The second thesis I chose to read was Kinetic Typography: Implementing Narrative by Corina Rivera. She explained the ways that kinetic typography can be used as a "means of storytelling and character development." She focuses on the use of kinetic typography for movie title sequences. According the Saul Bass, a movie sequence will set mood and the underlying core of the story of the film.
I really enjoyed Corina's examples of kinetic type in movies. I feel like there are a number of films that always stick out in my mind as having a really wonderful opening sequence with interesting type. It's always fun when a film starts out with interesting type for the credits and I find that many animated films from Pixar and Disney utilize new ways to incorporate otherwise "boring" information. Even older Disney movies had an element of interest in the opening credits (specifically Cinderella where as the opening story is told there are pages turning, etc). Its a far departure from older films such as The Wizard of Oz, where you see static type on a page and are less likely to pay attention.
The fact that Corina also delved into the world of typefaces and their meanings was very interesting. I felt like it was an integral part of her argument. As a graphic designer, I know the value of a typeface choice as well as the way its general shape can be read and dissected. I'm really glad to see that she used the example of the opening scene for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. It is one of my favorite recent opening scenes, and while the typography is not the focus, it FITS extremely well with the dark imagery. The Shop Vac example reminds me of the music video for "It's Alright With Me" by Eric Hutchinson. Using the typography in a playful movement really emphasizes the exciting nature of the film or video.
Overall, I felt like Corina's thesis was very interesting and I learned about some 2D art rules that can be used in animated type and a 3D world. I have been very interested in kinetic typography for a long time and it is interesting to dissect that world.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1683194/ais_classes/portfolio_pres/13su/thesis/Rivera_Corina_Thesis.pdf
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