PROJECT
main title sequences for four seasons
STREAMER
Disney+
Nat Geo
STUDIO
Undisputed Cinema
Imagine Entertainment
Disney
Shine designed, filmed, edited and animated the main title sequence for “Genius”. Each season focuses on a different cultural icon. Season one was “Genius Einstein, followed by season two “Genius Picasso”, then season three “Genius Aretha, and most recently season four with “Genius MLK/X”
“Genius” on National Geographic is an anthology series that dramatizes the lives of history’s greatest minds. Each season focuses on a different figure, exploring their personal struggles, groundbreaking achievements, and the impact they had on the world. The series delves into the challenges these "geniuses" faced, often highlighting lesser-known aspects of their lives. Past seasons have featured Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, and Aretha Franklin, portraying their journeys through a mix of historical drama and personal insight, offering a compelling look at the intersection of genius, creativity, and human experience.
PROJECT
season four of four
STREAMER
Disney+
Nat Geo
STUDIO
Undisputed Cinema
Imagine Entertainment
Disney
Shine designed and animated several sequences for Genius MLK/X. In episode one, episode three, episode six and two sequences in episode eight, historical footage was integrated with typography and animated graphics to set the stage for events that unfold in each episode. To create a sense that the historical footage shown was seen in the context of the episode, the Shine team used the graphic language and the conceit of scan lines on a 1960s television set. The treatment made the historical footage look as if it were on a television screen, just off camera, which put the historical footage in the same context as the story in each episode. Both historical footage, as well as still photography was woven together in concert with powerful music written, and performed by acclaimed composer, Terrence Blanchard. The editorial style was bold and graphic, to emphasize the emotion in the images. Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Damione Macedon, Raphael Jackson Jr. gave the Shine team direction to use images that conveyed a sense of strength and defiance.
In 1964, amidst surging violence, President Lyndon B. Johnson called for passage of the civil rights act. The landmark legislation set out to extend legal rights and protections for all African-Americans and end segregation. Determined to prevent this from happening, segregationist in the Senate vow to kill the bill at all costs. The montage at the head of this episode was intended to set up the events that were about to unfold.
Martin and Coretta begin their family as the Montgomery Bus Boycott propels MLK into national headlines as the leader of the Movement. Malcolm proposes to Betty Saunders as he ascends to become the National Representative of the Nation of Islam.
Medgar Evers is featured in the montage that leads episode 406. In the episode, two monumental 1963 events—the March on Washington and the Kennedy assassination—have lasting effects on both men. Martin becomes the moral leader of the Movement, while Malcolm is suspended from the Nation of Islam.
Both Martin and Malcolm are assassinated in episode 408. The historical montage was structured around remarks, delivered by Stokely Carmichael. Images of civil unrest throughout the nation, against the words of Mr. Carmichael were used to describe the grief, trauma, and despair of the nation in the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination.
Both Martin and Malcolm are assassinated in episode 408. The historical montage was structured around remarks, delivered by Stokely Carmichael. Images of civil unrest throughout the nation, against the words of Mr. Carmichael were used to describe the grief, trauma, and despair of the nation in the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination.
PROJECT
season four of four
STREAMER
Disney+
Nat Geo
STUDIO
Imagine Entertainment
Disney
Shine designed, edited and animated the main title sequence for “Genius”, a biopic event series about Albert Einstein. The concept Shine employed used three-dimensional textures of particles that generated imagery inspired by Einstein’s life and work.
“Genius: Einstein” is the first season of the anthology series “Genius”, which explores the life and legacy of Albert Einstein. The show portrays Einstein's journey from a rebellious young student to becoming the renowned physicist behind the theory of relativity. It delves into his personal life, including his complex relationships, struggles with fame, and his defiance of societal norms. The series showcases Einstein's relentless curiosity, his breakthroughs in science, and the challenges he faced in both his personal and professional worlds, offering a nuanced portrayal of the iconic scientist.
