September 24, 2007

“Dexter” Main Title sequence used Phantom V10 to create “elastic time”

Digital Kitchen (DK) won this year’s Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design for the Showtime Series “Dexter”. DK received the honor at the 59th Creative Arts Emmy Awards. DK conceived, directed and edited the title sequence, collaborating with the show producers throughout. The live action footage was directed by DK on the Dexter set in Los Angeles with additional shooting done in the DK Chicago insert stage. The sequence was then edited and completed in DK’s Chicago office.

The main title sequence for the Showtime series “Dexter” captures the potential violence in the mundane morning routine of a serial killer. Extreme close-up shots reveal the brutality looming barely beneath the surface of Dexter’s everyday activities. Familiar imagery of ordinary objects — otherwise innocuous — deceptively assumes new meaning.

“Vision Research’s Phantom V10 was critical for a number of shots where we wanted to get a few surreal moments into the title sequence where time is more elastic. When you are trying to get a fresh perspective on everyday routines, time is a critical element to use. With color correction, the footage is indistinguishable from the 35mm footage we shot, so itblends perfectly with the rest of the footage.” said Colin Davis, producer.

DK’s Dexter main titles have been lauded by The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and Esquire, who noted that the show’s “warped sensibility [can be seen] in Dexter’s audaciously witty opening-title sequence;” also, voted by the A.V. Club as #3 in “Opening Credit Sequence That Fit Their Shows Perfectly” in the history of television.

DK’s 2007 Emmy award marks three wins (including the 2002 Emmy for Main Title Design Emmy for HBO’s Six Feet Under), ten nominations in total, over the past six years. Dexter accolades also include a 2007 Telly and a Broadcast Design Award.

About Digital Kitchen

Digital Kitchen is a full service production design firm. They direct live-action, create graphics and editorial to come up with powerful new ways to portray your story. Major brands, TV networks and advertising agencies call upon their director/designers to navigate the confluence of branding and entertainment.