Task 5 - What makes a good title sequence according to Kyle Cooper?

What makes a good title sequence according to Kyle Cooper?

"It makes you thrilled to be in this theatre at this moment, getting ready to see this movie. It makes you glad that you are nowhere else in the world except where you are, getting ready to see something amazing." - Kyle Cooper


Kyle Cooper

Kyle Cooper is a director and designer of film title sequences. He has directed over 150 title sequences in many films such as: The Incredibles, Superman, Spiderman etc.

He believes that titles should be based on a story and give information about the films narrative. Title sequences should be unique and stand out. Attention grabbing title sequences work very well and are used in many well-known and popular films. The best type of title sequences make the audience excited for the movie and make viewers anticipate what will happen next. The extra attention to detail is significant as it makes the title sequence that much better. The type of font, colours and music used creates a significant tone and helps create an atmosphere that is vital to the film’s opening scene. He feels that having a simple typography is significant to achieve perfection. His title sequences are like mini- movies by themselves and have revolutionised the way people look at title sequences and demonstrated their importance within the film industry.  Kyle cooper has "almost single-handedly revitalizing the main-title sequence as an art form".

The ground breaking title sequence for Se7en (1995) changed the way we look and think about title designs today. It is arguably the most imitated main title ever made. The Se7en title sequence was hailed by New York Times Magazine as “One of the most important design innovations of the 1990s”.

There is no dialogue in this title sequence. The background music is creepy and eerie; it sets the movies atmosphere. The shots are short and effective. The dark colours used intensify the mysterious atmosphere and bring the title sequence together. It's simple yet effective.

Personally, I agree with Kyle Cooper as simplicity is the best way to grasp your audience. However, sometime simplicity can be boring and the audience begin to lose that excited anticipation for the movie – the effect can be dulling. When a title sequence is designed the designer should check what the target audience wants and cater to those needs.