Opening Sequence

An opening sequence is the method by which films or television programmes present their title and key production and cast members, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound. It typically includes the text of the opening credits and helps establish the setting and tone of the film. It may consist of live action, animation, music, still images, and/or graphics.

Purpose:

The opening credits inform the audience which studios or production companies were involved in making the film, and they run the name of the major stars in the cast. Similarly, the end credits, which appear after the final scene of  a film, list everyone involved in the production.

For example, this opening sequence from 'Catch Me If You Can'

An opening sequence is not just an intro to a TV show or a film to display credits. They are an opportunity to set the tone; you get to invite your audience into the fictional world and give them a taste of what it is like. Opening sequences can reinforce brand identity and provide instant recognition.

In some films, the opening credits are used as the establishing shot and this is a very popular approach as it gives the audience a clear visual as to where the film is located and set around.

Difference between opening credits and a title sequence:

Opening credits are the names of the cast and crew, producers, studios, etc. that are displayed on-screen. These can be superimposed over an opening scene, over a black screen, or over a still background.

When these opening credits are given a standalone "sequence", or a series of shots created specifically to present them, we call that a title sequence. A title sequence is a part of a TV show or movie's intro that is dedicated to crediting the cast and crew and displaying a title card. (A title card is a graphic that says the name of the movie).

E.g. this "Stranger Things' graphic would be an example of a title card and fits under the 'title sequence' term.

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

Opening title sequences are important not just because of the fact that they give credit where it is due, but also because they're designed to capture the essence of the TV show or film's story. The style, music, imagery, typography, and text animation of the opening sequence all work together to create a brilliant fusion between graphic design and filmmaking.

Examples of Techniques:

• Ink Title Sequence (e.g. Marco Polo)
• Embedding simple title credits (e.g. Gattaca)
• Double exposure (e.g. True Detective)
• Illustrated title sequence (e.g. Jessica Jones)

Today, title sequences are much easier to make with the advancements in After Effects CC. In fact, there are now libraries of AE templates from which video editors can simply replace the text and images and have a completely new title sequence in about 60 minutes, instead of months at a time.

Hitchcock film: Vertigo (1976)

Directed and produced by the prominent 'Master of Suspense', Alfred Hitchcock, 'Vertigo' is an American psychological thriller film based on the 1954 novel, 'D'entre les morts'. The film's plot follows a San Francisco detective forced into retirement due to his suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights) and vertigo; he is hired to investigate his old friend's wife due to her suspicious mannerisms and develops a hazardous obsession with her. Saul Bass enchants audiences with his revolutionary definitive style and iconic visuals within the title credits and sequence.

Saul Bass compelled audiences with his inventive opening sequences and graphics, as well as providing a rejuvenation of kinetic typography.

Kinetic typography is the technical term for 'moving text', an animation technique which combines motion and text in the format of a video which expresses concepts and ideas. It can also be used to evoke a particular emotion.

The opening sequence commences with a fast-paced non-diegetic composition which is ostinato (a continually repeated musical repeated musical phrase or rhythm) composed of brass and woodwind instruments: the music is eerie and unsettling, clearly presenting the thriller theme. A significant convention of the opening sequence of a film is to establish the genre. As the music continues, it crescendos and becomes louder, having an intense impact on the viewer as it is more intimidating.

The company cards are in black and white, portraying the film as mysterious, perhaps even implying a neo-noir (a revival of the genre noir) style, enforcing the theme of crime and detectives, as the main character is a detective.

Modern Thriller: Skyfall (2012)

The opening sequence of 'Skyfall' unravels an abundance of indications towards the genre. The audience are soon introduced to the iconography of the film: the guns represent these motifs and creates the cross genre of crime and action, along with drama.

A James Bond film's title sequence often reflects the theme of the story, and the audience can see this with the camera work. The first shot is an establishing shot of the protagonist, James Bond, drowning. At the start of the shot, the audience witnesses a low angle, which typically denotes power. However, the audience is not shown Bond's face until it the shot is a high angle, which signifies a loss in power or control in Bond. Additionally, a tracking shot into a medium shot is used, suggesting that we are following Bond on a journey.

As the protagonist is pulled into a dark hole, the camera shot (high angle) reinforces that Bond is vulnerable and suggests that what happens next in his journey is unknown.

The red blood has connotations with danger and seeing as it shows a target, it implies that Bond is the target in this film.

To the end of the opening sequence, an extreme close up of Bond's eye is used. The camera zooms into his pupils , suggesting that the film is going to be portrayed from his perspective or point of view.

The shot of the falling daggers turning into a graveyard is significant as it foreshadows events that will happen in the film. For example, Raoul Silva is killed in a graveyard by used of a dagger.