Formal Conventions

of a Title Sequence

What is a Title Sequence? & Typical

Conventions• A title sequence is the method by which a films credit production

and cast members utilize their visuals and sound.• The aim of a title sequence is to simply set and establish the

characters, the scene, the mood and the atmosphere so the audience can recognize what is going on.

• Films usually throw in some enigma codes also to interest the audience and create tension, forcing them to continue watching.

• A title sequence usually has typical conventions which feature in almost every film. Firstly, there is music (non-diegetic sound) to set the mood and atmosphere. Furthermore, there is an establishing shot to show the audience the setting and which also introduces them to the characters. The production team also include the main actors and key crew members (such as the director) to indicate who is a part of the film. They always include the name of the film and tell us the name of the production company behind it all.

Structure• The title sequence can be presented in many different ways.

For example, it could be presented it more of a conceptual way which shows the overall concept of the film. Another way a title sequence could be structured is in a narrative way which shows the events occurring. A film which combines both way is ‘Lord of War’. This shows us the concept as we see the ‘Life of a Bullet’ however also shows us different events as it goes through different stages.

• Lastly, the final way a title sequence could be structured is by including different clips in a montage. It puts different bits of the films footage into the title sequence to show the audience what the film is about. It successfully does this by pausing at the end of each clip and then stating a cast or crew member simultaneously. An example of a film using this is Mission Impossible.

Order• Title sequences typically follow a regular order which features in

most films from past and present. • The film usually starts by stating the name of the production

company, this is done to tell the audience who has produced the film and is the first thing they are told. The next thing that is stated is the name of the director – followed by the producer and his/hers executive.

• After the producers are introduced the title sequence would then show us who the main actors are within the film. It tells us the main ones to keep it short and direct without telling us everybody who participates in the film.

• The title sequence would then continue by saying the name of the film. It’s the last thing that the audience is told therefore it would stick in their heads throughout the film and will not be forgotten.

• Lastly, the title sequence would then be finalized by going through the extra casting members and displaying the names of the crew member who helped produce and add to the films final product.

EXAMPLE - Spiderman 2

ANALYSIS• Firstly, the introduction of the title sequence for

Spiderman 2 does follow the typical order of how it is presented. This can be identified as the first thing displayed is the production company.

• However, if we was to continue watching it can be seen that the order is then broken. After the production company it is suppose to state the director of the film and then the producer - followed by his or hers executive. Instead of doing this, they decide to show us the name of the film - which is supposed to be later on in the order. Therefore, the title sequence for Spiderman 2 does not follow the typical order of a regular title sequence.

EXAMPLE - North By Northwest

ANALYSIS• The introduction to North By Northwest's title

sequence does follow the typical order. It starts off by stating the name of the production company - this follows the order so far.

• However, instead of then introducing the films director and producer - it then states the names of the key actors influencing the film and then displays the films title. The producer and director of the film are one of the last names displayed.

• Therefore, the title sequence for North By Northwest does not follow the typical order for a regular title sequence.

EXAMPLE - Se7en

ANALYSIS• The title sequence for the thriller 'Se7en' follows the typical

order of how a title sequence is presented.• Firstly, the first few boxes are evidence to show that the

sequence starts by stating the films production company. It then goes on to show the name of the producer and also the director of the film.

• The title sequence then goes on to show the main actors of the film and then also states the films title.

• The sequence is then wrapped up by stating the names of the extra crew members - this is identified is the final couple of boxes.

• Therefore, the title sequence for the film 'Se7en' follows the typical order of how a title sequence is usually presented and displayed.