The Future of Reading: Illiteracy Abroad
Graduate Design Studio I:
The Future of Reading -
Illiteracy Abroad
Length: 2:25
Software: Adobe AfterEffects
Category: motion graphics, video, photography
We were tasked with creating a motion graphics project based on the broad topic of "reading in the future." However, to understand the future of something, it's important to delve into its past or present as well. I chose to focus on the present, and how to improve the future.
I decided to tackle the idea of cross-cultural communication, but struggled to articulate a single relevant idea within such a large, nebulous theme. A friend suggested the idea of being illiterate when going abroad, and it fell into place from there.
I sought to create an immersive experience involving photography as a sort of visual slideshow or series of snapshots. It was very important to me that it not be rooted in one particular place, so that everybody watching could feel that same sense of disorientation, regardless of their travel experiences. Therefore, I used imagery from a broad spectrum of locations, and scripted and recorded the dialogue very carefully, trying to hit a tone that was nervous and inquisitive but respectful. Additionally, for the sake of realism and to tap into my own experiences, I found a friend to act as a non-English-speaking barista, to convey the personal experience of communicating despite language barriers. The background is a blend of ambient sounds from various international cities.