LOS ANGELES - The opening title sequence for Prime Video's Young Sherlock suggests that nothing is truly as it appears. The minute-long open features a series of transitions, with one element turning into something completely different when viewed from a different angle. A book becomes a phonograph, and its horn twirls into a spiral staircase. A row of mountains become a book of matches, and when lit, creates a flame that morphs into a butterfly.
The eight-episode series was inspired by Andrew Lane's “Young Sherlock” series of books, and charts the origin of the world’s greatest detective. It stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Donal Finn, Zine Tseng, Natascha McElhone, Max Irons, Numan Acar and Colin Firth.
Director Ronnie Koff and the team at Imaginary Forces (imaginaryforces.com) created the show open, which premiered on March 4th when the show began streaming globally.
“The very nature of an iconic character like Sherlock Holmes lends itself to a visually inventive title sequence,” relates Koff. “His pursuit of investigation and uncovering clues perfectly aligns with the art form. The sequence isn’t just there to get you excited for the adventure ahead; it reveals ideas as the story unfolds. There’s a sense of discovery that feels very Sherlockian – inviting audiences to experience Young Sherlock’s adventures through his eyes.”
Koff prioritized elements of surprise throughout the sequence, with unexpected shifts in scale and mysterious transitions expressed through a single-shot camera move.
“The title as a ‘oner’ reflects Young Sherlock’s point of view, taking the audience on a globe-trotting romp, with unexpected twists and turns,” Koff shares.
Equally paramount was conveying the high-energy, intense attitude of the series.
“This isn’t a clean-cut Sherlock,” notes Koff. “He gets punched around. He’s in the mud and willing to get dirty. Every detail in the sequence underscores that energy.”
Imaginary Forces went on location during principal photography, capturing live-action elements featuring the show's three leads. Koff and his team were given priority access to the actors, dailies, locations and a collection of artifacts that helped shape the period-appropriate world.
“There were so many visually compelling clues and themes to explore from the show — more than enough to spark inspiration,” Koff recalls. “We wanted to honor that richness and reflect it with a new twist — an unforgettable sequence that reframes how audiences immerse themselves in the mystery.”
Credits on the project included designer Elizabeth Steinberg; 3D modeler Min Shi; 3D animators Scott Bell, Henry Chang, Christoph Gabathuler, Charlie Proctor, Alex Rupert, Ty Coyle, John Magbanua and Izik Roitman; compositor Eva Flodstrom; and editor Lexi Gunvaldson.