Task 9: Categorising Title Sequences

There are four categories of title sequence that can be identified: Titles on a black screen, titles on still images, titles over moving images and titles using animation or motion.

Titles on a black screen conventionally use different types of type face (usually white) in a black background. It is the most common type of title sequence as it is low budget, simple and uncomplicated.

Titles on still images are a more elaborate kind of title sequence that combines different media to make the background. The image used usually hints at the genre or tone of the film.Titles on still images coincided with the credits on films getting longer.

Titles over moving images can help to introduce the tone and storyline of the film to the audience. They can offer a metaphor or a narrative thread.

Titles using animation or motion became more popular in the 1990s as they require a lot of digital technology and stylised editing. For this type of title sequence, the titles become a part of the moving image/they are integrated together.

My favourite type of title sequence is titles over moving images. An example of this is in the film "Se7en".

This is my favourite type because they can show the genre or the tone of the film more effectively than a blank screen or a still image. You can also use this type of title sequence to foreshadow moments in the film, so at the time it seems insignificant but later on in the film you have an "ah" moment where you understand. I also prefer this type of title sequence because it is not as complicated to make as titles using animation, yet they are still interesting to watch.