Journal: 15/12/10

Our storyboard is now complete! The final adjustments were made to every frame we have decided to create complete with the timing, type of shot and any other elements we may be including in our title sequence. We made a final production schedule and allocated each other with the roles which were best suited to us. Emily Neil will be our lead in the title sequence itself as well as editing many parts of the opening sequence, Sophie  will be taking the role as the camera woman as well as contributing to the sounds included in parts of the title sequence and the overall editing. Sarah Barker  will be our second camera woman assisting Sophie and also playing a part as an editor. I myself have taken the role as director over seeing every part of the production and making sure we also keep to our deadlines 

Typography Ideas for Title Sequence

Here are some ideas our group came up with as possibilities of featuring in our title sequence.

This style of typography fits the concept of our film which is being taking/abducted seized; this is because the font fades out at the bottom could suggest the idea of being taken.

This second type of font could be an option of the typography we are going to use because it resembles someones handwriting which adds a personal element to the film.

Finally this typography is very distressed looking which may resemble the emotions being felt by the girl who is kidnapped in our film; also it is very intriguing and the white markings leave the viewer questioning what they are and perhaps how they relate to the film.

Production Brief & Treatment

• Production Brief: To create the titles and opening of a new fiction film
• Project name: Seized
• Length: 90 secs - 2 minutes
• Deadline: Friday 11th February
• Group Members and there rolls: Emily - Actor, editor. Daisy - Director, editor. Sophie - Camera woman, breathing sounds, editor. Sarah - Camera woman, editor.
• Brief overview of content: Mum and Daughter live alone as Dad left when Daughter was born. Mum finds a new boyfriend who is a police detective, however he is not getting any recognition at work. Because of this he decided to kidnap his girlfriends daughter as the daughter doesn't like him. By doing this he will solve the case himself and get more recognition from work. However, his girlfriend, the daughters mother finds out what is going on and tells the police which leads to the detective loosing his job and being sent to prison.
• Target audience: Both Genders 15+
• Possible scheduling publishing suggestions: December 2010
• How will you test that whether the product is successful? How will you check that it accomplishes the intended effect: We could produce a questionnaire about the ideas we have for our film and see the feedback we get, also we could produce a film trailer to see how much recognition the film gains.
• What generic codes and conventions will be operating in your text: We plan to use as many codes and conventions we can in our title sequence. We will show the details of all the important cast and crew, being presented in order of importance, the films title, intro to character type, info regarding mood and tone, info on genre, qquestions that the viewer find intriguing, ppatterns and type of editing that will be echoed in the remainder of the film and Mise-en-Scene and cinematography that will be echoed or elaborated upon later in the film.
• Identify any resource constrains that might affect your production and your hopes for your product: I think the main thing we have to keep under control is the amount of time we use for our title sequence, this is because there is so much to do in a little time. To gain the equipment that we need shouldn't be a problem because we can get it all from school and all we need to film our title sequence is a video camera and tripod. I also don't think money will be an issue as we don't have to pay any money to use the areas we want to and some of the filming will take place in school.

Journal: 13/12/10

During todays lesson we made a great start to our storyboard, we now have a clear vision of what we want our title sequence to be like. About half of the storyboard is complete we have decided in the next lesson to consider the timing of each shot, what type of shot the scene will be, setting, any other things which may be included in the frame (e.g. Titles for example 'directed by' 'screen play by' etc.). We have also begun discussing dates by which we would like certain elements of the title sequence to be completed by. 

Title Sequence from the Film: 'Thank you for smoking'

"...the evolution from a simple playbill through to bona fide art form has given us many memorable cinematic moments. Some compliment the narrative of the film to come, others serve simply to visually delight."-doubleonothing.wordpress.com

The above quote would be a perfect way of describing the opening sequence from 'Thank you for smoking' Absolutely brilliant use of motion graphics here, reflecting the different designs of cigarette packets over the decades. The music perfectly compliments the images, and sets us up for the black comedy which follows.

Journal : 8/12/10

In todays lesson we decided to complete all research tasks needed as part of our foundation portfolio. We also decided on the film institution we would have chosen to create and distribute our film-our choice was 'Lions Gate'.

Institution Research:Who would produce/distribute your film?

This presentation shows research into the following film instutions: Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, Lions Gate, New Line Cinema. The presentation also goes on to say which institution we would like to produce and distribute our film. 

Institution research presentation

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Research into the genre of 'Horror'

The video above shows some of the basic themes and character which can be expected to be found within the genre of 'horror'. Most of these characteristics are the basis of any horror movie project. The following quotes show some other thoughts about the genre:

"This predilection for art that promises we will be frightened by it, shaken by it, at times repulsed by it seems to be as deeply imprinted in the human psyche as the counter-impulse toward daylight, rationality, scientific skepticism, truth and the "real." ... And this is the forbidden truth, the unspeakable taboo--that evil is not always repellent but frequently attractive; that it has the power to make of us not simply victims, as nature and accident do, but active accomplices."
-Joyce Carol Oates

The quote above highlights the emotions which can be expected by the audience to have from viewing various elements of a horror film such as being frightened, shaken etc.

"...Many of the feelings that typically attend being horrified are intrinsically unpleasant; for they include gagging, nausea, choking, stomach churning, tenseness, a creepy or crawling sensation, felt in the flesh, and so on."
-Noel Carroll

The quote above emphasises some of the feelings typically associated with an audience throughout the duration of a horror film. The most common would be horrified by the extremism the characters are presented in (such as 'The Excorcism'-1973); stomach churning from the often excruciating pain characters can sometimes be put through in a scene of violence(take for instance any 'Saw' film)and finally the tenseness of the unknown (this is a feeling experienced from not knowing what is going to later happen in the film or the fear of not knowing when something bad is going to happen a prime example of this would be 'Paranormal Activity'-2007).

