The Use of Motion Graphics and Compositing in Title SequencesBy Raymond Arandia

Why are Title Sequences Important in Films/TV?

• Attract the Audience and Expectations of the Audience

The opening title sequence in film are the first thing that the viewer sees in the film and should give a good first impression into the rest of the film. If the title sequence is not impressive or is boring then the audience may expect the film to be bad whereas if the opening title sequence is exciting then the audience will have high expectations even if the may or may not be bad.

• Sets the toneAs the opening title sequence is the first thing that the audience sees it immediately sets the tone and mood of the film.

TelevisionThe title sequences in a TV series is important as a TV series is consistent and the same opening or ending may be used throughout a long period of time. Overall Title Sequences can introduce the characters,

themes, genre, plot and visual style.

How are Title Sequences enhanced by motion graphics/compositing?

The use of motion graphics can enhance title sequences because it is more visually appealing than live action or images. By using motion graphics/compositing you can do much more than you can with normal live recording or images. There is no limit to where the camera can be shot. As technology has advanced title sequences have become more enjoyable and interesting to watch.

Key/P

ivot

al T

itle

Sequen

ces

Saul BassVertigo It's a Mad, Mad, Mad,

Mad World Catch Me If You CanCowboy BebopGame Of Thrones

Saul B

ass

Saul bass is known to be one of the

greatest graphic designers of the 20 th

century. He is known for designing

amazing title sequences for film

makers such as Alfred

Hitchcock(Psycho, Vertigo etc.) ,

Martin Scorsese(Goodellas, Casino

etc.) and more. In his title sequences

the theme, emotion, genre and mood

are introduced and some cases tells a

small story consisting of the

beginning, middle and end. Saul bass

changed the way title sequences are

thought about and created. Modern

day title sequences that also

introduce the mood and theme of the

story can be seen as to Saul Bass’s

doings.

Vertigo Title

Sequence

Vertigo

Vertigo is a psychological thriller film released in 1958 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The opening title sequence was created by iconic title designer Saul Bass. The title sequence has mix of both live action and motion graphics.

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World Title Sequence

It's a Mad, Mad,

Mad, Mad World It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad

World is a 1963 American

comedy film. The title

sequence was created by

Saul Bass. This title sequence reflects the mood,

colour, tone and theme of

the movie. The movie is a

very lively, hyper and mad

film. The title sequence

reflects on this theme as the

title sequence is animated,

comical and even child like

drawings.

Catch Me If You Can Title Sequence

Catc

h M

e I

f You C

an

Catch Me If You Can is a 2002

comedy-drama film. The title

sequence was created by Kuntzel

+ Deygas. The film is set in the

1960s to 1970s and the title

sequence looks aesthetically Saul

Bass influenced as it resembles

the 1960s mood. The “stamp

style” animation show a distinct

feel of 60s and 70s from the

characters haircuts, postures and

clothes. The colours used in the

title sequence change as the story

transitions from different scenes

and reflect on the type of mood its

supposed to show as it follows the

music.

Cow

boy

Beb

op

Title

Sequ

ence

Cow

boy B

ebop

Cowboy Bebop is a Japanese anime series

created in 1998. The

opening title sequence

shows the mood and jazz

feel from the 1940’s to

1960s. The colours and

animation is very fast and

flashy. The motion graphics

works well also showing

Saul Bass inspired elements

such as the use of the

shapes cut up into pieces.

Game Of

Thrones Title

Sequence

Gam

e O

f Thro

nes

Game of Thrones is a 2011

TV Series. The use of motion

graphics in the opening title

sequence immediately

engages the viewers with

the 3d animation. Although

it doesn’t necessarily

present a story such like a

Saul bass’ work it is definitely visually appealing

and does take us through

the journey of the world,

plot, theme and genre.

Desi

gn

ColourColours in title sequences differ depending on the

genre and setting of the TV show/film. For e.g. if its

bright colours may be used for a comedy or dark

colours may be used for a horror. Although specific

shades and tones of colours may be used for the time

the series/film may be set in such the 20s may be

black or white. TypographyWhen it comes to typography the main aspects you

have to think about are the font. As typography is

usually telling some sort of narrative or story the

genre, theme characters will be introduced through

the style of text and colours used.

MovementThe movement In motion graphics/compositing in a

title sequence is important as it controls the pace of

the sequences of the image shown. For e.g. it should

be in sync with the music.

Visual effectsThe type of visual effect is an important choice to

make whether it be 2d or 3d animation etc. It should

relate to the genre and theme of the show/film.

Ideas/Influence

sMatch the image with

genreTelling a story makes it

more interesting.Consider the type of

style(typography, motion, colours etc.)

Use of SymbolismSaul Bass