MAX
Team Downey
Susan Downey
Robert Downey, Jr.
Michael Begler
Jack Amiel
Amanda Burrell
Ron Fitzgerald
Tim Van Patten

Shine designed and animated the main title logo and sixteen unique end title sequences for Perry Mason for season one and two for Max. Each main title logo card, designed as if it were created on an animation stand in the 1930’s, was integrated into the scene using rotoscoping and 3D tracking. Each end title sequence was designed to specifically conclude each episode, serving as a visual punctuation as the final scene rings out.

Based on the work of Erle Stanley Gardner, this drama series traces the origins of famed criminal defense lawyer Perry Mason (Matthew Rhys). The second season picks up with Perry in the throes of the Los Angeles legal system during the height of the Great Depression. Alongside crackerjack assistant Della Street (Juliet Rylance) and hardboiled ex-cop Paul Drake (Chris Chalk), the former PI garners a reputation for taking on clients that few would dare to defend. Months after the Dodson trial shook the city, Perry is readjusting to life as a civil attorney when a high-profile murder case brings him back into the fold. As the DA homes in on a pair of brothers from a desolate Hooverville, Perry is thrust into the center of a vast conspiracy and forced to reckon with what it truly means to be guilty.

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Each main title logo card, designed as if it were created on an animation stand in the 1930’s, was integrated into the scene. Rotoscoping and 3D tracking allows the logo to appear prominently on screen, not unlike cinema logos during the golden era of Hollywood. This main title logo treatment allows the edit of each episode to continue uninterrupted, even though the logo is boldly presented.

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Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, Perry Mason lives paycheck to paycheck as a low-rent private investigator who’s haunted by his wartime experiences in France and managing the fallout of a broken marriage. A firebrand preacher with a mysterious past, Sister Alice rallies her Radiant Assembly flock around the defendant in Perry Mason’s case while her mother Birdy tries to protect her from the fallout. A renowned criminal defense attorney who’s both a father figure and mentor to Perry Mason, Elias Birchard “E.B.” Jonathan may be past his prime, but he’s still fiercely committed to his clients. A beat cop with a knack for investigative work, Officer Paul Drake reluctantly finds himself at the center of Perry Mason’s investigation as he navigates a racist and corrupt police department. And serving as Perry Mason’s extra set of eyes on his various, often unsavory investigations, Pete Strickland taught Mason everything he knows about gathering dirt.

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Each end title sequence is not designed to set up a tone or a mood, the way many other title sequences do. Instead, each title title sequence is intended to serve as a continuation of the thought and the feeling of each episode. Above are images from the tragic end of episode 104. The hummingbird’s movement is designed to be the visual representation of a life fully lived, concluding with the hummingbird coming to rest on a small branch.

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At the end of episode 105, Perry Mason barely passes the California State Bar. His talents as a lawyer are based on his instincts, and his clarity about the difference between right and wrong. Perry Mason doesn’t have a Juris Doctor diploma from a fancy law school. In fact, he was only allowed to apply to take the Bar exam under a State provision that allows for law office apprentices. Lady Justice is intended to represent Perry’s instinctual moral clarity and his relentless pursuit of justice. Perry Mason is – like everyone – imperfect. His drive makes him extraordinary.

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Corruption can often be uncovered by the old rule: follow the money. In episode 106, Perry Mason discovers secrets about financial crimes by using some of his old-school detective instincts. This ultimately leads him to places outside of Los Angeles. This destination is the planned community of Girard, California. The end title sequence uses blueprints that show how developers envision the town of Girard.
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The main on end sequence for episode 107 consisted of cinematic original photography of grand palm trees that line the streets of Hancock Park. Episode 108 employed a montage of animated images describing the world of the haves and the have-nots in Los Angeles during the Great Depression.

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Perry Mason wins Type Directors Club Award

Perry Mason won the prestigious 2021 Type Directors Club Judges Choice Award. The awards video excerpt is posted below. Thank you to Leland Maschmeyer, Co-Founder of Collins, and former CCO at Chobani for the TDC67 Judges’ Choice Award, and for the generous words and about the Perry Mason main title design. We feel honored to be highlighted in the Type Directors Club 67th Annual Competition. The team that contributed to Perry Mason includes Michael Riley, Penelope Nederlander, Aaron Bjork, Kate Mrozowski, and Bob Swensen. This year’s TDC67 Communications Design Competition featured more than 1,500 entries from 66 countries. Only 254 entries were selected as this year’s top winners. In addition to the winning work, 13 TDC judges selected their Judges’ Choice, which are featured in a video as well as in the front of this year’s The World’s Best Typography®, Typography 42 annual.





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