
Creative Director: Dean McFlicker
Brand Direction, Art Direction, Concept Development, & Design: Grant Okita
Editorial, Compositing & Animation: Grant Okita
This project was produced at NBCUniversal.
:30 One Moment Teaser
Drawing from the magnetic, cast performances, Director Brad Gensurowsky was able to capture the emotions of the characters in true form. The full spectrum of moments in time lead up to the single most defining moment of the slap. The one moment that would change everything.
Drawing from the magnetic, cast performances, Director Brad Gensurowsky was able to capture the emotions of the characters in true form. The full spectrum of moments in time lead up to the single most defining moment of the slap. The one moment that would change everything.
:15 Irreversible Teaser
After careful consideration, it was agreed that seeing Zachary Quinto's character slapping the child would be too unsettling for this spot. The shot was composited with Zachary slapping to camera and adding the child into the scene in post. We opted instead to play the footage in reverse, shifting the focus to the build up and Zachary's intense glare to camera, all the while speaking to the irreversible nature of this one moment that would change everything.
After careful consideration, it was agreed that seeing Zachary Quinto's character slapping the child would be too unsettling for this spot. The shot was composited with Zachary slapping to camera and adding the child into the scene in post. We opted instead to play the footage in reverse, shifting the focus to the build up and Zachary's intense glare to camera, all the while speaking to the irreversible nature of this one moment that would change everything.
Design Process
I was captivated with the image of Melissa George's character Rosie, a mother grasping her child, both sheltering and condemning. The polarity and intensity was so powerful. Like ghosts of one's self, the juxtaposed images convey a different person. Blending the lines of defined roles, each character is a moment in time, fleeting and dynamic. Where I could, I wanted to focus in on extreme close-ups to see the emotions in an intimate way. The fragile nature of the relationships and the unraveling of loyalties are all conveyed through body language and the silent countenance.
I was captivated with the image of Melissa George's character Rosie, a mother grasping her child, both sheltering and condemning. The polarity and intensity was so powerful. Like ghosts of one's self, the juxtaposed images convey a different person. Blending the lines of defined roles, each character is a moment in time, fleeting and dynamic. Where I could, I wanted to focus in on extreme close-ups to see the emotions in an intimate way. The fragile nature of the relationships and the unraveling of loyalties are all conveyed through body language and the silent countenance.
Final Concept & Design
The juxtaposition of charged imagery and a contrasting, light tone work to convey the sense of tension in an otherwise idyllic setting. While the brightened palette brings a more hopeful outlook at first glance, the deep contemplative looks reflect the gravitas of the situation and the piece.
The juxtaposition of charged imagery and a contrasting, light tone work to convey the sense of tension in an otherwise idyllic setting. While the brightened palette brings a more hopeful outlook at first glance, the deep contemplative looks reflect the gravitas of the situation and the piece.
Implementing a shallow depth of field and in some instances aggressively pushing it helped to force feelings of doubt and discomfort to mimic the characters' struggle with their allegiances and the facts. It begs the question, "What did you see?" and forces contemplation of the one moment.
We are the same, neither all good, nor all bad, but all at once human.