The three types of OTSBy Ciaran, Harry, Jack, Jake

LinearA linear opening title sequence has an order to it. It is presented in a chronological order to let the story unfold. An example of this is Forrest Gump. During the opening title sequence, it follows the journey of feather falling to the floor in the middle of the city. Once it lands we are introduced to the main character (Forrest) who is sitting on a park bench. He then picks up the feather and puts it in his breifcase. The idea of this is to gradually let the story develop as it also introduces us to the sort of character that Forrest is.

Linear(2)A second example of a Linear opening title sequence is Anchorman. This involves the main character which is a news reporter presenting the news. In the title sequence there are many takes of him presenting certain things. As a result the audience is introduced to the main character and the type of behaviour that he has. Lastly, at the start of it there is an establishing shot which tells the audience where the film is set. This is the start of the where the story unfolds. This is followed up why shots which first introduce Ron Burgundy to the audience.

Non LinearA non linear opening title sequence is the opposite of a linear sequence. A non linear title sequence tends to have montage editing within it. An example of this is the opening title sequence of Seven. This mostly consists of a person’s hand editing a book or paper of some sort. However, this character is not introduced to us in the title sequence. Also, the cast and crews names are shown. This is done with the same theme and typography as the rest of the sequence. Lastly, there is a distorted picture behind the text on these slides.

Non Linear(2)Another example of a NonLinear opening title sequence is The Walking Dead. This title sequence mainly consists of locations being showed in a distorted way. This then creates the theme for the film from the beginning. In each one of the shots. there are names that appear on the screen. These are the people who are involved in the making of the film and also include some of the actors and actresses. Lastly, the main title appears at the end in a bold font.

SymbolicA symbolic opening title sequence rarely consists of shots from the actual film. A good example of a symbolic opening title sequence is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This consists of a black substance which is represented to be ink which reflects the tattoo side of the film is getting thrown across the screen throughout. As this is done loud music is also being played. The black theme for it is constant and this then sets the mood for the rest of the film. The shots in this type of sequence are usually animated but can be edited to look different to what they are.

Symbolic (2)A second example of a symbolic opening title sequence is Skyfall. This title sequence mainly consists of various montages which will represent certain aspects of the film itself. At one point there is a small James Bond being pulled through the water by a larger hand. This signifies to the audience that James Bond is seen as the weaker person in the film. Lastly, at various points during the sequence blood and a skull is used. This portrays that death could be a huge theme within the actual film.