THE GREAT TORNADO HUNT
// MAKING HISTORY:
The Vortex 2 project is the second phase of the largest field experiment in history to study the origin, structure,and evolution of tornadoes in order to understand and predict their occurrences. Over 100 scientists and researchers from around the world collaborated in these storm hunts across the Midwest.
Weather Channel meteorologist Mike Bettes joined these scientists on the hunt to capture this natural phenomena and broadcast it live on television!
// PROJECT BRIEF:
The early structural guidelines and planning for this package were unique given the magnitude of the experiment. Previous studies of tornados, compelling video, and viewer education were the foundations and presented challenges for this venture.
// DEVELOPMENT:
My role as lead designer and animator for the Vortex2 package was to first research the science behind tornadoes.
Exploring their formation and transcripts from the project brief helped me to conceptualize a more definitive direction creatively.
The stylization of Vortex2 was derived from natural debris elements, metallic/chrome textures, distorted camera angles, jarring pacing, and an earth tone color palette. These components also helped in the development of the packages style guide and a variety of elements for the toolkit.
Logo:
The logo design needed to be aggressive, and display a strong presence on screen. An edgy italic san-serif font conveyed the tone of this tornado hunt best. Bronze metal bordered the text base and the bright navel orange helped to balance the contrast in a heavily dark toned package.
Tornado:
I simulated a unique and more interpretive tornado by designing a turbine assembled from stylized cylinders that rotated simultaneously to mimic the tornado’s power.
// FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Weather Channel and a myriad of contributors approached
this venture together as a great opportunity to learn more about tornados. Scientifically and creatively we all attained knowledge from this experience and gained new levels of respect for Mother Nature’s power.
My Role:
Lead Designer and Animator
Design Deliverables:
Show and segment opens, bumps, wipes, live boxes, monitor fills,
franchise studio signage,digital and miniature explainers,
and apparatus dossiers
*Note: VORTEX
Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment.
// RISE AND SHINE::
Mornings just got a lot brighter with meteorologist Al Roker and Stephanie Abrams! Wake up with Al and Stephanie as they interact with celebrity guests and viewers across the country,
and report on compelling weather stories in the field.
// PROJECT BRIEF:
The Wake Up with AL package was designed to cater to
Al Roker's charm and playful persona. The toy inspired blocky
text components, dreamy cloud atmosphere, and vibrant
aurora color palette correlated well with the spirit of the show.
// DEVELOPMENT:
Logo:
The mechanical text pieces that create the WUWA logo were
an instrumental and practical transitional device used throughout the package.
Environment:
The WUWA logo and segment titles were allocated in a clean
airy environment, making the titles the focal point in the scene.
Color:
The Weather Channel's parent company, NBC's logo was influential in selecting the WUWA color palette. The peacock's feathers gave the package a wide spectrum of color combinations to use. These colors helped bridge the
relationship between the NBC and TWC design style guide.
My Role:
Lead Designer and Animator
Design Deliverables:
Show and segment opens, bumps, wipes, live boxes, monitor fills,
franchise studio signage, and digital explainers
BEYOND THE FORECAST
// BEYOND AND FORECAST:
This montage highlights Abrams & Bettes filming in
The Weather Channel’s new HD studio. The vision for this graphics package was to focus on Abrams’ & Bettes’ different personalities.
Splitting the ampersand helped to define this contrast in the logo. The new studio's decor was also instrumental in the development of the package.
My Role:
Lead Designer and Animator
Co-directed and choreographed the live shoot for the
Abrams and Bettes show open.
Design Deliverables:
Show and segment opens, bumps, wipes, live boxes, monitor fills, and franchise studio signage