EXPEDITION I00: Mission to Mars

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Design boards for a scripted 30 second spot promoing a new television show made as part of the School of Motion Design Bootcamp course.


This concept was inspired by a photo of Mars seen from space—sunrise on the horizon, Earth in the distance. I wanted the piece to open with the cinematic tension of a rocket launch, then draw the viewer in through a sequence of textured, color-treated visuals that build a sense of atmosphere and anticipation.

I combined surface imagery from Mars with strong color grading and layered texture to give the title frames depth and visual weight. The NASA and show logos were predetermined, but I selected a modern, tech-forward typeface for the supporting titles—something clean and contemporary that contrasts well with the show logo.

The boards build tension and awe by shifting between close-up views of the planet and wide shots of Mars from space—emphasizing scale, danger, and awe The pacing sets the emotional tone the client was after. By the time we reach the main title card, an astronaut steps into the frame— brave and alone in this vast, unfamiliar world. Finally, we land on a NASA tech scene, with the color palette and texture carried through for continuity. It brings us back to something familiar, while keeping the focus on exploration, clarity, and forward momentum.


Original Style Frames and Mood References


Direction from the client included:
  • The boards must show footage treatment, full-screen title cards, show title + tune-in screen, and NASA TV logo.
  • The demographic for the show is 25-65 skewed male
  • We want this to feel dangerous, awe-inspiring, cinematic.
  • The tune-in information is: Premieres Sunday at 9pm

Script:
Mars. The red planet is cold, unforgiving, and uninhabited. Until now.
Be there as NASA TV takes you on a thrilling expedition to Mars.














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