Art of the Title Sequence

Common characteristics

The name of the film

Actors

Film companies associated with the film

A clear understanding of the genre/atmosphere of the film.

Introduction to the main characters

Establishing the location/setting

Non-Diagetic Sound/ Voice over

A mini movie/featurette

Discrete

This enables the audience to set the scene and get into the suitable mood for the film.

It doesn’t tell you what the film is about.

It’s often containing animations and various editing techniques.

An example is from the film Seven.

Traditional

Sound and fonts are used to portray a certain atmosphere.

This makes it easier for the audience to relate to it and understand the mood as it is less discrete.

The sound and fonts used will be used to suit the specific genre of the film.

Examples of this are from The Sixth Sense and Coraline.

Straight into

They have no titles/actors/film companies

Goes directly into the action which immediately sets the scene.

Creates an intense introduction.

Used in action/horror movies

Example Scream

Stylised

Combination of ‘Straight into’ and ‘Discrete;.

Sets immediate tone, atmosphere and Genre.

Intense introduction.

Plot is not recognized during title sequence.

Example: