The Tracks We Leave

Student short film written and directed by: Mattingly Wilson

“Our past leaves a mark.”

The Tracks We Leave is a student short film that follows the story of Jerry (Bill Kostel) and Prince (Layton Goos) as they navigate their generational differences. In this snap shot of life, we experience how the power of love, learning, and deep rooted faith can never truly shatter a strong relationship.

I was asked by the director to help bring this story to life with a main on end title sequence and credit scroll. The biggest question I had was, “How can I take the nuances of this story and bring them to life with something minimal, cinematic, and thought provoking?”

I focused in on two distinct features; snow and wood.

I wanted the type to fill in and feel designed, yet I also wanted it to feel organic as if the falling snow was filling in old tracks. Each name, especially on the main cards, took the shape of hand lettering insinuating that it could have been etched into wood. For the scroll, a textured wooden backdrop bleeds in to view, every person holding a place on that final post where Jerry brought Prince.

I design with intention and purpose. No choice is left without meaning.

More details to come including the cast/crew & full short film…