1. The document discusses observations about how horror opening title sequences (OTS) introduce the genre and set expectations to scare audiences. Elements like camerawork, editing, sound, makeup and effects (M-E-S), and setting can make an OTS terrifying. 2. An analysis of the OTS for the video game The Last of Us is provided as an example. It uses a symbolic representation of a fungal infection spreading to set the backdrop without showing story elements. This creates narrative mysteries and challenges conventions to immerse the audience. 3. The OTS represents characters like reporters and resistance leaders to inform the post-apocalyptic setting while building intrigue around the game's events and factions like

1. Assign 10 – Analysing real OTS
Sam Qureshi

5. Observations
• OTS introduces us into the horror story and can help make the audience feel scared so
that they know they can be expected to be scared. The purpose of horror OTS is to
make people terrified
• Linear, non-linear and symbolic OTS’s all have their different ways of adding the generic
conventions of the horror genre come across as scary.
• The OTS gives us an insight on what the horror film could be about/what it is based on.
• How camerawork can make the horror OTS look terrifying. For example, showing a
close-up of blood-stained teeth.
• How editing can make the horror OTS seem terrifying. For example, fast cuts to show
rapid movement and intensity between shots.
• How sound can make the horror OTS seem terrifying. For example, the sound of people
screaming loudly, paranormal sounds and very fast and intense music.
• How M-E-S can make the horror OTS seem terrifying. For example, adding blood to
people’s clothes to show that they harm others or get involved in violence.
• How the setting of the place can be terrifying. For example, a deserted street covered in
blood where there are zombie rampages.

6. The Last of Us
• http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-last-of-us/
1. Symbolic OTS – because it shows the fungus infection spreading across
the screen – symbolising infection and death. There are no images from
the main storyline. It’s to give the gamers an insight of what the game is
going to be like.
2. The OTS prepares us for the film by:
• Setting the story by introducing us to the background of the story.
• Setting the mood by introducing the characters to a story set in a post-
apocalyptic world/ one that is under heavy marshal law.
3. Creates narrative enigmas:
• Why have so many people died?
• Why is the place under marshal law?
• Who/what are the fireflies?

7. …continued
4. How does it challenge the forms and/ or the conventions of the post-
apocalyptic survival horror subgenre?
• Music (non-diegetic background music) is calmer (acoustic guitar) than
what it stereotypically should be – the stereotype would be loud and
aggressive music.
• Doesn’t show any scenes of the monsters/the post-apocalyptic things that
would appear in post-apocalyptic horrors. For example, human victims or
action/drama/intense scenes.
5. Characters represented and why are they represented in this way?
• An American female reporter represented as serious and informative.
Several other reporters have been represented in the same way
throughout this clip, some with a terrified tone of voice.
• Leader of the fireflies has been represented as a rebellious but down-to-
earth and relatable woman who understands what people have been
going through and is offering them the chance to make a stand.

8. …continued
6. How does the OTS present its credits and its main title?
• Large, bold white text in capitals for the title.
• Has smaller white/black text for the role of the person, and a bigger
white/black text underneath it for the person itself.
• The color of the text is the opposite to the background is placed on. E.g.
white text against a black background.
7. What else can you enjoy about the OTS?
• The shouting and panicked talking sounds makes the scenario very intense
and, therefore, makes the players want to play the game more because
they want to find out what is going on.
• It’s interesting to see the symbols of the fungus infection spreading across
the screen showing to the audience about the spreading infection – aided
by the reporters informing us on the story.