Director Diego Coutinho at Hi-Lo animation/motion design studio in LA experiments with dried blood as a way to add drama and an element of unpredictability to these crime documentary opening titles.

Diego Coutinho: “The documentary series recounts the investigation of the 2002 murder of Celso Daniel, a prominent figure in the Brazilian Workers’ Party. The series aims to provide an impartial look at the case and its implications through a combination of verified facts and newly acquired information.

“To begin development of the piece, we picked out some of the most remarkable points of the documentary: the sensationalism of the media, the pain and trauma that are still felt today, the ruthless violence of the case, the enormous volume of archival evidence, and the political background.

“To ensure that all of these elements worked together cohesively, I proposed the concept of dried blood in reference to the criminal act that occurred in the past.
 

“I conducted a range of experiments, utilizing blood with paper, plastic, heating, boiling, and burning. I ultimately compiled a comprehensive library of assets that enabled me to use this language in a variety of ways.”

 
“Upon discovering that beef blood was available in some Asian markets in Los Angeles, I opted to capture some time-lapse footage to gain insight into the drying process. As I lacked total control over the process, I had to embrace the unpredictable.

“The initial tests, utilizing a thick layer of blood, yielded no extraordinary outcomes beyond minor fissures. However, a thin layer caused substantial deformation and eventually folded after a prolonged period of time. This was used in the initial shot of the opening sequence.

“I conducted a range of experiments, utilizing blood with paper, plastic, heating, boiling, and burning. I ultimately compiled a comprehensive library of assets that enabled me to use this language in a variety of ways.”

Watch the making-of video:
 

 
 

 
Client: Globoplay

Production: Hi-Lo
Director/animator: Diego Coutinho

Music: Punga “Aláfia”