Leviathan’s noir titles gleam in Starz’ “Power” series

Credit Leviathan for design and production of the film noir main titles for Starz new original series, “Power,” produced by rapper 50 Cent (formally Curtis Jackson) and created by “The Good Wife’s” Courtney Kemp Aboh that premiered Sunday to more than 2 million viewers.

The stylized 90-second black-and-white titles are set in tempo to 50 Cent’s rap song, “Big Rich Town.”

The series follows New York nightclub owner James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick) known as Ghost, who lives a double life as the kingpin of new York’s most lucrative drug trade.  Everything he has, marriage, family and business, become threatened as he tries to leave his criminal life behind.

The use of a mirror for a double image effect in the black-and-white titles hints at Ghost’s duality. “Objects and people represent the show’s main themes and the mirror-effect reflects them in the frame,” explains Leviathan’s CD Bradon Webb.

"Power" star Omari Hardwick“Our reference was to look at traditional black-and-white photography and create a full spectrum of tonal values. We went for a stylistic look that we hoped would set this apart from anything that’s ever been done in the past,” Wood says.

Leviathan’s crew shot two days at Essanay Studio: the first day capturing objects on a tabletop turntable and the second day with talent.

Leviathan’s Matt Daly and Stephen Fuller co-directed, Adam Santelli was DP, using a Red Epic in 4K.  DaVinci Resolve was used to perfect the sequence’s final look.

“As a conceptual design company, we’re proud of the collaboration with ‘Power’s’ creators,” says Leviathan EP Chad Hutson. “With their support, we honed-in on the right concept and creative direction and carried it through, even ‘coloring’ the final master in-house. Working with a project like this was a dream-come-true for each of us.”

Ellen Schopler produced, line producer was Michelle Breger, art director, Larry Lundy. Chris Beers, David Brodeur and Gareth Fewel were the animation/VFX artists.