Title Sequence Research - order of titles

Before begining the post production stage, We had to do some research into that actual titles that appear in title sequences. This will enable us to edit in text that looks realistic in its positioning and time spent on the screen. I looked at a wide range of films to discover how I should incorporate typography into my thriller opening sequence.


I firstly looked at social realist thrillers which are similar to mine. I came across the movie 'Kidulthood'. This is a low budget urban drama set in west London following a 15-year-old and his struggle to stay on the right side of the law. being a low concept British independent film, Kidulthood stars no famous actors therefore they do not choose to boast it in their titles. They simply list the production companies behind the film, Hanway films, Stealth films, cypher films in association with TMC films.



the film logos of Hanway films, Stealth films and Cypher films are unaccompanied by music, however when the basic titles appear as shown on the right, The films music begins and we start to feel the anticipation of what we are about to see. Using titles can be a good way to build suspense, before we see anything a film can establish a tense mood through simply slow moving titles and music. I may choose to place some tiles before the action begins on a plain black screen and some during however I am not yet sure.

Kidulthood reveals its title before the visuals appear. The title is quite basic using an interesting font, fading in and out, with no graphics other than a simple forward tracking motion. The title holds for 4 seconds. This gives enough time for the viewer to read it 3 times. The text appears in time with the music and almost immediately after the title disappears the action begins. This is a rather uncreative way of revealing the title. however it displays all of the required information then allows the audience to focus fully on the film.

I also did lots of research on films produced or distributed by studio Canal. Their logo/ident always appears before the film. This is an interesting trademark, that is also very iconic. I will not be using this as it is a breech of copyright, and my film is not actually produced by studio canal. I may choose to make up a production company, and simply list their name in the titles that appear during or before the sequence.

Alan Hitcock's film Vertigo, stars famous actors, therefore Hitchock takes advantage of this and boasts it in his title sequence. He emphasis this by clearly listing his name in the centre of the screen accompanied by a big lift in the music. As my film is not likely to star big actors it is not necessary for us to do this and list the name of our actors or director.