Keep
Sweet
Pray and
Obey
Netflix
(exploratory)
01
Pitch Frames
& Ideas
Archival Collage
Inspired by actual collages from FLDS family albums, we created these frames to showcase archival materials in the show.
Illustration
Needing to communicate heavier content in the story, we pitched the idea of using illustration — allowing us to thoughtfully present sensitive material and convey emotions that would not otherwise be expressed in a traditional documentary archival format.
Video and Type
Inspired by the cheesiness of FLDS archival materials from this era, we explored some “low-fi” looks to present text and imagery.
02
Collage
Exploratory
These animation examples put the collage aesthetic to test by adding animation and camera moves. The animation was simplified for the final cut, but the overall aesthetic survived the process.Â
Frames
03
Destruction
Exploratory R1
These tests and the following frames were part of a larger story demonstrating a religious belief about the impending end of Earth. Following the Apocalypse, families ascend into space and populate new worlds. Each FLDS family will populate its own world.
My biggest personal regret on this project was not seeing these sequences come to life–in this iteration or the next. We loved where these were headed.
Frames
04
Destruction
Exploratory R2
As a revision to the previous concept, we explore a more “stop-motion” take on the story.
Frames
05
Text
Exploratory
Our proposal for show titles was to embrace a vintage filmic aesthetic based on the natural quality of live-action footage. This particular shot and several like it made it to the final cut.
06
Illustration
Exploratory
This scene was one of the first illustrations in production. Even though it didn’t get used in this context, it ended up in a later episode and in a different scenario.
Frames
07
Illustration
Exploratory
These storyboard frames detail an illustration concept telling the story of Warren Jeffs assuming power by kicking out his competition–men who didn’t 100% agree with his ascension into prophethood. This whole sequence never got past the story-development phase, but I still loved where it was going and would have loved to see it through.
In this sequence, Warren gathers his (formerly his father’s) flock into an auditorium and asks 21 men to stand up, claiming divine instruction. Then he tells these men they are all kicked out of the church and community–that they must leave without saying goodbye to their families. He then asks the remaining members to raise their hands in agreement with his actions. One by one, people overcome their emotions and submit to his authority.
08
Illustration
& Super-8
Another idea explored early in the design process was an illustration-footage composite. This idea didn’t stick around for long. If it did, the technique would have evolved. Instead of relying on super-8 footage, these shots would be captured with video and film-looked to match the accompanying super-8 footage. Tracking the film-weave of super-8 wasn’t too fun of a proposition, and the results could have been better.
09
Zardoz Heads
Exploratory
Playing off our pitch frames mimicking cheesy FLDS imagery from this era, this test animation morphs Rulon’s face into Warrens. Later in production, we refined this technique to have a sharper image and sharper sun rays behind the floating head. We reused this technique several more times in the series.
