Title Sequence Research

After analysing two film openings and looking at two more film openings i have found that the all begin with the institution name/logo and then the production company name/logo. This is to establish to the audience who has funded and produced the film and this is the same order i would like my film opening to follow.

Catch Me If You Can (2009):

Institution Name: Dream WorksPictures

ProductionCompanies:Kemp Company, Splendid Pictures and Parkes/Macdonald.

This particular film opening uses a cartoon animation to tell the story and display the names of the cast and crew. It tells the story of the film in 2 minutes without revealing too many specifics about the feel so that the audience are kept in suspense.

Titles: The titles revealed are in this order: Institution, production companies, director, 2 main actors, title, 10 actors, 19 crew members including the author of the novel that the film is adapted from and finally the directors name. The directors name is left till last to add anticipation in the audience as the wait to find out the director.

Duration: This film opening lasts 2:30 minutes and follows an animated film, this has showed be that a title sequence can be introduced in a variety of ways rather than the conventional titles and introduction to storyline.

When the film title is shown: 43 seconds in.

Dawn Of The Dead (2004):

Institution Name: Universal Pictures

Production Companies: Strike Entertainment and New Amsterdam Entertainment.

This film opening uses many jumpy cuts and shot clips to create a sense of panic in the audience and to build suspense. There are black screens for the titles and i would prefer for the titles to fade in and out in my title sequence.

Titles: In order: Institution, production companies, title, 10 actor/actress names in order of appearance, 17 crew members and finally the directors name.

Duration: The title sequence is 2:39 and tells the audience how the virus has spread and cause ed zombie mutilation. It shows how this has caused a panic in the world but doesn't reveal any specific storylines and keeps the audience intrigued.

When the film title is shown: 11 seconds

Ocean's Eleven (2001):

Institution: Warner Brothers Pictures

Production Companies: Village Roadshow Pictures, NPV Entertainment and JW/Section Eight

This title sequence follows a consistent Vegas style gambling theme and has neon playing cards, fruit machines and poker chips which stand out against the black background. The sequence is animated and the names are faded in an out.

Titles: In order: Institution, production companies, 9 main actors, title, 15 crew members and finally the director.

Duration: 1:49, the title sequence is animated and follows a Vegas theme. The Vegas theme denotes to the audience that gambling or Las Vegas is involved in the storyline and there is also a vault being broken into which denotes a robbery.

When the film title is shown: 48 seconds in.

Quantum Of Solace (2008):

Institution: Metro Goldwyn Mayer

Production Company: Columbia, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Eon Productions Limited

This film sequence is animated and focuses mainly on James Bond and how he is an agent, carries a gun and gets the girl. It has many titles which are grouped together to save time.

Titles: In order: Institution, production companies, 1 main actor and the name of his character, the name of the Bond creator, title, 12 actors/actresses, 38 crew members and finally the director.

Duration: 3:38 seconds and is an animated title sequence that does not reveal any specific storylines.

When the film title is shown: 48 seconds in

After analysing these 4 title sequences i have gained an insight into how a conventional title sequence should appear. Therefore i am going to begin with my institution and production company and then reveal 2 main actors. I will then have the film title appear and will start to introduce storylines to the audience. While the storylines are being introduced i would like to have 5 more actors/actresses names appear in red on screen, i will use red to connote blood, death and danger to create a sense of fear in my audience. I will then reveal 10 crew memebers throughout the film opening and will fade to black at the very end to reveal the director. I aim to create a 2 minute title sequence as i feel this is the right length for a sequence as it isn't too short and it doesn't drag on and bore the viewer.