1. Analysis of the Robin Hood Title Sequence
The title sequence for this show is a mixture of animation and live action. The
text is fictional and is clearly animated against the live action. The function of the text
is to inform the viewer of the cast and the characters. It also gives the name of the
episode at the end of the sequence.
The tone being set is of an adventurous and action packed show. The sequence
starts quite calm with slow transitions between shots that set the scene of where the
show is based and introducing some of the characters in the show. Then the
transitions speed up and become very quick towards the end as the shots become more
action based.
The sequence is addressing an audience of all ages. I say this because Robin
Hood is well known story among the western culture especially in England where it is
based. The audience is mainly male though I believe because of the action and
adventure side of the show. Also the majority of the cast shown in the title sequence
are male and are shown living in the woods and sword fighting for example which is
mainly more aimed at a male audience.
The contrast between the highly animated text and the live action I believe this
medium has been chosen to show that the programme is fictional. The long shots at
the beginning set the scene in the woods and introduce the characters to the audience
then as the sequence progresses the shots get faster and shorter which builds up a
feeling of chaos and action. The opening shots are long shots that appear to introduce
the audience to groups of people and as the sequence goes on more close ups of
individual characters are shown which gives a personal connection to these characters
and more is found out about them for example what roles they play and how
im0portant they are.
The sound track adds to the sense of adventure. It is very typical of the time
period that the show is set. It has a lot of brass and definitely sets not only the scene
but the time period and the genre of the show. The sound effects of the arrow
introducing the episode name helps to make the connection of the Robin Hood story
and how he is very talented with a bow and arrow and this is an important theme
throughout the story.
There is a constant theme throughout the sequence of an action packed
lifestyle that Robin Hood and his men live. There is an underlying sense of humour
and happiness shown by the characters especially in the first few shots of the main
group of characters, Robin Hood and his men in the woods that appear happy and
have a strong group feeling.
There is a lot of iconography in the sequence. The clothes are very old and
medieval and the amour that some of the cast are wearing is metal and typical of this
genre of show. The characters are riding horses and fighting with swords and bows
and arrows. these things show the audience what sort of show they are about to watch
and the sequence sets the scene for them and sets the time period and location in
which the show is based.