yU + co designed and produced the main-on-end title sequence for Sony Pictures MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, delivering a gorgeous, thought-provoking sequence.
In a break with recent Hollywood tradition, the main credits for GEISHA appear at the end, rather than the beginning, of the film, but yU + co gives viewers ample reason to remain in their seats. Conceived by the studios founder Garson Yu, the sequence picks up on two of the films main visual themes, water and the kimono. The initial credits appear over an abstract background of shimmering light, but as the sequence proceeds, the background gradually comes into focus and reveals itself to be a stunningly beautiful kimono reflected in a pool of rippling water.
Water is an important element of the film; in particular it plays an important role at the very beginning and at the very end of the story, explained Yu. The film ends with Sayuri walking along a pool in a garden and that provided a natural bridge to end title sequence.
Water, as a theme, represents the flow of life and the determination of the human spirit, added Yu. That sense of flow is echoed by the typography, which animates gracefully through the frame as if carried along by a languid stream.
Placing the title sequence at the end of the film was the appropriate choice, said Yu. The film begins with a very emotional scene where Sayuri is turned out by her mother and [director] Rob Marshall did not want anything to disturb the mood.
Additionally, this film is called a memoir and by placing this beautiful undulating imagery at the end, we are offering the audience a chance to take it all in and reflect on what they have just seen.
Placing the titles at the end of the film also served another purpose for Marshall, according to yU + co exec producer Claire OBrien. Rob has a background in the theater and wanted the titles to appear at the end of the film to give the actors a chance to take a bow, said OBrien. Thus, each actors name is accompanied by a representative frame from the film.
Yu shot the background for the sequence on a special effects stage in Hollywood. Marshall specially selected the kimono from more than a 1,000 silk garments employed in the film. The kimono was suspended from a scaffold above a black pool. We brought in a team of special effects experts to stir and rake the water, explained OBrien. That allowed us to choreograph the movement with a great deal of precision.
Other yU + co credits include:* Associate Producer: Ryan Reno Robertson* Designers: Synderela Peng and Yolanda Santosa* 2D Animators: Scott Pagano, Etsuko Uji and Johnny Wong* Editor/Inferno Artist: Zachary Scheuren
yU + co, which also recently completed title sequences for AEON FLUX and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, is located at 941 N. Mansfield Ave., Hollywood, California, 90038. For more information, call (323) 606-5050.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
