Documentary
/
Maps
/
Titles
PBS: Troubled Water
/ About the project
Troubled Water is a feature-length documentary highlighting the ecological importance of the Great Lakes and the systemic threats they face. The production required a modern, sophisticated graphic package that avoided traditional "ominous" tropes in favor of a neutral, information-first aesthetic.
/ Credits
Client:
Skechers
Role:
Lead Motion Designer & Cartographer
Tools:
After Effects, GeoLayers 3, Mapbox Studio, Premiere Pro
/ Year
2023
01
Custom Cartographic Pipelines
Bridging Data and Design
The core challenge was creating high-fidelity maps that felt both modern and organic. I developed a custom pipeline to translate geographical data into a cinematic visual style.
Mapbox Integration: Developed custom map styles in Mapbox Studio, utilizing their API to bridge live data into After Effects via GeoLayers 3.
Advanced Luma Matte Workflows: Engineered a dual-map system—exporting a high-detail map alongside a black-and-white luma matte—to allow for independent styling of land and water textures directly in AE.
Efficiency at Scale: By linking these custom styles within GeoLayers, I eliminated redundant steps, allowing for rapid iteration on complex journey lines and topographical labels.
02
Editorial-First Workflows
Empowering the Post-Production Team
To support a fast-moving documentary edit, I focused on building "Editor-Friendly" assets that reduced the need for round-trip rendering.
Responsive MOGRTs: Built a suite of responsive Motion Graphics Templates for lower thirds and titles, allowing the editor to perform real-time revisions within Premiere Pro.
Alpha-Channel Modular Assets: Created "Journey Update" segments with integrated alpha channels. By providing the map and a persistent frame, the editor could scale and retime phone footage natively without requiring additional VFX renders.
Archival Framing: Developed a consistent visual language for archival photos and footage, using the same modular approach to ensure editorial flexibility.
03
The Outcome
A Unified Documentary Language
The final graphics package provided a cohesive narrative thread throughout the film, balancing technical data with personal storytelling.
Stylistic Balance: Successfully moved away from "dark and ominous" tones, instead using neutral textures and nautical inspirations to create an inviting, educational atmosphere.
Technical Rigor: Proved that complex topographical data could be handled with the same workflow efficiency and technical precision as high-end commercial projects.
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