Artwork from the label

I've collected some of the examples of the artwork used for 2-Tone releases. For the animation I was considering reproducing some of these covers, using illustration and collage. However I am now thinking that if I make use of the original images then I can concentrate more on how they can come together, using the separate elements. I think it would also be interesting for the target audience to see some of the original artwork, some of which now are now valuable collectables. You can see from the covers that predominately the colour scheme is black and white, although there are examples where colour is used.

The type used is quite varied, however most of the examples are similar in the fact that the type is very bold and solid. Some choose to use a typeface which appears hand crafted or stencils, but the protagonists use a type face that seems to be computer generated. I need to consider this when choosing my own typeface.

Although some of the covers use illustrations, the majority make use of photography which has been produced at low quality. I may use this sort of technique when tackling how to represent news bulletins.

An interesting documentary video about the Southall riots, some strong imagery from original footage which could be used within my TV titles.
This is an important event, as it demonstrates what British life was like during the 70's which would ultimately have an effect on the music from 2-Tone. It's particularly relevant as it deals with the issues of race, something that 2-Tone is renowned for.

These two images are from the Madness program that they had at their recent gigs. They're quite significant because they helped me make some important design decisions. The first image makes use of a checker border but just on the top and bottom. I'd been very caught up in trying to use a checker frame surrounding the whole image(s). When I found this image it made me think about how I could form my timeline. I also liked the ratio on this image of the checker:image. I like that it's not too over powering and that it just adds a little something to the image.

The second image was important as it reassured me that I didn't necessarily have to use a solid white background. In my crit feedback people were concerned that black and white may become boring for the full 50 seconds. And I believe that the contrast between the black and white may give the animation a crisp and new appearance, whereas I would prefer it to look slightly aged.

Watching some of the videos from The Specials anniversary tour I've seen some really interesting compositions which might be interesting to use for the TV titles. The second image in particular is really interesting when the light shows the movement of the audience. Depending on how successful this could be re-created it could be a possible image to use for the DVD menu.

I've always loved 'The Pink Panther', and the charisma he shows at the beginning of these titles I want to replicate within Walt Jabsco.
I like the idea of characters competing with eachother, each of the artist's have their own identity so maybe this is something I could do.
Unlike this video, I think the type in mine should be more involved in the title's, whether they become like physical objects or some other way.

Title sequences for 'superbad', this has given me some sort of idea how I can include dance/characters. Although I am more likely to use black and white rather than these bright colours.

These are the title sequences for the film "Thank you for smoking", it manages to have a tactile quality by making use of cigarette packaging and replacing the type.



This is a good example of how image can be used to lead the eye towards type. It also uses a character reminiscent of 'Walt Jabsco', so gives me an idea of how I can make him move, if I were to include him.



Here is the opening to 'Dance Craze', the 2-Tone film released in '81. The film itself wasn't a success but the sound track was a hit and reached no.5 in the charts. The opening title's don't inspire me much, but there are a couple of thing's I've learnt from watching them. Although all under one label, each of the artist's identity is also important and should be included in the titles. Also for me the video really starts to come alive once you see the movement of the band. So capturing this movement is pretty important.

2-Tone

The protagonists for the 2-Tone record label was Coventry band ‘The Special AKA’ (originally ‘The Automatics’). The band managed to get a slot supporting The Clash in ’78 and, after the success of their first single ‘Gangsters’ in ‘79, they began to gain interest from quite a few record labels. Band member Dammers however had thoughts of launching his own label. It was the label Chrysalis that agreed to take on 2-Tone as a subsidiary label with the right to sign on other bands.
The name 2-Tone reflected the multi-racial aspect of The Special AKA and the chequered artwork. The ‘Walt Jabsco’ rude boy character was based on Peter Tash (The Wailers) and soon became iconic among fans.
Artists included on the label included:
The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, The Body Snatchers, Rico, and The Swinging Cats. Other artist’s were associated with the label but never officially signed, including: Elvis Costello, UB40, Bad Manners and Dexys Midnight Runners.
In 2009 it was the 30th Anniversary of the British label’s beginning.

initial research/notes

Reasons for my target audience watching the programme about Two Tone may be for nostalgic reasons. To echo this I may use a style which reflects TV sequences from that era. Only fool and horses is a good example of this. In particular I like the stop frame shots of each of the characters. This could be something to consider with the artists featured.