BBC Post create 3D title sequences Iraq War documentary

BBC Post Production's 3D design and digital effects team have created the computer graphics and effects for the title sequences for 'Fighting the War', a landmark documentary series unveiling the inside story of the British campaign in the Gulf.
The title sequences, designed by BBC Broadcast, front the series, which contains never before seen footage during the Iraq conflict and is due to transmit from Sunday, June 15 at 9pm on BBC Two.
Fighting the War from BBC Factual features personal accounts of the war from the perspective of British servicemen and women in theatre, and senior politicians and defence chiefs in Whitehall. The material, ring-fenced from all news agencies and never before seen, sheds new light on the major incidents and stories from the conflict, offering a candid insight into the reality of modern warfare.
Four hundred hours of exclusive footage from nine film crews - embedded with the British forces in Iraq and following daily developments in London - has been edited into a seven-part series that chronicles events from the declaration of war to the toppling of Saddam.
For the title sequences created by BBC Broadcast and BBC Post Production, the team was briefed to generate powerful images that would capture the personal views of war including close ups from the front during hazardous conditions, as well as behind the scenes footage of military personnel. The team was also keen to reflect the unique perspective on war, which is present throughout the documentaries.
Images of war contained within 3D flying pieces of shrapnel are juxtaposed against the backdrop of slo-mos of a computer generate sand storm in the desert. The viewer is drawn in and invited to see the individual's views of war that make up the bigger picture behind the conflict.
John Salisbury, Design Director, BBC Broadcast comments on the project: "The aim of the title sequences was to capture the essence of the documentary series - a private behind the scenes view of the conflict."
Mike Gilbert, Senior Animator, BBC Post Production adds: "We wanted to convey the gravitas of the subject with five or six powerful images. We have combined unique images with 3D animation to give a sense of the intense timeless and microcosmic world created by war."
(GB)