Research into Title Sequences

Research into Title Sequences

A title sequence (also called an opening sequence) is a method in which films and television programmes present their title, key production and cast members, utilising conceptual videos and sounds. In this research i will give three examples of title sequences, displaying both films and television programmes and of different genres. Two of the sequences are from 2016 displaying advanced techniques included in a title sequence, *** Different title sequences use different techniques to make it interesting to the audience, as it is one of the film/programmes most important features at it grabs the attention of the audience.

1. Stranger Things (2016)    

Stranger things is an American TV series, set to be filmed in the 1980's. The title isn't quite like many others, not including any of the content, only displaying the title of the film and nothing else, Leaving the audience to watch the series to find out the content. The large, hollow red letters slowly assemble together, as the glowing red edges fit together and spell 'Stranger Things' on top of the dark background, drawing attention to the actual title itself. The echoing music definitely grabs the attention of the audience, giving the sequence an eerie feel. From the title the audience gets the feeling that the series is a thriller, including spooky scenes which describes it perfectly. Voted as one of the best title sequences in 2016, just from the actual title itself, explains the amazing graphics. From the images below you can clearly see that the letters fit together slowly as the drift and the red glow adds effect, connoting blood but also drawing attention to the letters which spell out 'Stranger Things'.

2. The Jungle Book (2016)

The Jungle Book is simply a re-make of the Original 'The Jungle Book' released in 1967. It features it's title sequence at the end rather than the beginning, in contrast with the original. This new disney version creates it's own path while still following the original path of the film from years ago, keeping traditional values. The opening of the 1967 version features a worn book laying on a blue velvet background, that opens and reveals black and white illustrations and the film's key characters. The film uses techniques from the original film but also add's its own modern twist, including better visuals. In the 1967 version, the book opens and reveals the black and white illustrations, however in the 2016 version when the film finishes, the visuals change from modern cartoon to black and white illustrations, referring to the original version, which would be very popular with the original fan base, giving it a unique selling point.

After the black and white illustrations are revealed, the book appears to close then shows the same hardback book with 'The Jungle Book' written on it, as the titles fade in and out. The book slowly opens again and reveals 3D animations coming from out of the book, suggesting a book has come to life, it features different characters within the movie and the voices behind them, it also shows the main characters acting out some of the scenes once more, like a recap of the film. This title sequence refers to how title sequences used to be and shows the audience just how developed technology has become, while including traditional Disney Values. 

3. The Shining (1980)

The Shining (1980) is a title sequence that includes different setting as it uses a helicopter flyby type shot. All the different elements combined together create a fascinating title sequence making it one of the best according to multiple websites. With calm graphics it focuses all attention on the music in the background and the titles which includes characters etc. It includes many establishing shots and aerial shots, and the writing in the sequence stands out due to it's nature background and light blue writing.

Due to the background being full of nature and natural settings, and having the helicopter flyby shots, it grabs the audience's attention and sets high expectations of the film due to the quality of the title sequence. The quality of filming in 1980's are usually poor, however this title sequence differs from many others and shows the true development of technology.