What Title Sequences Can Teach You About Design

By Kathleen Burns , Aug 25 2014
Movie Theater Seats

Featured Image: ThinkStock/Aerogondo

I think of title sequences like a stage curtain. When the curtain comes up, there is a moment of anticipation. You want it to draw you from your everyday life into this fantastic world and give you a peek inside. It’s a world builder moment.

Crafting a good title sequence is an art, and modern television and movies have nailed how to design the curtain that draws you into the fantasy world you’re about to experience. And the designers behind the title sequences do it in an extremely short timeframe with their brilliant executions of design elements.

A title sequence will make or break a project

Title sequences or the opening sequence can often be the most important part of a film or television show. Their job is setting the tone, atmosphere and characters for the audience. Done correctly, and you’ll lead your audience to exactly where you want them to be.

The design of the opening sequence is directly related to what you are about to watch, and for that reason the elements of design used should be given due attention so that they effectively make an impact on the audience.

For your inspiration, check out what makes the following title sequences work, and what design elements they used to push the theme.

1.  Zombieland

Here’s a popular film example of typography that has been mentioned in numerous articles. However, it is simply one of the best!

The font needed to be inconspicuous so that viewers focused on how the human characters interacted with the titles, and the font was made interactive and often moved with the shot. Typography is prominently featured in the rest of the film as well.

The typography served as an expository device and as a character, not only because it helps introduce viewers to the world, but continuingly gives important information to the viewers in an entertaining manner.

2. Carnivale

This television show opener blends graphic animation of a tarot deck and old news clips to create the somber atmosphere of the Great Depression. Not only did it introduce viewers to the world, but it established a mystical and a gritty theme for the rest of the show.

3. Dexter

If you’re looking for a way to explain a show in a short time that has a powerful theme, Dexter is one of the best examples. The opening sequence’s theme is all about violence in our everyday lives.

Using the color red to carry the violence theme throughout the opening, it shows various snippets of Dexter’s start of the day. This title sequence connects everything needed to keep viewers in their seats.

4. Lost

One of the largest fan-following television programs out there, it seems out of place that a show that grabbed the attention of millions has such a simple opening.  For a show that is reliant on instant gratification, this minimalist title sequence works perfectly to keep up the momentum and the blurry title creates a sense of mystery to the show.

The lack of colors and other images build curiosity about the show’s theme.

5. Watchmen

One of my favorite title sequences ever, this expository opening explains everything an audience would need to know about the alternate world.

By using slow motion shots and powerful flashes to draw attention, these designers knew exactly where they wanted the eye to focus.

6. The Walking Dead

With no actual shots of the show’s theme of zombies, this opening sequence instead uses powerful images with a faded, dirty color filter to convey a message. The combination of these elements leaves the viewer the impression of broken lives, homes, and a world that is steadily getting darker.

7. Catch Me if You Can

The playful animation jaunt that this title sequence takes you through shows the multiple hats the characters will play in the movie. Simple animation style combined with the bright blue colors conveys the sense of trust everyone has in the main character. This movie is setting you up.

8. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

The signature lit fuse is the line that draws your attention through the whole MI title sequence. Not only does it keep the audience engaged, lines are useful for dividing space and drawing the eye to a specific location. The designers certainly knew you would keep your eye on that while they briefly summed up the movie right in front of you. Did you notice?

9. Game of Thrones

Using a combination of shapes and scale, this animated sequence shows you how small armies are compared to the size of the world. The designers worked hard to put everything in perspective.

10. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Stylish animation and cheeky references make this title sequence a pleasure to watch. With a bold color scheme and playful typography, it pokes fun at the film-noir genre and all of its over-the-top moments.

Making the perfect title sequence isn’t easy

A graphic designer’s task when making the perfect opening sequence is figuring out what job the opener is fulfilling. From there, a designer works with the director and composer to design something that not only explains the piece following it, but establishes what a viewer should expect.

What design elements best fits the piece?

What type of title sequence make the most sense?

What engages the audience to continue watching?

Consider these questions as part of your homework before you take on a project like this. If you aren’t sure how to answer them you need to study more about title sequences, how and why certain design elements are used.

Are you a designer and would like to share about your favorite title sequence? Let us know @ZillionDesigns!

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Kathleen is a New Jersey blogger with an interest in brand design and a passion for graphic design, illustration, and social media. She loves to deliver inspiration to others to give them the means to achieve their branding and design goals.

 

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