Concept and creative process
James Naughtie presents his own personal view of 1994, following a 3D computer-generated opening title sequence depicting an extraordinary surreal animating still life tableau of the interior of a room. Stephanie Chappell recalls the making of the sequence:
"The producer for ‘Review of the Year’ initially wanted a very quirky set of animated titles along the theme of ‘Have I got News for You?’ After much discussion about the news stories that year and a range of storyboard ideas, we agreed on the broader symbolism of changing seasons/the passing of time. The use of single frame model animation fitted the storyboards perfectly. I briefed the animator/director Shaun Sewter through Jane Bolton at Picasso Pictures and we started working collectively on the sets and colour themes for each season. The sequence was filmed over a week due to the tight deadline, then edited and post-produced in Central London. Sound effects to enhance the imagery - such as a cold wind blowing in the winter and the ticking clock logo for the passing of time - were also added to the title music, written and performed by Chris Blackwell."