Research: Categorizing title sequences - Esther Asaolu

Categorizing title sequences

A title sequence is when films and television programs present their title, key production and cast members using visual effects and sound. 

There are 4 types of title sequences.

Title on a blank screen

• Most common type of title sequence, involves different kinds of type face on a black background.
• Usually a white typeface on a black background to create contrast
• Studios mainly use them due to low budgets
• They can offer a simple, uncomplicated way to include institutional information at the beginning of a film

Sequences titles that uses this type of sequence are:

Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock

• Very simplistic
• I found it quite boring

Title on still images

• This type if title sequence is more elaborate than simple white text on a black background
• Historically the tiltle cards developed to include hand drawn borders and other images\
• It is a way of incorporating text with a visual image to hint at the tone or genre of the film
• incorporates more than just the name of the film/studio makers 

Sequences titles that uses this type of sequence is:

Wimbeldon

• I found it very visually intresting
• I also found that it captured my attention

Titles over moving images

• This category incorporates the credit titles with a moving image behind the titles, with sound and usually no dialogue
• Moving image titles offer a metaphor or narrative thread which helps to introduce tone or storyline of the film to help the audience's understanding 

Sequences titles that uses this type of sequence  are:

Rare window by Alfred Hitchcock

• I found that it gave an insight into the setting of the film

And The sixties

• Gave an insight into the storyline 
• interesting to watch

Titles using motion or animation

• In this category the title themselves usually become part of the moving image and are integrated together with the images we see
• Requires a lot of digital technology and stylised editing

Sequence titles that use this type of sequence is:

James Bond's Casino Royale

• Very visually interesting
• Amazing visual effects

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1. Narrative title sequences

• Usually begins as the film itself begins
• Titles are usually superimposed/intergrated
• Used to get viewers straight into a film

2. Discrete title sequences 

• The titles are integrated into the moving image but it isn't entirely clear what the film's plot or storyline is
• Helps set tone and gives clues to what to what would happen later in the film
• Used to not give away too much

3. Stylised title sequence

• Stylised title sequences uses title credits which have been stylised with filters, motion to create a combined effect