Xanthe Bodington — Motion graphics and titles designer

Working across the big and small screen on trailers, promos, title sequences, motion graphics, social spots and video games, Xanthe graduated from the National Film and Television School’s (NFTS) practical Postgraduate Diploma in Motion Graphics and Titles in 2018.

What did you do before the NFTS?

I studied Communication Design at Gray's School of Art, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Before coming to the NFTS, I had recently graduated and was on a three month scholarship to learn animation in Calgary, Canada when I first came across the Motion Graphics and Titles course at the NFTS.

How did you get your first job after graduating?

After graduating, we had our graduate show/exhibition where industry members are invited to watch the screenings. I met someone there who invited me to an interview for a junior motion graphics role at a trailer house studio, doing motion graphics for film and TV trailers and social media.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working full time in-house for a design studio in Soho creating and designing titles and designs for feature films and television.

Some of the most recent work I’ve completed is the title sequence for Amazon Prime’s Spanish show Boundless or Sin Limites, as well as a beautiful film called Kindling.

There's some exciting films coming out soon, which I am looking forward to sharing once released.

What is a typical working day like?

A typical day is working through various projects; designing, animating and sometimes shooting for a project.
What I love most about my role is how varied it is and the studio I work with doesn’t necessarily have a ‘house style’, which gives a lot of creative freedom when approaching different films and projects.

Which part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

What gives me the most satisfaction is working with inspiring creatives from all backgrounds. When you work together collectively and generate ideas that work really well, it is especially rewarding.

What are the challenges?

For me personally having dyslexia has had its challenges, especially as a title designer, but I work around it by having methods in place to minimise the challenges that it poses and by being honest with my team about it too. I work hard to not let it get in the way of my work and have never seen it as something to hold me back.

How has the NFTS helped your career?

The NFTS has helped me by training me to be a better designer and exposing me to the industry in ways I would have struggled with otherwise. It helped me form a better understanding of how everything works and also about working with others within the industry. I loved how the course was hands on and practical, working with other students and tutors all within the film, television and games industry.

What are your career ambitions?

I would love to work on a title sequence that has a cultural influence. One that reaches beyond the film and television world and has greater impact on others. Having my work featured on The Art Of The Titles website would be pretty neat too.

What advice would you give to others considering applying to the NFTS?

The course was my way into the industry and provided that first step in the right direction. As someone who only had a graphic design background, I felt like I was an outsider looking in and the course helped me jump start my career in film and television.

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