THE GRIM HISTORY OF ZUG ISLAND

Motion Design, Explainer Video, After Effects, Scripting

This project is an explainer video on the history of Zug Island in Detroit, Michigan and it’s ominous beginnings as well as the lasting effects of its pollution on it’s neighboring communities. I was inspired to research this topic after discovering a mysterious never ending flame outside my dorm room window. I attempted to capture the grungy danger of the island by adding textures and sharp cut collages that pieced together to show the historical context.

The bright neon colors added a fun vibe but also referenced the toxicity of the steel plant. I also experimented with making wiggly type and vector graphics to reference the Windsor hum and overall sense of uneasiness coming from the island. All animations were made in After Effects and the scripting, audio design, and voice over were all done by myself.