BRIEF  

Conceptualize an imaginary documentary and design a title sequence to introduce the film.

CONCEPT

“Beat the Count” is inspired by the remarkably long history of women’s boxing. The feature footage of this title sequence was filmed in 1901- by Thomas Edison! The documentary concept follows the birth of women’s boxing and the fight for representation in the ring, featuring pioneers and landmark events in boxing history. It relies on a wealth of archival assets to tell the story, lending itself perfectly to a layered, collage animation approach.

To illustrate the grit of these trailblazers and frame the historical period of the piece, I set a textured, sepia tone using a color palette inspired by the boxing ring and typography influenced by vintage boxing posters. 

The accompanying track (Katnip featuring Mia Pfirrman) makes the irony of Victorian women in dresses jabbing and ducking visceral, using its own juxtaposition of sassy, modern music against the historical images. The lyrics lend themselves to the idea of smack-talking before a bout. She’s going for gold and her opponent is nothing more than silverware. It feels suitable to drive this story; the pioneers of women’s boxing announcing their right to the ring.