9. Title Sequence Categoried

4 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TITLE SEQUENCES

4 categories of title sequence can be identified. These 4 categories include:

• Titles on a blank screen
• Titles on still images
• Titles over moving images
• Titles using animation or motion

1: Titles on a blank screen

This type of title sequence is the most common type. It involves different kinds of type face on a black background. Typically a white typeface is used on a black background to create high contrast and make the writing stand out. This title sequence is very common because they are low budget and it offers a simple way to include relevant information. They are mainly used to show the names of directors, producers, characters etc at the beginning of the film. It is also used for the title of the film sometimes and you can find this type of title sequence in old films such as "Psycho"(1960) and "A band apart"(1991).

Title sequence of the film "Psycho"; Title shown in white
writing on a black background(common type)

2: Titles on still images

This type of title sequence is more modern than the simple title sequence on a blank screen. This one involves hand drawn borders and other images in the background behind the titles. The text are accompanied with a visual image to tip off the tone or genre. It combines different media to make the background. This is a step upgraded from the previous type of title sequence as it not only informs the information about the film formation but also gives us clues about the film and theme through it's still images shown and music in the background. An example of a film where this type of title sequence is in Kyle Cooper's film "Seven" as it shows images behind the titles. For example, a person writing on a notebook in the background. This gives us a hint that the movie has something got to do with something that involves writing, perhaps a journal(just a guess).

Kyle Cooper's title sequence to the film "Seven"; names shown
with image in the background of a person writing.

3: Titles over moving images

In this type of title sequence, there are moving images behind the titles usually with no dialogue, just sound. The images and sound behind the titles itself tell a story which helps the audience get an idea of the genre and theme(s). Moving images are commonly used to either propose a metaphor or a plot thread to help introduce the tone or storyline of the film visually. This type of title sequence is used in many films and some include in the film "Rear window" and "Cidade de deus".

The film "Rear window" shows the window blinds opening
(moving image) behind the titles. Watch

4: Titles using animation or motion

Titles with animation or motion is much more stylised because it uses animated text in the title sequence and they were mainly used in the 1990's a lot. The titles themselves are part of the moving image and combined together with images that we see. This type of title sequence requires a lot of digital technology and stylized editing. Overall, they make the film look professional and hypnotic as it grabs the attention of the audience through  all ways; the moving images, the moving text, the music in the background. Examples of films that have this type of title sequence are "Casino Royale" and "Catch me if you can". In the film "Catch me if you can", the text blends in with the moving images as it seem like poles on the street while the image behind shows people walking.

"Catch me if you can" opening: Watch

The most important categories for me to look at for this coursework are:
- Titles with moving images
- Titles built around animation

Narrative title sequence: In a narrative title sequence, the titles begin as the film itself begins and it may be a long establishing shot or a part of series of shots.

Discrete title sequence: In a discrete title sequence, the moving images behind the titles are not entirely clear of what the film is about and it helps to set the tone and give clues about what could happen later. This allows the audience to realise later on of what the film was about all along.

Stylised title sequence: In a stylised title sequence, the moving images and titles are stylised with filters, motion etc to create a combined effect. It involves both moving titles and images.

Personal Preference: 
Personally, I prefer the stylised title sequence because it makes the film seem professional and modern. It also goes with the timeline of our lives with all the modern technology we have. Overall, they are all good ways to start a film but if I had to pick one, I would pick stylised and perhaps discrete title sequence too because it plays with the audience's mind.