Christian Cruz

It Takes You Back

Motion Title Sequence — Film & Digital Design Collaboration (VFS)


Role: Motion Designer

Motion Graphics

Overview:

It Takes You Back is a motion title sequence created in collaboration with VFS Film students. The project focuses on translating narrative themes of memory, nostalgia, and creative pressure into a cohesive, story-driven motion experience that sets the tone before the film begins.

Storyboard 

Challenge

Design a title sequence that supports the film’s narrative without overshadowing it, while visually establishing the world, mood, and thematic direction of the story within a short, time-based format.

Approach

Using the film’s synopsis, the director’s lookbook, and early concept art as a foundation, I developed a concept centred around the fictional chip company featured in the story.

  • Positioned the sequence as a collection of brand-driven visuals and archival footage that could exist within the film’s universe.

  • Drew inspiration from 90s and early 2000s film intros to reinforce the theme of memory and nostalgia.

  • Designed a fictional company wordmark reveal (“Wringles”) to establish context and tone from the opening frame.

  • Combined motion graphics, 3D elements, and video editing to create a playful yet grounded visual language.

  • Introduced a final moment that directly references memory, tying the sequence back to the core narrative.

Stillframes 

Results & Impact

    • Delivered a polished title sequence aligned with the director’s vision and the film’s thematic goals.

    • Received strong feedback from the film team and instructors for clarity of concept and execution.

    • Demonstrated the ability to collaborate across disciplines, adapt creative direction, and deliver within defined constraints.

Director – Paul Michna
Producer – Rachel Garcia

Writer – Giuliana Anveres

Director of Photography – Juan Ortiz

Production Designer – Hayley Naish

Assistant Director – Zciljian Santiago Lopez
Motion Title sequence – Christian Cruz

Starring

Scott McDougall  as ‘Walter’

Sara Ganjaei  as ‘Mrs. Wringler’

Mack Lo  as ‘Wyatt’

 

 

VFS Copyright ©​​​​​​​ 2024. All rights reserved.