Introduction
This project is a motion video prototype under 2 minutes in length explaining a new hybrid system as a solution to the world’s pollution issues. It’s presented by a company called Operation Green Technologies, a brand I created from scratch. This project demonstrates my skills in branding, generating mixed media, and visual communication.
Planning
I started by creating a Mind Map on paper of solutions for the pollution caused by electricity generation. I researched current sources of pollution, one being electricity, and then current sources of electricity generation. After researching ways to combat pollution from electricity generation, I included all my findings in the Mind Map, including solar power, wind power, hydro power, biomass energy, and geothermal energy. For each solution, I included many different forms. At the same time, I created a Gantt Chart for the fictional project’s timeline, spanning over a few years. I put the fictional company's logo at the top later on in development.
Mind Map
Link to the Gantt Chart: https://mygcuedu6961-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/clawary_my_gcu_edu/Ea0YTQVikLVLt4Xo0l7k_oIBNcvYSXFYMlwfpCFKqBZpug?e=QNj0eI
Storyboarding
Next, I made a storyboard showing how hybrid systems benefit the planet and reduce pollution and climate change. This was to briefly demonstrate my prototype solution to my classmates and acted as a preface to my more detailed storyboard. Using this mini storyboard as a reference, I prepared to create the main storyboard for the motion video prototype. In this more detailed storyboard, I blocked out exactly how I envisioned my video would look from visuals to camera movements.
Storyboard 1
Storyboard 2
Production
This stage was completed in 6 weeks and involved creating the assets for each solution and animating them all within Adobe After Effects. I created scenes demonstrating solar power, wind power, hydro power, biomass energy, and geothermal energy. Then, I created supporting electrical assets in After Effects as well, including a light bulb, car, computer, lamp, TV, and smartphone. Also, I accessed stock footage to use for backgrounds and demonstration, like pollution, the Earth, the sky, and people using technology, and grass. The challenge in all of this was combining the real-world footage with the 2D elements in a single video and making them blend well together. I was concerned it would look strange, but it turned out all right. Another challenge was finding the right footage that matched my storyboard. A couple of scenes are slightly different because I couldn’t find stock footage to match exactly what I had. A third challenge was creating water rippling effects in the hydro power plant and the geyser’s waterspout. Fortunately, I was able to figure everything out without falling behind schedule.
Wind Power
Solar Power
Hydro Power
Biomass Energy
Geothermal Energy
Combination of Solutions
Combination of Solutions (Continued)
Other Assets
Post-Production
Once the animation process was finished, I compiled all the scenes into one main composition and added transitions and music. I used my knowledge and skills in editing and sound design during this step. I decided to convey the message through text, so I added it throughout the video. Also, I added inspirational music to enhance viewer engagement. Simultaneously, I developed a brief brand guide for Operation Green Technologies. After inventing the company’s name and choosing vibrant nature-inspired colors, I made several iterations of both the typography and icon depicting a wheel with flower petals, vines, and leaves growing around it. I combined the typography and icon to form the final logo in Illustrator, imported it and edited it in After Effects, and included it at the end of my prototype video.
Operation Green Technologies Color Palette
Operation Green Technologies Typography Variations
Operation Green Technologies Icon Design Process
Final Operation Green Technologies Logo
Operation Green Technologies Brand Guide
Final motion video prototype
Stock footage via Pexels and Pixabay. Music: Blurry Vision by Corbyn Kites
