Blog Task 8: Research into Institutions

Blog Task 7: Analysis of Easy A

The film title sequence I have chosen to analyse is 'Easy A' which is an American Teen Romantic Comedy film. The title sequence starts off with establishing shots to help the audience distinguish the setting for the film e.g. the city sign of 'Ojai' tells the audience where the film is located; there is also a shot of a high school 'Ojai North High School' clearly states the film is set at a high school and gives the audience an idea of what to expect. However, before we even see the establishing shots, the film is introduced with non-diegetic music - relating to the genre. The type of title being used is titles on a moving image and the action taking place behind the titles show several groups of high

schoolers socializing and chatting, and then showing the stereotype of one student in particular being pushed to the ground. The sequence is also a narrative as it becomes obvious to the audience what the genre is and the type of film it will be. The font used is just a simple, white capitalized style allowing the audience to easily see who the main people were in making the film. The way the cast names are introduced blends in with what is happening behind them and makes the sequence more visually interesting. 

Another noticeable aspect about the title sequence is the fact that we're being introduced to something that's already happened. A voice over of the main character (Emma Stone) is telling 'her side of the story' to the audience, therefore is introducing a flashback. 

What titles do we see and in which order? 

Screen Gems presents 

An Olive Bridge Entertainment production 

A Will Gluck Film (director)

Title 

Main cast 

Casting by 

Costume Designer 

Music Supervisor 

Edited by 

Production Designer 

Director of Photography 

Produced by 

Written by 

Directed by 

Blog Task 6: 4 Types of Film Openings

Title sequences have evolved massively over the past years in response to the institutional information needed, whether or not it needs to introduce or clarify later themes in the film and as a result of development in technology.  

How many categories of title sequences can be identified? 

4 main categories to focus on 

Titles on a blank screen 

→ Historically the most common 

→ Some studios use them because they are of low budget 

→ They offer an uncomplicated way of including all relevant institutional information  

→ Typically, white font is used on a black background to create contrast

Example 1: Pulp Fiction 

This title sequence begins with a few seconds of action in which a man and woman are holding up guns and shouting. Immediately this grabs the attention of the audience, and also gives the audience a chance to read the titles as there is nothing else to focus on. The credits are presented with 'Pump it' by Black Eyed Peas and is fast and catchy, unlike the titles; this gives the idea that more can be expected from the film. The font is quite simple, yellow and white, introduced on a black blank screen. Although this is simple, the font colour contrasts against the black background and stands out. 

Example 2: Labyrinth 

The title sequence for labyrinth includes more visual effects, yet is still presented on a black screen. Owls are flying over the blank screen and at one point, as the bird flies across the screen, cast names are presented. The film title is a blue font which glows against the background, however the rest of the cast and crew are a plain turquoise colour; again this colour contrasts against the simplicity of the background. 

Titles on still images 

→ This type of opening allows an institution to incorporate different types of text on visual images to add an effect, and also to possibly hint at potential themes and genres for the film

Example: Wimbledon 

This title sequence is a mixture between still images and moving images; creating a more complex yet simple sequence. The sound effects, as well as the images, make it clear what exactly the film is about without actually saying so. 

Titles over moving images 

→ Moving images can serve as a way to introduce the theme or plot for the film and gives the audience a chance to make a judgement 

Example: Titanic 

There are many different examples of titles over moving images; Titanic is one example which presents a narrative sequence as well as titles over a moving image. It's obvious, from the opening sequence, that the film is retelling the story of the 'Titanic' and the music that accompanies this suggests a sad storyline and will potentially create an emotional response from the audience. 

Titles using animation or motion

→ Requires a good amount of digital technology, graphic effects and stylized editing

Example: Catch Me If You Can

This film opening is full animation and is quite mysterious, leading the audience to guess what's going to happen and jump to their own conclusions.

Blog Task 5: Extension Activity

What is the purpose of a film opening? 

The main purpose of an opening sequence is to set a scene for the audience to establish the mood and atmosphere before the film begins, giving the film a chance to make a 'good first impression'. This can be from the presentation of a character, location, narrative or a particular theme. The opening frame of any film is used to grab the viewers attention and entice them to carry on watching.

There are many different types of film openings, each with their own purpose: An animated title sequence, flashback, flash-forward, a close-up/tracking shot and a narration over any mentioned.

