Title SequencesBy Stephanie Willmott

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

films or television programs 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.

There could be accompanying 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 not

universal and can change according to the

type, style and genre of film. E.g. action

films would 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. 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.

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.

The Director is the final credit

and arguably the most important

person in the filming process.

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 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.

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

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.