Conventions of title sequences

Conventions of title sequencesBy Rhiann Quinn

What is a title sequence?

A title sequence is defined as ‘the method by which cinematic or television programmes present their title key credit producers, cast, crew, production and distribution companies and writers and directors. The opening credits are shown at the beginning of the film.’

They can be shown over opening sequences in films and TV or on top of static shots, depending on what atmosphere the director has chosen to impose.

Examples

These are title sequences from a number of films; (from l to r Edward Scissorhands, Se7en, Casino Royale and The Cabin in The Woods)

Main Conventions of a Title Sequence in Film

Title of the film

Production companies

Distribution companies

Main cast

Crew

Sound

Background images (not always necessary)

Encoded signifiers

Narrative enigma

Conventional Order of Credits in a Title Sequence

Studio or distribution company “presents…”

The production company

“In association with” so-and-so production company

“A film by” (directors name and/or producers name)

Main cast

Movie title

Supporting cast

“With” actor

“And” actor

Casting director

Musical director

Set designer

Art Director

Costume designer(s)

Hair and Make up

Visual/Special effects

Editor

Director of photography

Producers

“Story by”

Writer

Director

Production Companies A production company provides the physical basis for works in

the realms of the performing arts, new media art, film, television, radio, and video.

A production company essential helps to create the film – they help with budgeting, scheduling, getting actors on board, scripting and more.

They are responsible for finding a director and the main acting talent.

Here are some examples of well known production companies; Metro Goldwyn Mayer are behind the James Bond Franchise, Paramount have produced films like Katy Perry; The Movie and DreamWorks were behind the Shrek franchise.

Distribution Companies

A film distributor is a company or individual responsible for the marketing of a film. The distributor may set the release date of a film and the method by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for viewing: for example, directly to the public either theatrically or for home viewing (DVD, video-on-demand, download, television programs through broadcast syndication etc.).

A distributor basically gets the film out there. They decide when the film will show and promote it for the world.

Title

A title is cruical in a film. It gives the viewer an insight into what is going to happen in the film and also what genre the film is in. For example, the title ‘Saw’ gives the immediate impression of violence, gore and horror.

Cast & Crew

You also need to list the cast and crew that worked on the film. Anybody associated with the film – producers, editors, directors – needs to be credited at the start of the film. The director is always last!

The main actors usually come before the supporting or featuring cast as they are of a higher significance.

Sound

Another key convention of title sequences in the film industry is sound. Sound is used to convey a certain atmosphere or genre immediately to the viewer without using any imagery.

It helps us make interpretations about the film when paired with certain images or shots. Also it can introduce us to certain characters by using voice and narration; even certain noises and musical scores can be used to distinguish between a protagonist and an antagonist.

Narrative Enigma & Encoded Signifying

Narrative enigma is when the filmmakers intentionally arise questions to the audiences head, making them think “what is happening? Why is this happening”.

It is done so that tension is built and questions can be answered later in the film.

Encoded signifying is another convention of opening sequences; these are specific items that are ‘encoded’ within the sequence to give hints to events that will happen later in the film or to hint that something is of significance. For example, having a gun in the opening title sequence could signify that this gun could be used to kill someone later in the film.