Carefully weaving together archival imagery, live-action footage, and animation, the Digital Kitchen motion team sets a tense and foreboding tone in the main titles for the Apple TV+ true crime drama series “Manhunt”.

Andrew Julien, Digital Kitchen CD: “Drawing on the tumultuous backdrop of post-Civil War America and the nationwide pursuit of Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth, the sequence immerses viewers in a visual journey through one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
 

“The sequence presented several technical challenges including developing a unique ‘corrosive’ effect, inspired by the traditional daguerreotype photographic process from the mid-1800s.”

 
“To encapsulate the essence of this momentous period, our team delved deep into archival material, working with historical specialists to restore and colorize period photographs from The Library of Congress and seamlessly integrate them with live-action footage and animation to create a visually striking narrative.

“The sequence presented several technical challenges including developing a unique ‘corrosive’ effect, inspired by the traditional daguerreotype photographic process from the mid-1800s, to imbue the imagery with a sense of urgency and turmoil, requiring meticulous planning and experimentation during shooting.

“Utilizing a combination of software tools and production equipment, from After Effects, Cinema 4D, and Redshift for animation design and development to Black Magic Cinema cameras for live-action shoots, the sequence was brought to life over the course of approximately six months.”
 
 

 
Client: Apple Studios, Lionsgate Television

Production: Digital Kitchen
ECD: Mason Nicoll
CD: Andrew Julien
Senior Producer: Jason Rosen
Art Director: Rachel Brickel
Designer: Shamus Johnson
Editor: Camille Durand
2D/3D Animator/Compositor: Gary Hebert, Mike Cahill
2D Animator/Compositor: Christian Arnsparger, Laura Reedy
Photo Restoration/Colorization: Mads Madsen
Head of Experiences: Ally Malloy

Music: Danielle Ponder “Egún”