Title Sequences

Rebecca Wilkinson

Typical Order of Title Sequences1.) Name of the studio distributing the film2.) Name of the production company 3.) Producer's name4.) Director's name5.) Cast names6.) Film title7.) Featured cast members8.) Casting by9.) Music, composer, or original score.10.) Production designer.11.) Editing by12.) Director of photography13.) Producer/ produced by/ executive producers14.) Authors name (if based upon a story)15.) Story by16.) Writer or written by17.) Director or Directed by

Good Title Sequences

• Editing• Camera work• Mise En Scene• Sound/ Music• Titles & Graphics• Narrative• Characters• Production Values (low budget/ high budget)• Genre• Does it set up the film?

GenreThe opening titles can give a few clues about what kind of film you’re going to watch. For example, horror/thriller films will start with quite gripping opening credits because the idea is to grab the attention of the audience.Skyfall Opening Credits

Within the first few shots of the opening credits of Skyfall, we can see what the film is going to be based on. There is a target (image 3) with blood pouring from it which will instantly connote that there is going to be violence.

Editing Editing in the opening credits can be very effective too. For example, some opening credits might use a fade effect into each shot but others might simply straight cut to the next shot which can be equally as effective. Here is an example taken from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

The opening credits of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo are very dark and each of the cuts are straight cuts to the next shot. We are shown black and white images to begin with but then we are shown some colour which is then revealed to be fire.

Music & Sound

Music and sound can be used to help set the mood of the film. For example, haunting music will be used for a horror film but lighter music would be used for a rom-com. Instead of using music, sometimes the film starts with a lone voice speaking about the situation that they might be in while images are shown. This can also help to define the mood of the film and can keep the audience up to date with what’s happening.