Media Studies: Title Sequence research

What is a Title Sequence?

A title sequence is the method by which films present their title, showing key production and cast members or both. This is usually done by utilizing conceptual visuals and sound in order to give the audience a good understanding of what the film is about. It typically includes the text of the opening credits, and helps establish the setting and tone of the film. It may consist of live action, animation, music, still images, and/or graphics.

Then and Now

At first, The titles for early films included everyone who was involved in the film, from the directors right down to the extras. Unusually, these early films almost used the title sequence as the credits, with leaving the end of the film with a simple text stating "THE END". This has changed as today the majority of credentials are shown when the film has finished and only a few of the more important names are shown within the title sequence.

This was how films used to end, With
Credits actually shown in the Titles.

The 1943 film "Old acquaintance" is an example of one of the title sequences of old and it is evident that they are very different to some of the title sequences today. The film blurb is as follows "Old friends Kit Marlowe and Millie Drake adopt contrasting lifestyles: Kit is a single, critically acclaimed author while married Millie writes popular pulp novels", However not much about the story or genre is revealed from this opening and this is another factor of title sequences that have developed since the release of this film. The opening begins with the title of the film and then goes on to list the various actors and extras. The editing is quite basic, keeping the same frame in the background and using a cross dissolve between each credit. The song "Auld Lang Syne" is traditionally sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings and is also associated with a farewell or ending to other occasions. This may hint to factors form the story as there is a scene in which the characters kiss goodbye and part for ten years.

Here is the opening to the film "Old acquaintance":



A good example of a more modern title sequence would be "SE7EN", This title sequence has received positive acclaim from both critics and audiences mostly due to its disturbing themes. It is easy to see how much title sequences have progressed, with the following sequence it is easy for the audience to get an idea of the genre of film from the visual and audio effects."SE7EN" uses an extended montage of actions as well as cuts to black featuring faden in texts.



However due to short films being no more then 5-15 minutes long, Title sequence in short films have to be adapted in order for them to not waste the short time they have top develop a story. The following is an example of a title sequence from a short film that we may consider to incorporate similarly into out own film.