task 9- Four different types of titles sequences.

Categorising title sequences

Titles on a blank screen: 

Titles on a blank screen are used to create a high contrast, studios uses them because they are low budget but also because they can offer a simple, uncomplicated way to include information at the beginning of the film. With an example of Alfred Hitchcock 1960's film Psycho, title designer Sul Bass, the use of having titles on a blank screen sets the film tone with the music that plays behind it catches your attention as the music it quite sudden and makes you not want to miss anything including the beginning as you think something is going to happen straight away though only the credits are being shown.

Titles on still images:

A development of titles accompanied by still images coincide with credits getting longer to incorporate more of the crew and to show their contribution to the film as a whole. The music and still images introduces the tone of the film and a bits of the genre and themes in the film. With an example of Richard Loncraine 2004 film Wimbledon, title designer Kyle Cooper, the use of having titles on still images is that I didn't know it was about tennis (hence the title of the film) at first however with the play of images and sound effects of a ball hitting a bat It was a very clever way of creating a titles sequence, the simple creativity catches your attention.

Titles over moving images:

Having titles over a moving image is used to offer a metaphor, a narrative thread and to help the audience indicate the tone or storyline of the film. With example of Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lundn 2002 film, title designer ?, with its sharp editing of the knife and in time with the music you are intrigued, I can see it's got something to do about a community/neighbourhood and something to do with cameras as when the title of the film is shown it it with someone taking a picture.  

Titles using animation or motion:

This became popular in the late 90's, titles become apart of  the moving image, it requires a lot of digital technology and stylised editing. With an example of Martin Campbell 2006 film, title designer Daniel Kleinman, It sets the plot in a casino, uses symbols from playing cards, create a storyboard/ short film in itself for what we could see when watching the full film.

Narrative title sequences:

The titles are joined into the moving image to create a short film itself with either an establishing shot or as part of a series of establishing shot. An example being Stanley Kubrick 1980 film The Shining, title designer Stephen King, it as if the film has already began and you don't want to miss anything, with another example of David Fincher 2002 film Panic Room, tiles designer company The Picture Mill and special effects company ComputerCafe, it gives you the setting of the film being New York City and having the tiles in big and bold letters show the use of the title being 'Panic' you would associates it being something big and bold to alert you.

Discrete title sequences:

Uses both moving images and titles however isn't telling us clearly what the film's plot or storyline is, gives us information to help set the tone and gives you clues on what we could expect to happen.  David Fincher 1995 film Se7en, title designer Kyle Cooper,  the use of the typography as handwriting form sets it like someone is keeping a diary/journal, the snaps of x-rays, razors, blood and hands gives has sense it could be a thriller, psycho film. 

Stylised title sequences:

A mixture of Narrative and Discrete titles and have stylised with filters and motion to create a combined effect, an example being Tony Scott 2009 film The taking of Pelham 1 2 3, it was a bit to much going on, with the fast and slow editing then with the dialogue happening with the titles appearing I didn't know what or who I was looking at to give information about the film at the same time.



Personal Preference: Which category of title sequence do you prefer and why?

I liked the Discrete title sequence a lot because it gives you clues on what the film is about but doesn't give to much away as it gets you thinking on what could happen so you can have that moment of realisation when you find out.