The title sequence of Game of Thrones uses non-diegetic music to set a medieval tone and imply heroes and villains. Sounds of swords signify violence and danger, suggesting a mature audience. Cities rise from the ground in the animation, implying rising power and potential conflict. Dragons and fire in the opening imply a fantasy genre. Kings Landing uses gold tones to imply wealth and power, while Winterfell uses grey tones to imply poverty. A variety of camera angles are used to introduce locations from different perspectives and give the feeling of swiftly jumping between places. Overall, the title sequence is effective in immediately setting the locations, themes and tone of the show before any footage is seen.

1. Title Sequence

2. Title Sequence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7L2PVdrb_8

3. Sound
‘Game of Thrones’ uses a non diegetic soundtrack over it title sequence.
The tone of the audio gives the sequence a feeling of being set in medieval location due
to use of violins. This works well to represent its location and time period. Additionally,
the audio gives a sense of determination due to the drums which may link to the kind of
determination a hero may have within this show. From this it could be said that the idea
of heroes and villains is suggested.
Part way through the sequence sounds of swords clashing are heard. This signifies to
the audience the type of content that will be presented within the show. The idea of a
sword would typically connote violence and danger which would therefore suggest that
‘Game of Thrones’ is for a mature audience.

4. Editing
The ‘Game of Thrones’ title sequence is an
entire animation of the cities coming to life.
The footage shows the locations to rise out of
the ground as if they are being built. This may
suggest that there are elements of rising
power which may also suggest conflict.

5. Mis En Scene
The first thing the audience sees when the title
sequence is displayed is the rings around the sun.
On these are pictures of dragons and fire. An image
such as this connotes a fantasy genre as dragons
(being mythological creatures) are typical seen
within this style.
Within the sequence the different locations on the
map of Westeros are displayed. The first being
Kings Landing. This city comes to life and is
displayed to have great power due to its use of gold
tones. Gold connotes wealth which may imply that
this certain city is very powerful.
The next city the audience sees is the city of
Winterfell. Colors of black and grey are presented
which may connote a dirty and poorer city.
Additionally, the city is placed in the north of the
map. Stereotypically, the north is considered to be
poor and therefore this would conform to this
ideology.

6. Camera
‘Game of Thrones’ uses a variety of
different camera angels.
The first shot we see is a close up of the
rings. This allows us to see the detail of the
dragon and therefore understand some of
the components of the show.
Throughout the sequence high pan shots
are used to move all around the map and
introduce the audience to the different
locations. This gives the audience a feeling
of being like a bird and being able to jump
from one location to the next swiftly.
Additionally, when delving into the locations
on the map, multiple pan in and pan out
shots as well as birds eye shots are used to
give the audience a range of views
regarding the cities.

7. Was it effective?
I think that the ‘Game of Thrones’ title sequence is very effective. It uses the four
technical areas very carefully to give an immediate first impression of the show before
any of the actual footage is watched.
Personally, I think it is engaging to watch and sets the locations and themes of the show
up very well.