Title sequences ppt

Title SequencesBy Stephanie Willmott

Media Studies

What is a title sequence?A title sequence is the procedure by which graphic

films or television programmes highlight title main credits featuring the production crew and cast members (actors). A title can employ imaginary visuals (computer graphics) and sound. The opening credits of a feature film are depicted at the start and note the best, most significant component people of the production assembly. They are often displayed superimposed on a bare blank screen or alternatively series of static fixed or animated moving images; sometimes they appear on the action in the show. Very often there is accompanying scene setting music.

What do you expect to see in a title sequence?

A title sequence allows films to highlight their title. It includes the main production, cast members and the meaning or idea behind the sound and visuals.

They usually include enigma codes and cliffhangers to draw and attract the attention of many audiences. They also give audiences an idea of representation of characters e.g. age and gender.

Order of Credits . Motion pictures/ production companies e.g. Columbia

. Main cast

. Casting directors

. Visual effects supervisor

. Costume designer

. Composer

. Film editor

. Production designer

. Director of photography

. Executive producers

. Screenwriters

. Producer

. Director

This is the likely order of credits found in title sequences however it can differ according to different films. The rule is flexible and not universal and can change according to the type, style and genre of film. E.g. action films can be different to fantasy films.

Screenshots from The film Hunger Games (Fantasy Action)

This is a screenshot to set the scene of where the film is located. For the Hunger Games film title the credits appear over static imagery for there are no actors taking part in the opening sequence.

This shows the films production company which is found at the start of an opening title sequence.

This is the title of the film with the logo so it is easily recognisable.

The costume design comes near the start of the title sequence credits. All credits are on a dark black background so is clear to read and understand information and titles.

The music is a key part to any film for it breaks the dialogue up and enhances and gives atmosphere to the title sequences.

This shows a top billing actress. Cast members appear on the title sequence at the start. Katniss Everdeen is the main protagonist in the film played by Jennifer Lawrence. Directors pick well renowned actors who have already had box office success, to enhance the films popularity.

The Director of photography is an important role for they lead the whole shooting of the performance and choose the camera shots and angles.

The Executive Producer comes near the end of the order of credits because it is a significantly important role. They are the main administrator, controlling the budget and legal issues such as copyright.

The Director is the final credit and arguably the most important person in the filming process for they direct the actors to gain the full potential from the script.

Comparing The Hunger Games to Perfect Pitch (Musical Comedy)

Alike The Hunger Games the production company of the film comes right at the start of the title sequence. This is to inform the audience, who made the film.

The film title is at the start to indicate to the audience what the film is that they would be watching and gives an insight into the theme of the film. The background music also gives a clue to the genre of the film.

The main actors names come first before the minor supporting actors because they have a more important and recognisable role. Alike the Hunger Games film who also lists the top billing actress first, conforming to the expectations that the lead protagonist’s name always is seen before the other actors/characters.

The screenplay writer’s name, this is the person who adapts the dialogue for the big screen. However in the Hunger Games film we cannot see a screen play writer’s name being mentioned. Alternatively they have credits for the Music, Costume and Executive Producer. This shows that different title sequences, in different genres layout their opening title sequences differently. This shows title sequences are flexible.

Alike the Hunger Games the Director’s name comes last for they are arguably the most important person on set because he directs the actors to gain the maximum from their performances. A Director could be compared to a conductor of an orchestra.

Comparing The Hunger Games and Perfect Pitch to a TV title sequence Game of Thrones (TV Drama)

This is a screenshot of the main actor who appears first on the title sequence for Game of Thrones. This is alike the films the Hunger Games and Perfect Pitch.

The costume designer is an important role especially in a medieval drama. This role is common to be found in the opening credits of a title sequence.

The music is again a very important part of a title sequence for it sets the mood and atmosphere for the rest of the film. It also acts as a clue to the genre of the film.

The Production designer creates the film set and scenes.

The Producer is the co-ordinator who organises the scenes in the correct sequence to match the storyline.

An original storyline based on A Song of “Ice and Fire”.

The title of the film is close to the end of the opening sequence which differs from The Hunger Games and Perfect Pitch, for their film title was close to the beginning of the title sequence, which is commonly the norm.

The Game of Thrones was written and adapted for TV from a song. The Hunger Games and Perfect Pitch title sequences do not have a “written by” credit and so differs from the Game of Thrones.

Alike the Hunger Games and Perfect Pitch title sequences, the TV Drama Game of Thrones has the Director’s credit last for he is the person who oversees the film.