The Art Of Film Title Design

Week 1: Homework

Our assignment:

Read the article and show that you have understood it by picking out at least five points which are of interest to you.

Article

I think it's amazing how much title sequences have developed over the years.  They have changed from very plain and basic old-fashioned designs like D.W. Griffith’s 'Intolerance' (1916), providing only the essential information for the audience.

Nowadays, there are various images and even whole scenes that create the title sequence.  These are used to show the genre of the film, possibly hinting at the plot too.  There are also many more names included, due to how films have grown and therefore more people are needed to make them.

Monsters Inc. has always been one of my favourite title sequences, even when I was younger.  However, it is not until now how I realise how similar it is to the older, more traditional title sequences that show the basic information.  The Monsters Inc. titles do this in a more colourful and animated way, in time with music.

The Bond title sequences are iconic.  Typography that 'interacts with metaphorical imagery or to create its own world' is a great technique used for opening sequences.  I feel it helps set a certain mood for the film and engages the audience.

It seems the more creative a title sequence is, the more popular it becomes.  As shown by the Bond and Pink Panther series.  Graphic designers played a huge part in the development of title sequences and they possibly wouldn't have allowed film makers to be as experimentative.

In conclusion, title sequences have changed drastically, but in a positive way.  They are much more engaging and can be crucial to set the tone of the film.  Their development means the audience and other film makers can appreciate them more; still taking note of the essential information presented, yet also of the time and effort put into them while enjoying them.