The document discusses conventions of film title sequences. It provides examples of how title sequences have evolved from simple text cards in silent films to more elaborate sequences today. Specifically, it discusses how modern title sequences aim to grab audience attention, set tone or mood, and introduce key production details. Examples are given of unique and visually striking title sequences from films like Se7en, Gone Girl, and Sherlock that effectively establish genre and director style through their use of camera shots, editing, and incorporation of themes from the films.

1. CONVENTIONS OF THE FILM
TITLE SEQUENCE

2. THE ART OF THE TITLE
• An opening title sequence is the method used by
which films or television programmes present their
title, key production and cast members. This is done to
let the viewers know what show/film they are watching
and prepares the viewer for what is to come just like
the cover of a book.
• A title sequence has to be effective to grab the
audience’s attention for example it could include
action, to be able to set the tone or mood of the film
and let the audience identify the genre.

3. THE FILM TITLE
A HISTORY
• In the 1920s title sequences started of being a few
sentences on a black board.
• Title Sequences for Silent Films:
• In silent films words and lettering played a big role in films.
Film titles made an appearance quite early in silent films
which followed with letter cards which provided context.
These cards that were used were responsible of the
lettering artist who collaborated with the scriptwriter and
director who created narrative so that the audience are
then able to follow what they see.
• What does it bring to the film as a piece of cinema /
performance

4. FILM TITLES OF 2016
• Finding Dory Title Sequence:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5MRJS1c62w
• The BFG
• https://vimeo.com/23791069
• Nerve
• http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/nerve/

5. VISUALLY UNIQUE
Se7en
Camera Shot: Close up
The shot includes paper with a
detailed drawing of hands which
symbolizes and emphasizes on the
genre physcological thriller as it is
very mysterious. A shot like this is
something I want to consider in my
film opening for example a close up of
my characters eyes staring around the
location.
Gone Girl
Camera Shot: Mid Shot
This shot is a shot of water and we see
a reflection of the tree branches and
leaves which gives the audience an
idea of the location. The colours are
dark and dull which supports the
genre of the film.

6. TITLE SEQUENCING
Sherlock
The title sequences shows a series of shots of London and mysterious cases
which establishes Sherlock as a love letter to both the city and the title
character. What stands out to me is that as an audience we see how Sherlock
observes the world around him, as it is already know that the character has a
unique way of seeing things. Changing the speed of the different shots and
freezing the motion when the camera has a close up of his face really makes
the title sequence more interesting and this is something I would love to
include when I am making my own film opening and title sequence.

7. DIRECTOR STYLES
Gone Girl
Director: David Fincher
Genre: Mystery/Drama/ Physcological
Thriller