Fictional User Interfaces (FUI)

Fantastical over Form over Function

Date

2021 - 2023

Role

Motion Designer

Visual Designer

Overview

I have worked on various film and entertainment projects involving Fictional UI for screen graphics. This has included designing, animating, and prepping for compositing into the shot.

Approach

Depending on the project, every screen requires tailored treatment for the shot that it appears in. Some screens require the use of 3D elements which are typically created with Cinema4D and combined with UI graphics in After Effects. The goal is always to better tell the story for the audience.

Coldplay x BTS "My Universe"

While at Territory I worked with the team to create VFX transitions, titles, UI, holograms, and future-facing graphical elements for “My Universe,” the galaxy-spanning music video from BTS and Coldplay. The team created unique UI and communication systems for the spaceship interior including interface design of menus, holographic concepts, and HUD systems that balance plot points and enhance viewer engagement.

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I was tasked with designing and animating a number of screens that appear at the front of the DJ LAFRIQUE spaceship. The pilot being an intergalactic DJ, I drew inspiration from various Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to create unique controls that fit into the story. This was a mix of 2D and 3D animations which were then composited into the final music video.

See the music video here.

The Gray Man

While at Territory I had the opportunity to work on the Russo Brothers film, The Gray Man. The star-studded action thriller follows CIA Agent Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling), as he tries to escape his corrupt colleagues (Chris Evans and Regé-Jean Page), after accidentally uncovering dark agency secrets. The team created graphics for the screens and composited visuals for the body cameras, mercenaries’ vitals, tracking devices, maps, satellite imagery and CCTV footage.

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I was responsible for animating and tailoring designs for key moments in the film. This included various mercenary tracking UI, and laptop screens for Agent Sierra Six. For these, I researched real world military-grade software to create a technical and precise feeling for the graphics. This was critical in order to support the fast-paced, suspense-driven tone of the film.