Book Trailer: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Motion Design, Videography, Sound Design, Video Editing, Typography Design

Brief:

For this project, I created a book trailer inspired by the book, The Nightingale, written by Kristen Hannah. Written about two sisters living in France during WW2 and the German occupation, this novel explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and honor, told with an honest voice and the grit and rawness that shines during war. Style, color palette, transitions, mood, lighting, and typography are all honed to create a dramatic composition and point to the themes and mood of the novel itself.

Concept:

Stylistically, I knew this project would be a challenge, as it deals with the 1940s, a time-period long-removed from where we are today. The book also flashes from present day back into the past, so I wanted the viewer to be able to visualize that transition. To visualize these conflicting ideas, I scouted WW2 video footage and recorded my own videography, piecing together a fast-paced story that matches the complicated plotline. To further emphasize the mood, I researched old film edits and added grit and grain to bring the footage all together. A dramatic musical score and sound effects were orchestrated to further heighten the drama. Typography was chosen based on WW2 posters and vintage typography, as well as old typewriters, and a muted color palette complimented the old film concept, tying everything together. All in all, this piece encompasses the excitement and drama that the original novel portrays. Here’s a link to the book itself for your reading pleasure.