The all-star cast includes Geoffrey Rush as Professor Einstein, Johnny Flynn as Albert in his youth and Emily Watson as the scientist’s second wife — and first cousin — Elsa Einstein. Over 10 episodes, the series takes Einstein’s story beyond the halls of academia to explore his struggles to be a good husband and father, and a man of principle during a period of global unrest. His daringly creative mind often landed him in trouble with his loved ones and peers, but also helped him to usher in ground breaking discoveries that reshaped modern science.
Albert Einstein received honorary doctorate degrees in science, medicine and philosophy from many European and American universities. During the 1920’s he lectured in Europe, America and the Far East, and he was awarded Fellowships or Memberships of all the leading scientific academies throughout the world. He gained numerous awards in recognition of his work, including the Copley Medal of the Royal Society of London in 1925, and the Franklin Medal of the Franklin Institute in 1935.
Einstein’s gifts inevitably resulted in his dwelling much in intellectual solitude and, for relaxation, music played an important part in his life. He married Mileva Maric in 1903 and they had a daughter and two sons; their marriage was dissolved in 1919 and in the same year he married his cousin, Elsa Löwenthal, who died in 1936. He died on April 18, 1955 at Princeton, New Jersey.
PROJECT
season two of four
STREAMER
Disney+
Nat Geo
STUDIO
Imagine Entertainment
Disney
Shine designed, edited and animated the main title sequence for “Genius”, a biopic event series about Albert Einstein. The concept Shine employed used three-dimensional textures of particles that generated imagery inspired by Einstein’s life and work.
“Genius: Picasso”, the second season of the “Genius” anthology series, focuses on the life of the famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The series explores Picasso's immense creative genius, from his early years as a prodigious talent to becoming one of the most influential and controversial artists of the 20th century. It delves into his personal life, including his complex relationships, passionate affairs, and struggles with fame. The show highlights his relentless drive to reinvent artistic expression and his impact on modern art, portraying both his genius and the emotional turmoil behind his work.
Genius: Picasso stars Antonio Banderas in the titular role – as one of the 20th century’s most influential and celebrated artists, who interpreted the world in new and unorthodox ways, and reinvented our perception of creativity in the process. The second season of National Geographic’s 10-part, Emmy-nominated global event series, Genuis, explores how the Spanish-born artist’s passionate nature and relentless creative drive were inextricably linked to his personal life, which included tumultuous marriages, numerous affairs, and constantly shifting and personal alliances. Genius is executive produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, and created by Ken Biller.
Pablo Picasso remains renowned for endlessly reinventing himself, switching between styles so radically different that his life’s work seems to be the product of five or six great artists rather than just one. Of his penchant for style diversity, Picasso insisted that his varied work was not indicative of radical shifts throughout his career, but, rather, of his dedication to objectively evaluating for each piece the form and technique best suited to achieve his desired effect. “Whenever I wanted to say something, I said it the way I believed I should,” he explained. “Different themes inevitably require different methods of expression. This does not imply either evolution or progress; it is a matter of following the idea one wants to express and the way in which one wants to express it.”
PROJECT
season four of four
STREAMER
Disney+
Nat Geo
STUDIO
Imagine Entertainment
Disney
Season three was a biopic event series focusing on the life and work of Aretha Franklin. The concept Shine employed original photographed and filmed spinning records that held images of Aretha Franklin’s life, relationships and music.
“Genius: Aretha” on National Geographic, the third season of the Genius series, focuses on the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. The series delves into her journey from a young gospel singer to becoming a global music icon. It highlights her struggles with personal and professional challenges, including her fight for artistic control and civil rights. The show explores her immense talent, groundbreaking achievements in music, and her influence on American culture. Through her story, Genius: Aretha showcases the resilience, power, and spirit that made Franklin a legendary figure in music history.
National Geographic Channel’s "Genius" series focuses on the untold stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators. This season will explore Aretha Franklin’s musical genius, her incomparable career, and the immeasurable impact she has had on music and culture. Starring Academy-Award Nominee Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin.
