Opening Sequences - Research

Tuesday, 28, February 

What is the purpose of Opening Sequences:

- In TV, Film, and Video Games, the opening credits are shown at the very beginning and list the most important members of the production. 

- They are usually presented as text alongside some action and a soundtrack. 

What is the difference between Opening Credits and a Title Sequence:                                                                                   - A Title Sequence will only list the key members in the production of the film.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                - An Opening Sequence will consist of, Action, a Soundtrack, and list the key members in the production of the film.

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence:                                                                                               An Opening Sequence can consist of techniques such as -

- Diegetic and Non-diegetic sound

- Voice-over

- Animation

- Non-traditional Editing Techniques

- And other Creative Formats

 Opening Sequences Research:

James Bond, Skyfall -

Analysis:

-2D styled graphics in 3D enviroments

-Live-action styled Animation

-Mirrored/Kaleidoscope effect

-Non-diegetic Soundtrack lyrics link to what is happening on screen 

-Animations convey certain events that will take place in the film (Symbolism) 

-A tracking shot is primarily used to convey the 'journey' of the story

Vertigo -

Analysis:

-Close-up shots of face, focuses in on the eye

-Animation mainly consists of swirled patterns, linking to the idea of 'Vertigo'

-Non-diegetic score sounds almost 'creepy', or almost 'hallucination-like' 

-Kaleidoscope effect

The Day After Tomorrow -

Analysis:

-Primarily uses Tracking Shots, journeying to where the first scene will take place

-Non-diegetic score sounds eerie, then builds up as setting is revealed

-Doesn't use animations, primarily live-action focused

-Settings link to the film plot

Comparisons:

-All three of these Opening Sequences have been done extremely well, and all set the scenes for each of their individual movies.

-Skyfall and Vertigo primarily use animation in their opening credits, along with live-action sequences

-The Day After Tomorrow doesn't use animation sequences, and is instead a continuous tracking shot of the surroundings

-Skyfall uses a soundtrack, where as Vertigo and Day After Tomorrow use a score

-Skyfall and Day After Tomorrow use tracking shots

-Skyfall and Vertigo bring forth kaleidoscope type shots

-All of the animations and settings in each opening link to the film plot

-All include the credits of key Actors, Directors, and Editing teams