This document provides instruction and guidance for students to learn about and analyze opening title sequences (OTS). It defines an OTS as the method films or TV programs use to present titles, production details, and cast while utilizing visuals and sound. The purpose is to introduce the film. Students will watch examples, fill out analysis worksheets in groups for 2 sequences, and present their findings to the class. They are encouraged to extensively research horror OTS online and keep lists of what they watch to inform their coursework projects developing an original OTS.

1. What is an OTS/TS?
L/O: to be able to know what an
opening title sequence is and be able
to analyse existing OTS’s in a group

2. Starter (3 mins)
• What is an opening title sequence and what is
it’s purpose? (known as: OTS or TS)
• Write down your definition….
• Then class feedback…..

3. Wiki definition
• A title sequence is the method by
which films or television programs present their title,
key production and cast members, or both, utilizing
conceptual visuals and sound.
It usually follows but should not be confused with
the opening credits, which are generally nothing more
than a series of superimposed text.
• Purpose of OTS: to introduce the film.
• Purpose will vary depending on genre and type of OTS

4. Your coursework
Main task:
the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last
a maximum of two minutes.
(everyone will be doing horror genre)
For now, you will begin research on OTS’s in
general.
We will be setting blogs later so you need to keep
all work stored on One Drive (office 365)

5. Before the next activity
• Arrange yourselves in groups of 4 (if odd 1
group of 3)
• Get a piece of sugar paper or large paper (2
A3’s taped together is fine)
• Also, get out a thick felt tip …….

6. Short intro task
• In the centre, write “Things in OTS’s”.
• Task: Create a mind map of everything that
goes into opening title sequences…
– i.e. the title of the film
– Try to give examples from films if you can
10 mins and then each group share with class

7. Main task
• Watch the following opening sequences….
• Fill in the chart and then discuss as class
Film What does the OTS do and how does it set up the
opening to the film?
Forrest Gump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7voy1vit6Y
Skyfall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4gdhsVKTcs
Juno
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20PQBtyfNZY
Hostage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js4Qe6u0q_o
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVLJkIZvFlo
Flubber
http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/flubber/ (play
video from this website)
Extension question:
how are they similar and how
are they different?
Answer:

8. Artofthetitle
• http://www.artofthetitle.com/
• You will use this website to research OTS’s
• It’s excellent because it has the videos (tv and film
openings) but also further information
• For example:
• http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/true-blood/
• Scroll down, sometimes there are interviews……and
sometimes there is info about the ‘making of’ so spend
some time playing around on this website!

9. Task/Homework (Due ____)
• You will have some class time to work on this, but the rest should
be done for homework
• In a group, go onto http://www.artofthetitle.com/
• Choose 2 different OTS you want to analyse
• Fill in worksheet
Rules:
• Be sure to scroll through the ALL the title sequences and watch at
least 10 different ones before you decide on 2
• No one can analyse the same opening sequence so tell your teacher
which OTS’s you will analyse so we don’t double book
• In presentation, everyone in group must say something
• This will go on your blog later so don’t lose paperwork/notes

10. Every person in group fills in
(take a pic when done if u can for your blog)

11. During presentations
• Play the OTS from artofthetitle.com first
• Then explain your analysis to class
• Rest of the class during presentations:
(peer assessment)
– Could they identify key features of the OTS?
– Did they use a range of key terms?
– Did they understand the purpose and style of the OTS?
– Could they make connections between the 2 of the
OTS’s by comparing the similarities/differences?

12. Extension tasks
Please try to watch as many horror opening title sequences as
possible!!!!!!!!!!!!
• The more you watch, the better your coursework is likely to be!
• Resources:
– www.artofthetitle.com
– www.watchthetitles.com
– Netflix / lovefilm /amazonprime / google play
– DVD’s
– Youtube (but not the best for finding OTS’s)
It would be EXCELLENT if you could keep a list of all the OTS’s you’ve
watched so you can put these on your blogs later!