Opening Sequence

Opening Sequences 

What is an opening sequence? An opening sequence is a specific way in which films or T.V shows represent their titles through cast and crew, trying to achieve a creative opening through the use of visuals and sound. 

 

Purpose of opening sequences 

Opening sequence is the very first thing an audience sees of the film, so they help engage the audience right from the get go. It’s important for it to be exciting incorporating some of the themes and topics characters might face. The intention is to build anticipation and cause the audience to want to find out more. Most successful title sequences bring emotion to the audience, giving them an attachment to the film. They are almost a ‘prelude’ to the story and can foreshadow events to happen in the film, telling them snippets of the coming action without actually giving it away. A director should focus on this opening as it should set the tone of the film. By watching the first few seconds of the film a clear sense of genre and pace should be communicated. The director shouldn’t wait till the first scene but get right into the feeling of the film through the opening sequence. Not getting it right could deter the audience from watching it, and potentially switch it off. Potentially title sequence can be oppositely by it almost not relating to the movie, or even revealing something that only makes sense after the movie. Essentially with all this the title sequence should really capture the essence of the film. 

Below is an example of an opening sequence from the James Bond movie 007: 

 

Difference between opening credits and title sequence 

Opening credits are generally just a list of credits shown after another. Don’t need to stand alone, and can just play over the movie scene. 

 

Whereas title sequence is a pre scene that happens before the movie has actually started. Simply opening credits become a title sequence when they are turned into separate sequences of their own. For example, a well-known title sequence is those from James Bond, where he creates sequences featuring himself – showing pistols, gunshots, blood, and expensive suits. 

Techniques needed in a title sequence 

• A Great opening score 

The importance of music is a huge factor. The Music used matters as it can help set the tone and bring emotion to the scene 

• A presentable visual design 

A title sequence is short; however, they can incorporate some intense visual elements. Typography, production, design, lighting, color scheme, shot footage, still images, and motion graphics are just a few examples. The quality of the video is also important, being the first thing viewers see and don’t want to make a bad impression. To avoid this, you may have to invest in good quality film equipment. 

• Make your title sequence iconic 

It’s very easy for filmmakers to experience the “paradox choice” as at times it’s difficult to choose only one style of title sequences. However, you might do it, it is important you are familiar with the sequence(s) to create a strong and effect sequence. 

Examples

Harry Potter:

Throughout the harry potter films the illuminated titles slowly dim into darkness as the series goes on. The same core components; the warner Bros. Picture logo and the movie title are added into each of the films; however, the visual design and presentation of the design were always different. The changing design is effective because it establishes a clear theme and tone going into each of the films. The visuals are capturing t audience as they are the tone of the film, so the audience almost knows what to expect.

 

 

The Birds

In the movie, The Birds, by Hitchcock the opening sequence is represented with the use of birds in the background, obviously foreshadowing the incorporation of birds in the film. However, the way he showed them set the tone that they were a threat, scary as they were dark and scary, contrast to how a bird would usually be victualled. Essentially, setting the scene well and engaging the audience from the get go.