title sequence

1. Title sequences

2. 1) Name of Distributor
Experience in genre: 'Smash' (2012) 'Jimi: All is by my side' (2014)
'Virtuoso' (2015)
Nashville (2012)
‘Experience in Genre is key’
The distributor having previous experience in the genre of the film can be key to the success of the actual film for the
following reasons:
• If the previous film did not go so well it allows them to work on improving their next film of the same genre from
experience- in terms of what went well and what didn’t.
• If the previous film did go well then audiences who are likely to have seen it or be aware of it (due to the exchange
promoted during the film’s campaign although extent of exchange is subject to the size of the distributor, e.g.
Lionsgate as oppose to XLrator Media) will immediately refer to the previous film(s) and expect a high standard.
Inside llewyn davis
cbgb
Behind the candelabra
Grace
unplugged

3. Why?
•Name of distributor comes up first to set the
standard of the movie. Distributors that are well
known for producing movies that perform well
at the box office (e.g. CBS, HBO, LIONSGATE) are
likely to reassure the audience that the film they
are about to watch will be of the same, or
exceeding standard.

4. HBO have incorporated a ‘rainbow’ coloured
stripe into their title which connotes the theme
of homosexuality and the ‘disco’ era
CBS has incorporated a ‘spotlight’ in
their title sequence which connotes a
theme of dreams and stardom
Lionsgate’s title floats among clouds which is
typical of them but often changes for different
genres (e.g. red for horror). The fact that they
have maintained this azure-blue sky connotes
the purity and light-heartedness of the movie
XLRator have gone for a purple font among a
black background in comparison with their usual
dark blue font. This along with the punk music in
background connotes a punk/rock theme

5. Why may the date be set?
•Date in large font among predominantly dark
background prepares the audience for what
they’re going to experience.
•Those who lived during the era experience a
sense of nostalgia or can easily identify with it

6. Selected Examples of connotations - CBGB
Small ‘scratchy’ font in dark background. Blunt statement, makes the audience feel
intrigued as ‘most people’ may refer to them.
Fast tempo cuts suits the dynamics of the punk music in the background. Cut to shot of
large animated font that suits the ‘punky’ theme of the film, its juxtaposed on top of
the place in question in order to give it meaning . The fast cut from small font to large
font emphasizes the instability of the era.
This sense of instability is emphasized in title’s
like ‘somewhere in Connecticut’ – this
signifies a lack of structure.

7. Small word among dark screen carries impact
Answer is over a dark screen and not placed over the ‘basement’ as the
words would detract the audience from viewing the basement and thus
seeing the musical mise-en-scene that holds relevant meaning. It also allows
additional scenes to be cut between to amplify the sense of an increasing
tempo.
This scene appears during title sequence to
emphasize the degree to which the audience may
be wrong in order to increase shock. The shots are
used as answers, the man is placed to the left of
the shot which allows audiences to see objects
around the room that connote musical themes
Posters of bands on walls enforce the theme of musical
elements

8. ‘Here’ is written in large bold font and follows the ‘punk’ style theme. It
is right in the middle of the screen and is situated in front of the place in
question so in terms of mise-en-scene the audience can follow the
development of the theme through the fast tempo and placement of
words. It is also large enough so that the audience can read the name of
the place ‘CBGB’ and ‘HERE’ at the same time.

9. Sound
CBGB
•Punk music throughout sequence
•Reinforces the theme
•Creates a sense of anticipation and nostalgia
Inside Llewyn Davis
•Discussion can be heard in background
•Music starts playing, silences discussion
•Implies that music is being played live, there is an intimate anticipation.
Behind the Candelabra
•Disco music from beginning of titling sequence, audience know exactly what to expect;
•A foreshadowing of an upbeat-tempo movie
•The music belongs to a certain generation, also creates a nostalgic anticipation.
Grace Unplugged
•The musical accompaniment of the distributor and producer is prioritised over any possible implement of music
linking to narrative, fails to create any certain feeling or anticipation. However audience’s may still be impressed
by the involvement of Lionsgate who’s musical accompaniment of loud booming sound also represents the size of
the company.

10. Length of titling sequence
•Inside Llewyn Davis: 30 seconds
•Behind the Candelabra: 17 seconds
•CBGB: 58 seconds
•Grace Unplugged: 38 seconds
Shorter titling sequences like Behind the Candelabra and Inside Llewyn Davis use the music during the titling sequence to
introduce narrative themes rather than physically portray visual footage. In terms of suspense, this is useful in allowing the build
up to be satisfied by an imminent entrance into the film rather than to wait for a prolonged time and lose anticipation. Longer
films like Grace Unplugged prioritised their titling sequences which were rather long. CBGB did the same thing however snippets
of the narrative were included along with interactive statements for the audience to keep their focus and anticipation intact.
Therefore, a long basic titling sequence is not favorable however if a long titling sequence is used then interactive elements may
distract the audience during the period.

11. Summary of Codes and
Conventions
lMost musical dramas tend to play music that fits their genre during the title sequence.
lThe two movies that did the best in terms of audience ratings had the shortest title sequences.
lLonger title sequences used the opening to introduce the narrative rather than imply it.
lName of distributor is always first and is then followed by the production company.
lSome titling sequences may include when the date is set, this seems to be more of a choice than a convention.
Including the date, however, would contribute to easing the audience into the film.
lNone of the four movies I viewed had the name of the film in the opening titling sequence so this may be
common in movies of this theme.