what is Github?

Solid question… and who knew the answer lied in a farm combine metaphor? This collaboration between the GitHub Animation and Video teams explained what the software does at a high level.

Here’s a little behind the scenes on how we got from A to B. My role on the project was Animation Director.

Preproduction

Step one, the GitHub Animation and Video team partnered to write a script. The story had to break down the software in easily understandable terms, be global, cover a variety of occupations while showing the connection through collaboration.

We decided a simple visual style using the GitHub dotcom color palette. Using these colors as focal points, align with the UI design. We would use live action actors on an all white set with all white physicals. This illustrative style aligned well with the company voice and tone, while also pushing the brand into new territory.

Storyboard by Kris Behr / Color Script by João Ribeiro

Storyboard by Kris Behr / Color Script by João Ribeiro

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Production

The Video Team lead by Pam Lama and Bill Bowles directed and shot the live action video. The Animation Team provided set designs and technical support along the way.

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Post Production

The video team edited the live action portion of the video, added music and voice over audio, and passed it to our team. This is where all the backgrounds, animation and effects were added to flesh out the piece. All animation was digitally hand drawn. Cameron Foxly did most of the animations, with Haley Carroll and myself animating a few scenes. João Ribeiro was responsible for backgrounds.

Background by Tony Jaramillo, Animation by Cameron Foxly

Background by Tony Jaramillo, Animation by Cameron Foxly

Animation by Tony Jaramillo

Animation by Tony Jaramillo

My Role

We’re a small team so we all have to wear a variety of hats. Each of us had to pair with other members of the team to work on each stage of production. Here are some of my responsibilities for the project:

  • Animation Director

  • Writer

  • Concept Artist

  • Background Artist

  • Animator

  • Project Manager

Results

This video was extremely popular gaining over a half a million views and led to multiple requests for similar videos. It’s clearly evident for this type of video - informative and entertaining. Here are some of the comments: