Elastic’s Patrick Clair Creates Haunting Main Title for HBO’s “True Detective”

When HBO’s highly anticipated “True Detective” drama debuted on Jan. 12, it launched into viewers’ homes with an engrossing title sequence from Elastic Director Patrick Clair. Rolling out as a series of industrial and rural panoramas set within translucent character silhouettes against a stark white backdrop, the titles are a gripping and somber tour of the show’s people, places and events, portraying a universe rife with evil and defined by mystery.

“We were visually inspired by the look and feel of double exposure and the work of photographer Richard Misrach,” said Director Patrick Clair. “I really admire how the filmmakers cleverly used the setting to reflect the lives of the protagonists. Incomplete shots and broken portraits illustrate the internal struggle within each character. We made sure that these elements were central themes of the opening titles.”

With critics buzzing about the drama – written by Nic Pizzolatto, directed by Cary Fukunaga, and starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as a detective duo – Clair’s work will have an outsize opportunity to impress discerning viewers who are keyed into the ongoing television renaissance.

Downloads:

Credits:

Client: HBO
Title: “True Detective” Main Titles
Air Date: January 12, 2014

Main Titles: Elastic
Director: Patrick Clair
Executive Producer: Jennifer Sofio Hall

Design, Animation, Compositing: Antibody
Senior Designer: Raoul Marks
Animation, Compositing: Raoul Marks, Patrick Da Cunha
Producer: Bridget Walsh
Research: Anna Watanabe

Additional Compositing: Breeder
Compositing: Chris Morris, Joyce Ho
Production: Candace Browne, Adam West

About Elastic:

With studios in Los Angeles and New York, Elastic is home to a group of filmmakers that have found their voice through years of experience across an impressive range of visual mediums. With the support of award-winning sister companies Rock Paper Scissors and a52 VFX, the directors at Elastic are unconstrained by technique and have the freedom to support their vision by tapping into the talents and unique resources that have made each of these companies excel. Every director brings with them a history and understanding that influences their work and defines their craft. For these directors, their years of experience and love for animation, editorial and visual effects have culminated in the creation of Elastic.