Motionographer® Nexus Studios Unveils Opening Titles for Playgrounds In Motion

Unveiled during Playgrounds In Motion at London’s Barbican Centre, the opening titles for the event created by Design at Nexus Studios set the stage for this year’s highly-anticipated animation festival. Conceived as a celebration of motion craft in its many forms, the sequence channels the energy and community that define Playgrounds In Motion – two days of inspiring talks, sing-along screenings, workshops, drag shows and much more. Creative Directed by Erwin van den IJssel, the titles reflect a concept-first, detail-oriented approach that balances experimentation with intent, echoing the energetic free jazz that scores the piece.

Anchored through the continuous motion of an infinite zoom, the sequence pulls audiences into a shifting world where woodlands bloom with playful foxes, musical manuscripts swirl, and bold typography flashes gradually introduces colour into a monochromatic world. Designed to be premiered at the iconic Barbican Hall, the piece also translates beautifully online, each contrasting shot revealing new layers of detail, hidden easter eggs, and moments of organic chaos.

The project draws on a diverse range of techniques – from Hannah Lau-Walker’s cel-animated music notation to Melanie Climent’s illustrative skyline in the opening shot and forest. The titles demonstrate that motion design is defined by approach, not tools – using collaboration and experimentation to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

“This sequence is a celebration of craft in all its forms, expressed through a mix of styles and techniques. From cel animation to 3D, we set out to highlight motion design in all different dimensions and start Playgrounds In Motion with a bang.” – Erwin van den IJssel, Creative Director, Nexus Studios