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Big Machine Design Creates Graphics for ?X-Testers? Creates new main title sequence, mixing graphics and live action, and show graphics package (November 29, 2005)

Big Machine Design Creates Graphics for The Learning Channel's "X-Testers"

Big Machine Design (BMD), a full-service creative services studio based in Hollywood, has produced a new main title opening sequence and show graphics package for The Learning Channel?s TV program ?X-Testers.? The announcement was made today by BMD co-founders Steve Petersen and Ken Carlson.

Note: to view, please visit:
http://www.bigmachinedesign.net/dan/Xtesters/Xtesters_maintitle.mov

For ?X-Testers,? BMD produced a main title opening sequence combining graphics and live action. BMD?s client for the ?X-Testers? program, which airs on Discovery?s The Learning Channel, was Lee Toft, Post Supervisor, Mike Mathis Productions. Mr. Toft said, ?Big Machine Design came up big for us once again with this new graphics package. They gave us yet another interesting look by integrating live action, shot with a 24p camera, along with their graphic design, for a rich, luxurious film look, while still remaining within our budget.?
 

?X-Testers? is a quirky new paranormal investigation TV show airing on The Learning Channel hosted by Clark James, a ?Master of Illusion,? and Patrick Denver, a ?Special Effects Guru.? The show can best be described as a cross between ?X-Files" and "Myth Busters" with a little "Robot Chicken" thrown in. It follows the adventures of Clark and Patrick as they try to recreate various phenomena (i.e. flying saucers, ghosts, spontaneous human combustion, etc.) which have previously been caught on film.

"The producers of the show were looking for an open that would explain the concept of the show without appearing too dark," said BMD Executive Producer Steve Petersen. "We added the humorous elements of scared ghosts, a cow being abducted by a UFO and cute aliens to ensure that the tone of the Main Title would not be too eerie."

"We shot all of our own fire elements using the Panasonic Varicam. Then we composited the flames into the scenes, adding additional lighting effects to make the fire seem more real," said BMD Creative Director Ken Carlson. "Our 3D animators then brought life to the scenes by adding fully animated alien characters."

X-Testers: Opening Sequence Production Credits

Directed by
Big Machine

Executive Producer
Steve Petersen

Creative Director
Ken Carlson

Associate Producer
Elaina Porter

Senior Designer
Ming-Shian Wang

3D Character Design & Animation
Steve Lawrence

Production Designer
Joe Warson

Grip
Glenn Porter

Camera
Panasonic Varicam provided by Amp Filmworks

Hardware
Apple Powermac G5

Software
Final Cut Pro 5
Adobe After Effects
Maxon Cinema 4D

About Big Machine Design:
Big Machine Design, located in Hollywood, California, was founded in 2003 by Steve Petersen and Ken Carlson. The two have diverse backgrounds in the entertainment industry and over 15 years of combined experience. Some of BMD?s recent clients include CBS, the ABC News show ?20/20,? NBC, Fox, UPN, MTV, TLC, USA, Animal Planet, Fox Searchlight, MGM, Sony and Buy.com, among many others.

BMD?s studio is located at 6860 Lexington Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038. The company?s website, which posts its latest news, is www.bigmachine.net. To request a reel, please call BMD at 323.461.1943.

 

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