Animation can be used in a film opening to present the beginning of the film in a creative way; some animated openings can use actual actors and some are fully animated - a good example of these methods are Juno and Catch Me If You Can. 

'Juno' animated title sequence with actors 

'Catch Me If You Can' fully animated title sequence

There are also many film opening conventions that can have an effect on the purpose of a film opening:
→ Studio/Productions
The majority of films start with different studio/production logos e.g. 20th Century Fox and Universal Studios and this is because they are advertising the company that has helped with distributing/producing. Some of the logos change their popular theme songs to match the film e.g. the cast of Pitch Perfect singing the theme of Universal and when Ralph from The Simpsons sings the theme of 20th Century Fox.

→ Titles/Opening credits 

All films feature opening credits which generally include the name of the film and all of the important people involved e.g. directors, producers and cast. Many opening credits nowadays take a more creative approach like Skyfall which shows an extensive use of graphical effects. Additionally, the opening credits are normally in a particular order for every film e.g. the director is always mentioned at the beginning and at the end.

→ Narration

The narration/text at the beginning of a film opening informs the audience of what is happening or what is going to happen and it makes the audience understand the storyline a bit better. A good example of this is 500 days of summer; a voice over is used to address to the audience what the film is going to be about. 

→ Non-Diegetic/Diegetic 

A good example of a film that uses non-diegetic sound in it's film opening is 10 Things I Hate About You. The purpose could be to surprise the audience and clearly state the genre of the film e.g. 10 Things I Hate About You is a high school Teen Drama film and the opening upbeat non-diegetic music reflects this. However, if a Horror film used non-diegetic music in the opening, it would be quite slow and intimidating. 

Blog Task 4: Analyse 2 Title Sequences

Film title: Skyfall

What titles do we see and in which order? 

→ Production 

→ Character of James Bond (Daniel Craig)

→ Title 

→ Main Cast 

→ Co-Producers 

→ Script Supervisor 

→ Sound Recordist 

→ Electrical Supervisor 

→ Second Unit Assistant Director

→ Make Up Designer 

→ Hair Designer 

→ Mr. Craig's Make Up 

→ Wardrobe Supervisor 

→ Publicity and Marketing 

→ Promoting 

→ Supervising Art Director 

→ Set Decorator 

→ Property Master 

→ Construction Manager 

→ Stills Photographer 

→ Visual Effects Producer 

→ Production Supervisor 

→ Location Production Managers 

→ Second Unit Production Manager 

→ Post Production Supervisor 

→ Visual Effects and Miniature Supervisor 

→ Associate Producer 

→ Unit Production Managers 

→ First Assistant Director 

→ Casting 

→ Main Titles Designed by 

→ Special Effects and Miniature Effects Supervisor 

→ Stunt Coordinator 

→ Second Unit Director 

→ Costume Designer 

→ Editors 

→ Director of Photography 

→ Production Designer 

→ Music by

→ Background music title "Skyfall" (performed, written and produced by)

→ Executive Producer 

→ Written by 

→ Produced by 

→ Directed by 

What font/font type is used for the title credits? 

The title of the film is written in white capitalized font with a visible fading effect; this stands out from the blue shades in the background. This neat, classy font (minus the fading effect) is used throughout the whole title sequence when naming the cast & crew. The titles are portrayed on a moving image and live action is taking place behind each credit presented. 

The type of title used is narrative as it is quite obvious what the film will be about; the live action taking place behind the credits show many appearances of weapons like guns, knifes and practise targets. This gives the audience an idea of what the film will involve and the theme.

What I like about this opening: 
It's clear that this film opening, in particular, involved a lot of graphic/visual effects and I really like how we see it go from a moving image to animation. Additionally, a lot of props are highlighted throughout the sequence e.g. guns, knifes and targets - all of which represent James Bond. 

Watch the opening sequence here: http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/skyfall/

Film title: Scott Pilgrim vs the World 

What titles do we see and in which order?

→ Production 

→ Title 

→ Main Cast 

→ Casting by 

→ Music Composed by 

→ Music Supervisor 

→ Co-Producers

→ Costume Designer 

→ Visual Effects Supervisor 

→ Editors 

→ Production Designer 

→ Director of Photography 

→ Executive Producers

→ Produced by 

→ Based on the novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley 

→ Screenplay by 

→ Directed by 

What font/font type is used for the title credits?

