2. What is a title sequence?
A title sequence is defined as ‘the method by which
cinematic or television programmes present their title
key credit producers, cast, crew, production and
distribution companies and writers and directors. The
opening credits are shown at the beginning of the film.’
They can be shown over opening sequences in films and
TV or on top of static shots, depending on what
atmosphere the director has chosen to impose.
3. Examples
These are title sequences from a
number of films; (from l to r Edward
Scissorhands, Se7en, Casino Royale
and The Cabin in The Woods)
4. Main Conventions of a Title
Sequence in Film
Title of the film
Production companies
Distribution companies
Main cast
Crew
Sound
Background images (not always necessary)
Encoded signifiers
Narrative enigma
5. Conventional Order of Credits in
a Title Sequence
Studio or distribution company “presents…”
The production company
“In association with” so-and-so production company
“A film by” (directors name and/or producers name)
Main cast
Movie title
Supporting cast
“With” actor
“And” actor
Casting director
Musical director
Set designer
Art Director
Costume designer(s)
Hair and Make up
Visual/Special effects
Editor
Director of photography
Producers
“Story by”
Writer
Director
6. Production Companies
A production company provides the physical basis for works in
the realms of the performing arts, new media art, film,
television, radio, and video.
A production company essential helps to create the film – they
help with budgeting, scheduling, getting actors on board,
scripting and more.
They are responsible for finding a director and the main acting
talent.
Here are some examples of well known production companies;
Metro Goldwyn Mayer are behind the James Bond Franchise,
Paramount have produced films like Katy Perry; The Movie and
DreamWorks were behind the Shrek franchise.
7. Distribution Companies
A film distributor is a company or individual responsible for the
marketing of a film. The distributor may set the release date of a film
and the method by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for
viewing: for example, directly to the public either theatrically or for
home viewing (DVD, video-on-demand, download, television programs
through broadcast syndication etc.).
A distributor basically gets the film out there. They decide when the film
will show and promote it for the world.
8. Title
A title is cruical in a film. It gives the
viewer an insight into what is going to
happen in the film and also what genre
the film is in. For example, the title ‘Saw’
gives the immediate impression of
violence, gore and horror.
9. Cast & Crew
You also need to list the cast and crew that worked
on the film. Anybody associated with the film –
producers, editors, directors – needs to be credited
at the start of the film. The director is always last!
The main actors usually come before the
supporting or featuring cast as they are of a higher
significance.
10. Sound
Another key convention of title sequences in the
film industry is sound. Sound is used to convey a
certain atmosphere or genre immediately to the
viewer without using any imagery.
It helps us make interpretations about the film
when paired with certain images or shots. Also it
can introduce us to certain characters by using
voice and narration; even certain noises and
musical scores can be used to distinguish between
a protagonist and an antagonist.
11. Narrative Enigma & Encoded
Signifying
Narrative enigma is when the filmmakers intentionally
arise questions to the audiences head, making them
think “what is happening? Why is this happening”.
It is done so that tension is built and questions can be
answered later in the film.
Encoded signifying is another convention of opening
sequences; these are specific items that are ‘encoded’
within the sequence to give hints to events that will
happen later in the film or to hint that something is of
significance. For example, having a gun in the opening
title sequence could signify that this gun could be used
to kill someone later in the film.
