TEXTUAL ANALYSIS USING ‘ART OF THE TITLE’ By Abbie Hallam

THE SHOTS USED AND THE IMPACT ON THE VIEWER ON THE WALKING DEAD. When watching this opening sequence it is clear that it is a horror/thriller. Lots of establishing shots used to set the scene of where they are located and shows all the derelict buildings. An extreme close up of the eyeball, shows detail of a distressed eye moving from side to side. This gives the viewer a sense of shock when seeing a zombies eye as it isn't a very nice sight. Also a tilt shot of the room, this was to show movement of the camera. The shot shows the bare and dirty decor of the abandoned house and the low-key dingy lighting which emphasises the fact of a horror genre. All these shots set the scene and add tension. All of the shots are mainly fast paced and go quickly to the next shot and can emphasises on all the chaos to come in the episode/series and could also represent time and how long the apocalypse is going on for.

THE TYPOGRAPHY This text is a serif font, this is known for better 'guiding' of readers through blocks of text. This text is very in your face, with a black background and looks very distressed.

‘The Walking Dead’ is shown in yellowing brown letters as if it is decaying, representing the zombies in the series. The main colours chosen are dark and bold, creating the mood and atmosphere fit for a thriller/horror.

All the texts generally contrast against their background so they stand out. The actors names are shown in bold to state their significance.

WHY IS THIS AN EFFECTIVE OPENING The introduction of the abandoned cars, derelict houses and dark lighting immediately enforces the horror genre. The title sequence is effective because it uses a wide range of camera shots and mise en scene which link directly to the horror/thriller genre. The overall soundtrack used in the background is effective at creating tension and suspense with its uneasy, jumpy tone for the opening sequence.

There's is speculation going around that the producers of The Walking Dead might have done a little foreshadowing and included hidden messages in the opening sequence for season three of of The Walking Dead.

WHO'S NAME COMES FIRST? The production company's name AMC comes first in the title sequence. This is because they had a massive role in the production of the film. Next are the actors/actresses in the film. These are featured because they are usually famous people that the audience may recognise. This this is followed by the executive producers. All of these roles have been included in the titles as they are seen as the most important in the film making process. Then last but not least the title of the programme is at the end it big bold letters.