This document discusses and compares different title sequences from films and television. It begins by defining a title sequence and what elements they typically include, such as credits for production crew, cast, and accompanying music. Examples are then provided from films like The Hunger Games and television shows like Game of Thrones to illustrate common ordering of credits and use of static vs moving images. Differences in title sequences across genres and between films and television are explored. Overall, while title sequences serve the same basic purpose, elements like credit ordering and use of static vs moving images can vary between productions.

1. Title Sequences
By Stephanie Willmott
Media Studies

2. What is a title sequence?
 A title sequence is the procedure by which graphic
films or television programmes highlight title main
credits featuring the production crew and cast
members (actors). A title can employ imaginary
visuals (computer graphics) and sound. The opening
credits of a feature film are depicted at the start and
note the best, most significant component people of
the production assembly. They are often displayed
superimposed on a bare blank screen or alternatively
series of static fixed or animated moving images;
sometimes they appear on the action in the show.
Very often there is accompanying scene setting
music.

3. What do you expect to see in a title sequence?
 A title sequence allows films to highlight their
title. It includes the main production, cast
members and the meaning or idea behind the
sound and visuals.
 They usually include enigma codes and
cliffhangers to draw and attract the attention of
many audiences. They also give audiences an
idea of representation of characters e.g. age
and gender.

4. Order of Credits
. Motion pictures/ production companies e.g. Columbia
. Main cast
. Casting directors
. Visual effects supervisor
. Costume designer
. Composer
. Film editor
. Production designer
. Director of photography
. Executive producers
. Screenwriters
. Producer
. Director
This is the likely order of
credits found in title
sequences however it can
differ according to
different films. The rule
is flexible and not
universal and can change
according to the type,
style and genre of film.
E.g. action films can be
different to fantasy films.

5. Screenshots from The film Hunger Games (Fantasy Action)
This is a screenshot to set the scene
of where the film is located. For the
Hunger Games film title the credits
appear over static imagery for there
are no actors taking part in the
opening sequence.
This shows the films production company
which is found at the start of an opening
title sequence.
This is the title of the film
with the logo so it is easily
recognisable.
The costume design comes near the
start of the title sequence credits.
All credits are on a dark black
background so is clear to read and
understand information and titles.
The music is a key part to any film for it
breaks the dialogue up and enhances and gives
atmosphere to the title sequences.
This shows a top billing actress. Cast
members appear on the title sequence at the
start. Katniss Everdeen is the main
protagonist in the film played by Jennifer
Lawrence. Directors pick well renowned
actors who have already had box office
success, to enhance the films popularity.
The Director of photography is an
important role for they lead the whole
shooting of the performance and choose
the camera shots and angles.
The Executive Producer comes near the
end of the order of credits because it is a
significantly important role. They are the
main administrator, controlling the
budget and legal issues such as copyright.
The Director is the final credit
and arguably the most important
person in the filming process for
they direct the actors to gain the
full potential from the script.

6. Comparing The Hunger Games to Perfect Pitch (Musical Comedy)
Alike The Hunger Games the
production company of the film comes
right at the start of the title sequence.
This is to inform the audience, who
made the film.
The film title is at the start to indicate
to the audience what the film is that
they would be watching and gives an
insight into the theme of the film. The
background music also gives a clue to
the genre of the film.
The main actors names come first
before the minor supporting actors
because they have a more important
and recognisable role. Alike the
Hunger Games film who also lists the
top billing actress first, conforming to
the expectations that the lead
protagonist’s name always is seen
before the other actors/characters.
The screenplay writer’s name, this is the person who adapts the
dialogue for the big screen. However in the Hunger Games film
we cannot see a screen play writer’s name being mentioned.
Alternatively they have credits for the Music, Costume and
Executive Producer. This shows that different title sequences, in
different genres layout their opening title sequences differently.
This shows title sequences are flexible.
Alike the Hunger Games the Director’s name comes
last for they are arguably the most important person on
set because he directs the actors to gain the maximum
from their performances. A Director could be compared
to a conductor of an orchestra.

7. Comparing The Hunger Games and Perfect Pitch to a TV title sequence Game of Thrones (TV Drama)
This is a screenshot of the main actor who appears
first on the title sequence for Game of Thrones.
This is alike the films the Hunger Games and
Perfect Pitch.
The costume designer is an important role
especially in a medieval drama. This role
is common to be found in the opening
credits of a title sequence.
The music is again a very important part of
a title sequence for it sets the mood and
atmosphere for the rest of the film. It also
acts as a clue to the genre of the film.
The Production designer creates the film set
and scenes.
The Producer is the co-ordinator who
organises the scenes in the correct sequence
to match the storyline.
An original storyline based on A
Song of “Ice and Fire”.
The title of the film is close to the end of the opening
sequence which differs from The Hunger Games and
Perfect Pitch, for their film title was close to the
beginning of the title sequence, which is commonly the
norm.
The Game of Thrones was written and adapted for TV from
a song. The Hunger Games and Perfect Pitch title sequences
do not have a “written by” credit and so differs from the
Game of Thrones.
Alike the Hunger Games and
Perfect Pitch title sequences, the
TV Drama Game of Thrones has
the Director’s credit last for he is
the person who oversees the film.

8. THE MIST- 2007
Main Title of film carefully placed
over moving visuals.
Film distribution
company. Well known
Mainstream Media
Conglomerate.
Director’s name who oversees the
making of the film and is in charge of
the organisation. Director known for
directing films such as: A Nightmare of
Elm Street 3 and Buried Alive.
Top billing actors placed over moving
transitions. Thomas Jane known for
starring in “The Punisher” (2004) and
Laurie Holden known for her
appearance in “The Shield” and “The
Walking Dead”.
List of cast members who are
seen in the 2007 American
Science Fiction Horror film
“The Mist”
Music titles appear over moving
images to add to the narrative.
We are told that the plot is
about a mystery due to the
futuristic style of music.

9. How are the sequences similar or different?
Similarities:
 The music in each title sequence sets the genre and creates
enigmas that will be answered later in the film.
 Similarly, “The Hunger Games” and “Perfect Pitch” title sequences
appear over static images whereas in contrast “Game of Thrones”
and “The Mist” titles appear over moving animations and visuals.
Differences:
 The title sequences with the moving visuals (“Game of Thrones” and
“The Mist”) are more entertaining and would appeal to an active
audience.
 The titles of each sequence feature in a slightly varied order e.g. the
Main Title of the film “Perfect Pitch” is positioned at the start of the
sequence however in “The Mist” the Main Title of the film is
presented at the end. This shows that film makers are flexible with
the order of credits; maybe to be unique and original or maybe to
stand out from competition.