Research: What is the purpose of a title sequence and film opening?

RESEARCH: What is the purpose of a title sequence and film opening?

Title sequence

A title sequence is the method in which films/television programs present their title, key production, cast members, utilising visuals and sounds.One of the main reasons films use title sequences is to because of the opening credits.  In a motion picture, television program or video games , the opening credits are demonstrated at the start as a list of the most important members of production. They are usually set up as texts on a black screen or on top of a action. This normally shows the setting, cast or the characters in the film which sets the atmosphere of the film and the audience can generally tell what genre the film is, before it even begins. Music if often added/sound effects to add to the specific genre as genre tropes. For instance, the association with Steven Spielberg has created fan base and there for the audience expects the best out of him as he has a huge reputation to uphold.

 Perhaps the purpose of the title sequence is to introduce the film/programme - it also gives the audience an insight of what they’re about to watch and infact uses a range of aspects to set the tone and make the genre clear.In addition presenting and introducing a institution makes the audience have a sense of trust over the company that the film will be worth watching. If the audience knows that this film was produced by eg Paranount or Universal , it may also convince them to watch the film as the institution also has a reason to improve as they have a reputation to uphold.

Research: What are the four different types of film openings?

In film openings , there are more than one way to indued your film. A title sequence is the method in which films/television programs present their title, key production, cast members, utilising visuals and sounds. There are four film opening methods, which are…

  -Titles on a blank screen

  -Titles using Animation/motion

  -Titles on still images

  -Titles over moving images

Blank screen

Titles on a blank screen is usually involves using a white type face on a black background as there is a high contrast between the two colours.This is the most common type of title sequence as it is low budget and simple.This type of title sequence is used at the beginning of the film Psycho (a horror/thriller movie).The fact that it uses simple graphics demonstrates how easy it is to use and not at all complicated.

Animation/motion
Titles on motion or animation become part of the actual moving images which as a result makes it much more complicated. It has remained as the most difficult sequence to create, as it requires a lot editing and technology and as a result is often used in high budget movies. This type of tile sequences has become very popular and is used by most film these days as the audience enjoys and generally focuses more if images are moving. Titles using animation and motion are credits that are incorporated into moving imagery and sound, but use no dialogue. The images often offer a metaphor or narrative thread to help introduce the tone and plot.

Still images

Titles on still images is incorporated with visual images which gives hints towards the tone and genre of the actual film, as well as with the use of the music.This type of title sequence gained support from studios as it was a development of more intricate sequences as it did require different medias for the background but is still to easy to use. A still image can portray a story very well, you can analyse a characters facial expression and body language. This type of sequence was used in the opening sequence of Wimbeldon, by Kyle Cooper.

Moving images

This title sequence elaborates from a still image and this style of title sequences is more commonly used today as these moving images serve to be a metaphor for the film, usually reflecting what the film is and the narrative for the audience. It incorporates credits with moving images behind them but with no dialogue involved.

Research: What is genre?

Research: Favourite previous student work

28. Talia, Jada, Drew, Catherine from 283goswellg on Vimeo.

I have decided to write about Jadas group, set 6 group 28 as it was my favorite group. Various camera angles were used such as long shots and close ups. You immediately understand the genre of the title sequence, horror, as they have focused on the code and conventions and paid attention to every little detail. The high camera angle on one of the characters when she was facing down was very effective to show the audience that the character was a victim or innocent. They also used dull colours to associate with the genre. set 6, group 28. The camera angles were set in such a way to make the audience feel as if they were in the scene as well as the girl. This creates a stronger effect on the audience as it puts them In the girls shoes. By putting them in the girls shoes, the audience may feel under pressure and uncomfortable.
I would like my group to use the technique of using closer and more realistic camera angles as it would create and unforgettable effect on the audience.


The antagonists identity is kept anonymous throughout the film opening. This creates an uneasy build of tension as the end gets closer and closer.
I have seen many peoples blogs but Jadas blog was the one that caught my eyes and amazed me by the quantity and quality. 94 blogs and all very detailed and organized properly.

4. Yasemin, Huseyin, Fatima, Sadiq from 283goswellg on Vimeo.

Prelim film

4. Yasemin, Huseyin, Fatima, Sadiq from 283goswellg on Vimeo.

prelim film

3. Krank, Rosalie, Chloe, Briando, Khamroul from 283goswellg on Vimeo.