The title of the film is presented in a very light yellow colour which flashes the colours of red and blue; making the text appear almost 3D. This font is also used throughout the presentation of the main cast. The titles are portrayed on moving images of several different colours and motion patterns; linking with the flashing of the text. 

What I like about this opening:

The opening of the film shows the introduction of Universal, however with a video game sound theme song. This sound effect is interesting as it gives the audience an idea of what the film will involve and introduces the theme of video games. 

Watch the opening sequence here: http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world/

Blog Task 3: What is a Title Sequence?

A title sequence is what we see at the beginning of any film; they are a key aspect to setting any type of scene and atmosphere. Generally, the purpose of the titles are often used to showcase the cast and crew involved in the production.

As well as this, the title sequence gives the audience the knowledge of the main people who have had the most important roles. From the titles, a positive form of promotion is created, perhaps promoting a particular actor/actress in a leading debut. The titles additionally show a sign of status/importance as the most important roles will be presented first; an invitation of what to expect later on in the film and who to possibly see more of.

'Juno' title sequence

The Breakfast Club Remake

Joram was the only one present from our group on the day that the re-make was made due to me being ill and Joel helping with the college production. Therefore, our group couldn't produce a re-make. However, Joram helped Group 3 with their re-make and we both edited it together the next lesson.

Blog Task 4: Analysis 2 title sequences

Skyfall
The title sequence of skyfall is one of the best title sequences any film has offered. It is enticing and with a memorable blend of images and a timeless song this is really how all title sequences should follow. It performs all of the essential functions a title sequence is meant to , showing the names of the main cast and production team , so thankfully it isn't lost in it visual effects. However the ever changing images i.e the giant hand pulling James Bond down after he falls into the water at the beginning of the film , or seeing the shadow of the man he shall be battling throughout the film , or even the giant blood red skull in the middle of the water , all add massively to this sequence. It makes it interesting to the audience despite the content and actual story line of the film not being there. It shows glimpses of the film , such as a picture of James Bond with a bullet in this shoulder , or the creepy old orphanage known as , Skyfall , where the final battle takes place  , showing a slight foreshadowing of the film. The music , specially made by award winning singer Adele is specifically suited to this film , making it original and one of a kind , which is important since it derives it from becoming like every other title sequence , with a similar dramatic upbeat generic song.

The Incredible Hulk
Another title sequence with a heavy use of imagery and sounds. However this one isn't as effective as Skyfall. The Incredible Hulk is a character created by Marvel , so its only natural the company that made them appear at the beginning. The title sequence uses a lot less names of important actors and producers and relies more on looking at the past of hulk , one that has been seen many times. However it looks it it from a different angle , one in which he is fleeing the government and moves away , something that is not often highlighted. This gives a foreshadowing of the film , but not to much to give away the basis of 50% of the film. However the images used aren't as unique and compelling as that of skyfall , nor do they grab your attention , especially because anyone who knows of hulk knows how he became the monster he is now , so showing it again in a different way would probably bore people. However the dramatic song , however generic sounding it may be , uses a very harsh and demanding sound , one that forces you to listen.

What is a title sequence?

A title sequence is how films and/or TV programs show their title , the main members of the production cast and cast members. They do this through the use of different sounds i.e the films main theme song and other dramatic songs , and visuals as in sort close up shots of the characters is a good example. Opening sequences often differ from more visually stimulating ones , as opposed to more plain and less revealing ones.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxN2IsLbZqo

The avengers is a good example of a very visually stimulated title sequence however not all films will follow suit. Another one is The Amazing Spider man 2 , both who use excellent background music and visuals to bring together an excellent title sequence , one that follows an often great film.

What is a target audience?

Preliminary Task

2. PRELIM Saffron Jaram Jakub Jamey from 283goswell on Vimeo.
4. PRELIM Ogo Esther Joel Jonathan from 283goswell on Vimeo.

Blog Task 3: What is a title sequence?

A title sequence is the opening scene of all films. This is done to introduce the film. A good title sequence sets expectation for the film , building the much awaited anticipation of the film for the next few hours. A title sequence usually involves the logo , the company name than that produced it i.e marvel , the name of the director and producer and the names of the main characters. It is often about 3-4 minutes , not revealing to much about the film.

Introduction

We are group 2 and we will be working on a fantastic piece of coursework!

Led by Joel; he shall take the group to the top of the mountain

Joel & Joram 

Also in our group is Jamey & Pollie 

Enjoy!