Abrams, Fringe Go Retro With Special Title Sequence

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Lots of fans are buzzing about the recent Fringe episode “Peter”, in which we are taken flashback style to 1985. The episode is accompanied by a specially designed title sequence. It is this sort of clever, playful approach to storytelling that makes J.J. one of the most challenging and rewarding clients to work with.

I still remember my first meeting with him in 2004 during an early production meeting for Lost. What struck me was his uncanny ability to juggle the hysteria of being a show runner with his quiet, confident approach to storytelling. Trust me when I say he probably had this concept already percolating in his head. The Tron-style graphics in the special title sequence set the perfect tone.

And with former Brothers & Sisters show runners Monica Breen and Alison Schapker joining J.J. on Fringe, you can expect even more awesome storylines to come. Currently, Abrams is fine tuning the pilot for NBC’s Undercovers, which has him directing his first pilot since the 2004 Lost premiere.

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First Look: Otherworldly Fringe Promo Featuring NIN/Trent Reznor

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First Look: Fox’s sci-fi drama Fringe tonight released an eye-catching :60 promo (which I had been hearing bits about for the last few weeks) featuring NIN frontman Trent Reznor.  Reznor lends his song “Zero Sum” with specially recorded dialogue for the spot.

After being asked by series EP Jeff Pinkner, co-creator JJ Abrams sent a single email to Reznor and got him on board for the unique collaboration.

For those folks who might’ve missed it, here’s the promo, which has already lit up chatter on the Twittersphere. Also- I’m told Reznor embedded one of the show’s signature glyphs (much like those hidden in the Fringe fall TV poster) into the track’s sound waves. Apparently, if you watch the audio waves on a computer, you might see something very interesting.

Dare to investigate?

Best of Fall TV Posters (Part 1)

Another beautiful summer has come to a close. And with it, fall television season premieres are nearly here. Yes, those eye-catching billboards lining Barham can be distracting. Interestingly, they do give us an early glimpse at the creative approach the promo/marketing teams are shaping for both established and freshman brands. Although currently in the UK, my spies in LA tell me that these favorites for fall 2009 are already getting plenty of attention. Here for your review is Part 1 of Best of Fall TV Posters.

Also, for Fringe fans- there are over half a dozen hidden glyphs in this poster. Can you find them? (hint: look for an apple, rabbit, seahorse, butterfly, and frog among others). Click on the poster for a closer look.

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