Taking inspiration from the Latin American political poster art of the 60s and 70s – think partially torn visual artifacts hanging on a crumbling city walls, offering subtly history lessons into a region’s struggle for change – the STUDIO teamed with Nomadic Wax and MTV World to create the complex graphics package that helps define the second season of Rebel Music.
Artist Shepard Fairey, whose work reflects his belief in the power of art to spur political commentary, is one of the executive producers of the critically acclaimed documentary film series which airs on MTV World, MTV2, mtvU and via MTV’s numerous online and social media outlets as well as Netflix and iTunes.
Mary Nittolo, the Studio’s Creative Director says, “Faded political posters on city walls was the specific esthetic we were going for. Countries with complex political histories often have strong graphic traditions. A combination of institutionalized political art and people's response to it in the form of graffiti informed the graphic look we wanted for the show. We wanted the work to have the feeling of ‘pentimenti’ — the sense that there was an underlying layer to everything, a trace of previous work.
The look is totally apt. Rebel Music is a powerful documentary series that explores the lives of young people around the world – Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela, Turkey Senegal and Native America — who are using art and music in the pursuit of social justice.
Rebel Music Teaser from the STUDIO on Vimeo.
Matching Fairey’s Creativity
Given Fairey’s role in the show and its memorable logo, Nittolo and the STUDIO team, led by concept artist Alison Abitbol, animation lead Eric Kilanski and main editor Hondo Logan, knew they needed to match his level of creativity while still adding their own distinct take on the graphics, which can be seen on the show open, website, promos and other key branding elements.
The STUDIO design work is perhaps best highlighted in the show’s :30 opening title sequence. Set to a driving Frank Waln music track, the open features a fast-cut montage of intensely edited scenes of political conflict and passionate musical performances, while flickering onscreen typography offers: “The World Is in transition, the world is in conflict; when just is broken, when justice is lost; youth use their voice, youth use their art – to fight back.”
In addition to the graphic package, the STUDIO also stepped up when show producers felt that a segment about Myanmar needed historical context, by creating an animated piece that served as a informative timeline into this complicated region of the world.
“The people at MTV World are thoughtful and care deeply about the tradition of music as an agent for social change, as well as honoring the individual artist, and Rebel Music is very much a part of that tradition and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Rebel Music Titles from the STUDIO on Vimeo.
Creative Credits
Client: PRODUCTION COMPANY/Nomadic Wax
Project: “Rebel Music” graphics package
Animation: the STUDIO, New York
Creative Director: Mary Nittolo
Executive Producer: Gary Giambalvo
Producer: Kathleen Sobr
3D Artist/CG Lead: Eric Kilanski
The STUDIO is represented for advertising via RIAD Represents, the artist management agency led by Sherry Riad.
About the STUDIO
In business for over 25 years, the STUDIO is a digital production company that unites the diverse talents of designers, artists, animators, directors and visual effects artisan to interpret projects for pages and screens everywhere. Involved in all aspects of the marketing and communication process from pre-production through production and post, the STUDIO supplies art, design and editorial services including digital production, animation, front end web design, dynamic banner ads, character development, murals and exhibit design with a talented roster of artists, designers, 2D and 3D animators, editors and programmers,. The STUDIO client roster includes major Ad Agencies, Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, cultural and educational institutions as well as entertainment and media companies.
For more information, visit http://studionyc.com/, or follow the STUDIO on Facebook, Twitter (@TheSTUDIONYC), Instagram and LinkedIn.
