1. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTec Level 3
Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production
Unit 64 – Motion Graphics and Compositing Video
HA1 – Motion Graphics Now – Task 3 Analysis
Sequence: Orange is the New Black Title Sequence
Type of motion graphic and purpose:
What is its purpose and specific subject?
This is the opening title sequence for the TV show ‘Orange is the New Black’ this is used to intrigue the viewer
into watching the TV show and to also try and make clear what the show is all about.
Description:
What do you see and what do you read
from this? What symbolism is there?
How suitable is the sequence for its
purpose?
In the title sequence we see multiple things; straight from the beginning we see multiple different pictures of
different women’s lower face (nose and lips) which shows each picture for an average of 1 to 2 seconds.
However the pictures show up to the rhythm of the music, after a few pictures of their lower face there’s 3
pictures of the women’s upper face (nose & eyes). After the first section of pictures there’s a video clip of
women’s hands in handcuffs, then pictures of the women’s upper face carry on to the music. Then a picture of a
fingers being finger printed, like what they do for criminals. Then multiple more pictures of the upper half of
women’s faces show, then one picture of a women’s bottom face. Then a picture of a woman in orange prison
uniform shows. Then a lot of different pictures of women’s lower faces, then pictures of women’s upper face
appears quickly on screen to the music as the music gets faster. When the music slows down a video clip of a
woman’s lips with pink lipstick plays on screen as she slightly moves, then more pictures of lower faces show.
Then there’s a video clip of a sign saying ‘Weekend visiting hours’ on a fence with 2 birds flying in the distance
behind the fence shows on screen. Then again, more pictures of upper faces show, then a video clip of 3
telephones shows on screen, then more pictures of women’s upper faces, then a clip of a woman laughing
shows, then more pictures of women’s upper face shows to the music, then a few pictures of women’s lower
face again. Then a picture of a prison watch tower appears on screen with the forest in the background and
fences separating the forest from the viewer. Then more pictures of women’s upper faces show, the more lower
faces, then more upper faces. Then at the end the noise of a prison door shutting sounds and there’s a video clip
looking at the sky with barbed wire over a fence is on the right hand side of the screen, then two birds fly across
the sky and the words ‘Orange is the new Black’ ‘created by Jenji Kohan’ is in the middle of the sky.

2. I think here is a lot of symbolism in this opening title sequence, and I also think It fits perfectly with what the
show is about. For example, they use a lot of clear references to the fact the show is about a women’s prison,
the use of video clips and pictures relating to prison, like the watch tower, and the woman in the orange prison
uniform, which is a clear hint about what the show is about. Also, I think the shot of the birds flying behind the
fence is a reference to freedom, and how the birds are free to fly when the inmates are stuck behind the fence
with barely any freedom. Also the use of all the different women’s faces show the fact every inmate is different
and has a different story behind them. So overall I think this title sequence fits its purpose completely as it
shows the viewer clearly what the show is about, without giving away too much information or details.
Techniques used:
Animation, visual effects, colour, audio,
graphics, movement.
Blur, sharpen, distortion, rotation, opacity.
Audio and movement are used within this title sequence. For example the music/audio starts the second the
sequence starts and they have made sure the pictures show to the pace and rhythm of the music. Also,
movement is used when the video clips are shown.
Technical comments:
Video Format, Screen Ratio, Resolution,
Frame rate, Compression
Use these prompts to develop a written response to each of your three chosen sequences. You can then compare and contrast the results.