Institutional Conventions of Film Titles

From what I already know from my own understanding of opening titles is that there is usually a pattern throughout different films, but lack understanding on everything which is included within it.

Our final Piece is to research and create a film opening which I have thought of and created using the evidence which I research, which means that I will need a good understanding on all of the codes and conventions so I will be able to produce a good film opening title.

Title Opening overview ‘A title sequence is the method by which films present their title. It typically includes the text of the opening credits and helps to establish the setting and genre of the film.’Title sequences can be considered to be the most important part of the film as this helps to show the tone, the atmosphere and the characters to the audience. These can help the film either make it or break it as this helps the audience to decide whether they are going to enjoy the film or not. The opening title sequence of a film is that film's opportunity to make a good first impression on the viewer. A well-crafted title sequence introduces the audience to the tone and theme of the film as well as the cast and crewIn motion pictures the opening credits are seen at the very beginning of film and list the most important members of the production.

The opening sequences of a film should always help the audience to establish what the genre of the film is, usually by the key conventions of that specific genre. (e.g. for horror there would more than likely be connotations of red to connote death and blood).

Opening title sequence order

The names and logos of the studio(s) who have produced and/ or Distributed it The possessory credits (Basically ‘A film By …’ or ‘A …. Film’) Starring (The key actors ) The Films Title The featured actors Casting crew The Music composer Production designer The Editor(s) The producer Based on the book (only used if film was based on a book or any other literary work) Story by The Screenplay/ writer(s) The director

The Production and Distribution Companies Name / Logo

A films opening will always show the logos of the production and sometimes the distribution companies (if the company is different to the production company). These are always expected by the audience as they usually help to set up the expectations for a film (e.g. if the paramount logo is shown the audience will know that the film is likely to be a big budget blockbuster). The logos or identifications of the production companies tend to be the very first thing which the audience will see as this helps to establish to the audience who produced it and who funded it (as not all studios who create it, distribute the film).

Some examples of Distribution and Production Companies

Distributer

Production

Both

Both

BothBoth

Production

Both

At the start of most films they will always show the production or distribution logos. In some cases, if the film has a high budget the logo of the company will be adapted to reflect the genre and story line of the film. (e.g. Warner Bros. Pictures does this)

Scooby Doo (2002)

A good example of a high budget company who adapts their logo are the Warner Brothers Picture. Who are able to give the audience hints about the genre of the film and also their target audience. Some examples can be:

Scooby Doo (2002) which can be shown to be more children friendly before the opening has really began as the lighting of the logo its self is very light and in no ways dark, there are also bright clouds and skies again suggesting that this is child friendly and is more than likely going to be a cartoon

For the film the reaping (2007), the Warner Bros. Pictures changed their logo so it was given the effect of blood, therefore connoting to the audience that this films genre may be a horror as red often represents blood. This showing that this is more than likely to not be ‘child friendly’ and has more than likely got a age certificate of 15 due to the blood and gore which might be in it.

For all of the Harry Potter films Warner Bros. Studios changed the theme of the logo and the background behind the logo this could suggest that the story behind each film gets more darker up until the deathly hallows where it is the most eeriest due to the fact that that is the last film and quite a few iconic characters die in it .

The Director

The director is typically put last in the title sequence this is mainly due to the Directors Guild of America. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) is a guild which represents the interest of film directors in the USA and abroad. Which states that the ‘Directed by’ credit must be the last in the main titles.

However in some films this is not the case as some decide to put the director before the end and put another persons name in who played a key role last instead.