Investigation Discovery (ID) Unusual Suspects Creative Concepts

Click 3X EntertainmentInvestigation DiscoveryUnusual Suspects04.29.10

Investigation DiscoveryUnusual Suspects04.29.10

Objective: Launch an all-new series that takes viewers into a crime where investigators must look beyond the usual suspects.

Show Summary: In each episode, a case unfolds through the first person accounts of detectives who worked the cases. But as they begin to put their theories to the test and find suspects, the cases take unexpected and baffling turns. Viewers will be trying to figure out who the real culprit is and if he or she will be caught.

Challenge:* Need two entirely different concepts to run in rotation.* Can share production similarity, but they shouldn’t be versions of the same spot* Should be able to run within the same break or same hour without being repetitive* Should avoid clips from the show

Themes:* It’s always the person you least expect!* Look closer and you will discover the shocking truths about neighbors, friends, and community leaders that are concealing their secret lives.


Concept 1: Saul Badass

OverviewThe genius of Saul Bass was that he could distill the essence of a story down to a single image if he wanted to. To in his honor, we create a similar creative style that symbolizes and summarizes everything that viewers will come to expect from an episode of ‘Unusual Suspects,’ from its multiple twists and turns, to its shocking conclusion.

ExecutionIn these style frames, which will use a combination of 2D and 3D animation, we set the mood and the prime underlying core of the film’s story, to express the story in a metaphorical way. To create two distinct packages, we could either tell two unique stories, or the same story from two different viewpoints, in the same visual manner.

Sample StorylineWe open to the perfect couple, with perfect house, with the perfect white picket fence, two kids, and a dog.. Then ATTACK!! KILL! The bloody knife is wielded, then we cut to the husband telling the police his side of the story. The detective scribbles notes. We see wanted posters. And then a pair of handcuffs, as the police have found the bloody knife, and caught their man. The knife’s bloody trail transitions to the lineup, where the husband points and selects the murderer out of the lineup. Only wait a minute…there’s blood on the husband’s sleeve. THE HUSBAND’S THE KILLER!

Visual Ref: http://vimeo.com/6660925






Concept 2: Murder Mosaic

OverviewPhotos are the fabric that brings focus to the high points of our lives, creating a crazy patchwork quilt that defines who we are, and where we came from.

ExecutionIn these style frames, which will use a combination of still images and 3D camera mapping, we open on a series of family photos, and set the mood for a twisted family tale. To create two distinct packages, we would tell two unique stories, in the same visual manner.

Sample StorylineWe open to a picture of two boys, a heartwarming photo of an older brother welcoming his new baby brother. We rapidly flip through an image sequence that ages them, landing on another shot of the boys playing together as teenagers. Again we flip through images, flashing quickly past an image of the girl that tears them apart, and landing on an ominous image of a murder about to happen. Images of the crime scene flash by quickly, growing on the screen as we zoom out further, until all of the images we’ve seen create a mosaic that frames mug shot of the murderous older brother.

To create the proper moody and ominous style, we will edit the piece so that some images linger to create a sense of romanticism, while others rapidly cut to create an impactful and dramatic point. In each case we can use 3D camera mapping techniques to emphasize key aspects, such as the kiss, or the kill.

Visual Ref:http://vimeo.com/7073069


Concept 2: Murder Mosaic


Concept 3: Twystery (A Twitter Mystery)

OverviewStatus updates (such as those on Twitter and Facebook) share instant information that keeps you updated, and helps people discover what’s happening right now, anywhere in the world. But what if this real time information network told you the whole story and shared information that someone never meant to make public?

ExecutionFor this concept, which will utilize 2D animation, music, and sound design, we create a large story arc that tells the story of a murder from 4 different character’s viewpoints in :30 segments of 140 character (or less). To create two distinct packages, we could either tell two unique stories, or the same story from many different character viewpoints, in the same visual manner.

Sample StorylineTony learns that his wife, Maggie had an affair but even though it’s over, he decides to kill her. He waits until Mark, his wife’s boyfriend, is in town on business, then hires Chuck to kill his wife and frame Mark. Problem is that Chuck kills Mark by accident and when he tries to frame Maggie the whole plan comes undone.

Visual Ref: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsSUqgkDwU


Concept 3: Twystery (A Twitter Mystery)


Concept 4: SURPRISE!

OverviewInnocent practical jokes illustrate how the person you least expect gets caught when they least expect it.

ExecutionUsing a first person, camera POV (using low-fi live action that you would find on youtube), we discover crimes that have occurred at a time when you’d least expect it. To create two distinct packages, we could either tell two unique stories, both of which are shot in the same location (for cost purposes), in the same visual manner.

Sample Storyline(s)* Open to a teenager setting up a secret, hidden camera. He talks to the camera about ‘how funny this joke is.’ He hides in a closet prepared to jump out and scare someone. There is an awkward pause as we await someone. Finally, Dad enters the room and you see him throw Mom’s dead body onto the bed. We hear the frightened breathing of the boy as Dad looks towards the closet. * We open to a family that is gathering in the living room for a surprise party, prepared to yell ‘Surprise!’ We see everyone hide as they say that ‘he’s coming.’ The door opens, lights turn on, and we see someone enter with a weapon covered in blood.

Story Ref: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW2fbqDZOzU

Style Ref:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12V0xQhKros


Concept 4: SURPRISE!

Story reference

Live-action style reference


Concept 5: Unusually Animated

OverviewSometimes its the person you least expect and in this concept we magnify that aspect by illustrating and animating characters and following the process of apprehending an unlikely suspect.

ExecutionUsing a stylish balance of 3D and illustrated characters we follow the process of apprehending an unlikely suspect. To create two distinct packages, we could either tell two unique stories, or the same story from many different character viewpoints, in the same visual manner.

Sample StorylineThere are an abundance of scenarios that we can create, including:• Arson/Murder - Someone’s house burns down, the neighborhood gang is suspected, but it turns out to be family’s young son.• Car Accident/Manslaughter - We see a violent car crash lead to an accidental death. You think that its the fault of the young group of kids who were joyriding, but it turns out that the nerdy car owner they hit was drunk driving.• Armed Robbery Gone Awry - The happy couple next door appears to interrupt a robbery that leads to an accidental death. It turns out the the robber was actually hired by the wife to kill the husband.

Visual Ref: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEOC6T8uE6I


Concept 5: Unusually Animated


Concept 6: The Usual Suspects

Overview:These are not your usual crimes. And these are not your usual suspects. For each crime we ‘cast’ the usual suspects of a crime, all the players, even the evidence. To highlight the sordid and strange scenarios behind a crime, we give everything and everyone a nickname that shows that these aren’t your everyday crimes or criminals.

Execution:For this concept, which will utilize photos and 2D and 3D type animation, we quickly flash through the absurdity that some crimes reach by flashing through images, then freezing on the ‘characters’ that have played a role. To create two distinct packages, we would tell two unique stories in the same visual manner.

Sample Storyline:Using Episode 8 of the series as a reference, we have a cast of characters that includes the accused killer (The Soccer Mom), the skeptical detective on the case (The Flatfoot), the hardworking lawyer (The Shark), and the writer that discovers the key clue that solves the case (The Scribe).

Visual Ref:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30EeGDiI7MA


Concept 6: The Usual Suspects

Documents

Investigation Discovery (ID) Unusual Suspects Creative Concepts