Title sequence analysis

After I had researched what should be included in a title sequence I began to find examples which I could analyse in depth to see what sort of things I should include in my own. I went online and used Google as my search engine to try and find title sequences. I specifically searched title sequences for short films as this would give me an idea for timing and it would be more relevant and helpful when creating my own title sequence.

 

Black background opening


 

Once I had searched for this I found a website called Vimeo which offered a variety of title sequences which could potentially be helpful when thinking about my own title sequence. I found a sequence for a film called "Blood Drive". Although this film is not in the same genre or has no similar themes or topics I can still analyse this as it will give me an idea of what to include as well as how structure the title sequence.



The sequence starts with a black background which then slowly transitions getting lighter. It goes from black to grey and ending up with a white canvas. By having something simple and plain to start the title sequence it manipulates the viewer as they won't know what to expect. Also, as the background is plain it allows the next clip to flow easily as they have nothing to follow on from.





Scene establishing

 When the white screen eventually appears we are then shown with the location shown on the picture on the right. Although there is not a lot on the screen it gives the setting of the film which is giving us a vision on what the film could possible entail. By adding this location shot they are showing the audience where it is set and who may be there. This makes the audience question why they have chosen to use this particular setting making them intrigued to watch further to find out it's significance. 

Close up

The shot then fades and pulls up a close up of a rail which is in the same location as the previous shot. The fade transitions on a white colour which can be used to show the snow. By using a close up we wonder why this detail has been shown to us and why it is being highlighted to the audience more than other components in the shots. After the new scene has been on a couple of seconds red writing begins to appear on the top left hand corner of the shot. In the writing it is giving out credit to people who have created the film. These crucial roles mentioned can be seen by others who may like their work which could lead to jobs in the future. By using red as the colour of the writing it contrasts with the white making it easier to read. By using contrasting colours it will be better suited to a wide audience as people with impairments will easily be able to read. Also, the colour red suggests danger which makes me think something bad will happen in the film. As a part of the audience it keeps me intrigued to see what will go wrong if anything bad does happen.

Added sound

There is then use of a white fade again and I think this is used consistently to make it look as professional as possible. I think it is also used to emphasise the setting of the snow. However, the nest shot is different to all the previous ones as before it was just non diagetic sound of music. Like the others it also has the music playing but now there is synchronous sound of rain in shot and this is moving image/film where as before it was a still shot. We then think why has it suddenly changed and what is it trying to show. As we are learning more of the environment and setting of the film we see that it is quiet and that there are not many people. This seems abnormal and make the audience predict something bad will happen.

River of blood

After the shot it cuts to a close up of the river where we abnormally see that there is a red substance which appears to be blood. By adding a cliff-hanger like this in the title sequence people will begin to think about how the blood got there if no characters have been shown in the sequence so far. We know this will be of significance in the film as it has been presented in a close up. The volume intensifies to a river flowing which adds intensity and mystery to the scene.

Title

After showing the close up of the river it goes back to a zoomed out version of the river. This shows that it appears to be in a normal setting but all is not as it seems. Again this adds curiosity which keeps the audience intrigued as to what has happened. Also in this scene the movie title appears in the same red writing as shown before. By including the title it emphasises it and gets it more stuck into the readers mind making it more memorable. After this shot it then goes back to the white background showing that the tile sequence has finished.

By looking at an example of title sequences I could clearly see what has been included to show what I could include in my own. Also, it gives me the chance to see the layout and order they put the title sequence in to make it keep the audience interested. By watching this title sequence I have learnt that by creating a scene and giving some details of the film away I can keep the audience gripped and persuaded them to watch the whole film.