Cody Garcia

Expose Films

A Canadian film production and distribution company dedicated to highlighting stories and voices in the BIPOC community.

Brand Design

2025

Project Description

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“Expose Films” is a production company dedicated to amplifying the voices of BIPOC filmmakers in Canada. By supporting films that challenge industry norms and celebrate diverse perspectives, they reshape the cinematic landscape. This project reimagines their brand’s identity, creating a visual and strategic foundation that reflects its mission, resonates with modern film audiences, and positions it as a leading force in Canadian cinema.

Challenge

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Canadian filmmakers continue to face challenges in accessing equal opportunities and achieving prominence in mainstream cinema. Despite Canada's multicultural society, representation behind the camera remains disproportionate. Many talented filmmakers struggle to secure funding, distribution, and recognition, limiting the diversity of stories reaching audiences.

This is particularly concerning in an era where more creative voices are being recognized globally. Without a strong, uniquely Canadian film brand that champions these filmmakers, the industry risks falling behind in the evolving cinematic landscape. The challenge lies in creating a brand that is not only a platform for underrepresented voices but also resonates with modern film audiences who crave authenticity and high-quality storytelling.

Strategy

Expose Films targets The Film Buffs, passionate movie enthusiasts aged 18-35 who have a deep appreciation for cinema across genres and eras. Active on platforms like Letterboxd and Instagram, they engage in discussions about film history, cinematic techniques, and storytelling, often sharing reviews and recommendations. This audience values original high-quality productions and is drawn to indie films, foreign cinema, and documentaries.

To connect with this community, Expose Films aims to be a trusted name by delivering well-crafted, thoughtful projects that resonate with their interests. By curating a diverse portfolio of films, documentaries, shorts, and television projects, the company helps foster a more inclusive cinematic landscape. Expose Films expands the reach of these films and strengthens its position within the industry.

Solution

The final identity emerged from multiple stages of development, initially exploring two different visual directions.

The brand identity for Expose Films is a love letter to cinema, drawing inspiration from the rich history of film while adding a modern, human touch. The visual direction incorporates a nostalgic aesthetic, referencing the textures, typography, and design trends of the 1970s and 1980s. The pastel color palette serves as a subtle nod to its Canadian identity, giving the brand a warm and inviting presence.

The final identity emerged from multiple stages of development, initially exploring two different visual directions.

The final approach embraces imperfection and the human touch.

Elements are intentionally dithered, and motion is emphasized through an analog-inspired animation style. This decision celebrates the human hand in filmmaking, mirroring the raw authenticity of independent cinema. Motion plays a crucial role in bringing the identity to life, reinforcing the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of storytelling.

The brand identity is a love letter to film itself. Grounded in a deep respect for the medium’s past, it channels the spirit of cinema with a thoughtful, human-centered approach. Its subtle references to Canadian heritage and the golden age of film evoke a sense of warmth and cultural consciousness. This sets Expose Films apart as a champion of artistry in today’s film landscape.

The brand identity for Expose Films is a love letter to cinema, drawing inspiration from the rich history of film while adding a modern, human touch. The visual direction incorporates a nostalgic aesthetic, referencing the textures, typography, and design trends of the 1970s and 1980s. The pastel color palette serves as a subtle nod to its Canadian identity, giving the brand a warm and inviting presence.

The final identity emerged from multiple stages of development, initially exploring two different visual directions.

"Films That Shed Light"

reflects the company’s mission to champion untold stories and underrepresented voices. It's more than a tagline, it’s a guiding principle behind the brand.

"Films That Shed Light"

Apertures is an in-house publication featuring articles, interviews, and news centered on the BIPOC filmmaking community. It strengthens the brand and deepens engagement with both filmmakers and audiences.

The brand is introduced in film with an animated logo indent that evokes cinematic tradition. Motion highlights the set of icons that represent various film genres, showcasing the logo system's versatility. In end credits, the identity stands strong effortlessly alongside other film brands.

Key Takeaways

My passion for film and the recent wave of BIPOC filmmakers gaining recognition inspired me to take on this project. Creating a living, comprehensive brand identity that works across multiple applications was a rewarding challenge, showcasing my ability to develop a cohesive and meaningful design system.

One of my key discoveries was the role of motion in brand identity. As I integrated movement into the design, the identity became more dynamic and engaging, reinforcing the brand’s mission of celebrating film as a living art form. This project pushed me to think beyond static visuals, resulting in a brand that feels vibrant, human, and deeply connected to the art of filmmaking.

My passion for film and the recent wave of BIPOC filmmakers gaining recognition inspired me to take on this project. Creating a living, comprehensive brand identity that works across multiple applications was a rewarding challenge, showcasing my ability to develop a cohesive and meaningful design system.

One of my key discoveries was the role of motion in brand identity. As I integrated movement into the design, the identity became more dynamic and engaging, reinforcing the brand’s mission of celebrating film as a living art form. This project pushed me to think beyond static visuals, resulting in a brand that feels vibrant, human, and deeply connected to the art of filmmaking.

Awards & Recognition

DesCan

Winner, Video & Motion

2025 Salazar Awards

Applied Arts

Entire Design Program

2025 Student Awards

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