What Are The 4 Different Types Of Film Openings? Research blog 9

Categorising Title Sequences

• Titles on a blank screen

Historically these are the most common type of title sequences. They involve different kinds of typeface on a black background to catch high contrast, studies used them because they are low budget, they can offer a simple, uncomplicated way to include institution information at the beginning of a film.

For this category I watched the film title sequence to 'Psycho', it was very simplistic and dull but at the same time still effective. Te other title sequence was 'Pulp Fiction' which was also very simplistic but grabbed my attention none the less.

• Titles on still images

This type of title sequence is more elaborate than simple white texts on a black background. Historically title cards developed too include hand drawn borders ad other images. This type indicated a move past just text but a way to incorporate text with a visual image to hint at the tone or genre of the film. The development of titles accompanied by still images coincides with credits getting longer to incorporate more tan just the name of the studio and film maker. With this type of title sequence, studios were beginning to support the development of more elaborate film sequences and recognised their contribution to the film a a whole.

• Titles over moving images

This type of title sequence incorporates the credit titles with moving images behind the titles, sound and usually no dialogue. Offers either a metaphor or narrative thread to help introduce the tone or storyline of the film to the audience.

The film title sequence I watched for this category was 'Rear Window'- there was more going on which grabs more attention as it is part of the whole film.

• Titles using animation or motion

In the late 1990's, the use of animated text in title sequences became popular. The titles themselves became part of the moving images and are integrated together with the images we see. This category of title sequence requires a lot of digital technology and stylized editing.

The film title sequence shown for this category was 'James Bond', it was very appealing and interesting to the audience.

The Last Two Categories Are Most Important In The Coursework.

1. Narrative title sequences

These are integrated into the moving images in some way and begin as the film itself begins- this might be as a long establishing shot or as part of  series of establishing shots. This type of title sequence is very useful as it grabs the attention of the audience from the beginning as the film starts straight away.

2. Discrete title sequences

These are integrated into images but it isn't entirely clear as to what the plot or storyline is. It also helps to set the tone and gives clues to what could happen later in the film when we have a 'ahh' moment when we realise the significance of the title to the film. This is very effective as it makes the audience want to know more an keep watching.

3. Stylised title sequences

They can be a mixture of the other 2 sub categories in terms of what we see but, the moving images and title credits have been stylised (filters and motion) to create a combined effect.

My personal preference would be the discrete title sequence as it creates a cliff hanger before the film even starts.