Title Sequence Analysis: 'Scott Pilgram Vs. The World' (2010)

"Scott Pilgrim plays in a band which aspires to success. He dates Knives Chau, a high-school girl five years younger, and he hasn't recovered from being dumped by his former girlfriend, now a success with her own band. When Scott falls for Ramona Flowers, he has trouble breaking up with Knives and tries to romance Ramona. As if juggling two women wasn't enough, Ramona comes with baggage: seven ex-lovers, with each of whom Scott must do battle to the death in order to win Ramona." -imdb.com

Earlier on in the research process of title sequence's we determined the main elements featured in a title sequence: 

• Details of the cast
• Films Title
• An introduction to character or character type
• Indication of place/setting
• Indication of historical period
• Information regarding tone and mood
• Introduction to signature theme tune
• Information about genre
• Questions which the viewer finds intriguing (sets up enigmas)
• Patterns and types of editing that will be echoed in the remainder of the film
• Mise-en-scene and cinematography that will be echoed or elaborated upon later in the film, therefore possibly foreshadowing a certain event or series of events through the duration of the film

The details of the cast appear in a bold font which makes the typography stand out against the fast paced action in the background. Also the colour of the typography ensures that it is readable against the background which is important for the audience to be able to recognise. 

     

Analysis of contemporary titles/opening vs. older titles/opening

As part of the research evidence needed to create our title sequence, we have to look at two title sequences. One of these must be of an earlier period than the other-a contemporary opening sequence.

The older title sequence I have chosen to analyse is Saul Bass's masterpiece 'Psycho' (1960)As the music swells, the horizontal and vertical lines that appear are driven across the screen in a stabbing motion (similar technique used earlier by Bass in the opening title sequence of 'The Man With The Golden Arm'), foreshadowing the action later to come in the movie. 

Occasionally, a name that appears on screen (for example Alfred Hitchcock) becomes scrambled,which leads to the suggestion that perhaps during the film identities will become scrambled. 

Click to watch the title sequence for 'Psycho' (1960) 

The contemporary opening sequence piece I have decided to look at is 'Zombieland ' (2009). The film is based on two men who have found a way to survive a world which has been overrun by zombies.

These titles are a composition of effectively condensed series of events before the movie, letting the audience know how Zombieland was first created. The sequence presents a dark comic view of the comic demise on society with the style of humour. The use of the Metalica soundtrack heightens the action. Slow motion shot give the audience a firm idea of the setting.

What are 'codes and conventions'?

‘Codes and conventions’ is a term used to describe all things which can be associated with a text; this is why we sometimes use the phrase ‘generic codes and conventions’ to often refer to the signifiers (an alternative term for a sign in semiology). The signifier can be an image, sound or word, this particular term is used to emphasise the fact that the signifier is only in existence to represent the ‘signified’ (in other words the thing itself). We can expect to see certain signifiers within a specific genre. Take for instance the genre ‘horror’ the signifiers we can expect to find within a horror would include images such as blood, images to do with darkness, evil and possibly the supernatural. The sound signifiers normally found in the genre of horror films are usually very sharp and disturbing to create a menacing tone. The words related to the genre of horror are normally quite unsettling; words which make a person feel uncomfortable.

Journal: 26/11/10

This is a journal based on the planning and production of our title sequence.

In todays lesson we pitched our initial ideas of the title sequence we are currently planning to make. In this pitch we disscussed the following areas in relation to the title sequence: Title of film, Logline, Characters, Narrative (equilibrium, problem, disequilibrium, action).

We also disscussed the things a title sequence is required to do:

• Be faithful to the spirit of the film
• Blend seamlessly
• Complement the film as a whole
• Shouldnt be the best part of the movie
• "Create a climate for the story thats about to unfold" Saul Bass

During the lesson we were able to find ways to improve our ideas through peer assesment and were able to find similar film which related to our narrative these were Gone Baby Gone, Taken, Ransom.

Presentation on 'Siezed'

Seized Film Plan

View more presentations from daisywestlotorn.

This is the presentation we gave on the planning of our title sequence.

Class Essay: Analytical Essay on the Title Sequence of Se7en

Mise-en-scene

A title sequence is the first thing the audience sees when the film starts, this being that it is very important that it gives of a first good impression. Within the film Se7en there are many things to consider in its title sequence, one of which being the mise-en-scene. Throughout this truly chilling title sequence there is no exterior or landscape shown which automatically leaves the audience with lots of questions in relation to the background information; the basic facts an average audience member would expect to know. We see a constant close up of the characters hands, never their face or body. Although we can see clearly sharp objects being used and there movement is very much the focus when they are involved in the frame. There are many different props used throughout the sequence which include: sharp objects, pen, paper, needle and thread and many old photos. Throughout the entire sequence the colour remains desaturated which we can only interpret as it having some relation to the forth coming events about to take place later on in the movie. The whole title sequence is film in a dark light setting, this suggests that the life is being drained out of the film this is also linked to how the character treats his victims. The final thing that sticks out in the sequence is that various things are highlighted in the props such as “homosexual” and “Transsexual” as well as cutting out the name “GOD” out of a clipping, to perhaps show the theme of religious belief and the connection to the person in the sequence; also the precision the person in the sequence has cold possibly be giving the audience an insight into the characters personality.

Purpose and character

From the close-ups we can’t tell what or where the location is, but we can guess that it is in a confined room. The reason why I think this is because the person who is making this book doesn't want anybody to know about it. I thought that the location was very secretive, and because the shots were so close to his hands and almost zoomed in on everything it makes you feel almost claustrophobic; which I think helped to make it feel eerie and scary. I also thought that the person was a man from the look of his hands. From this title sequence I think that he was trying to get rid of his identity by scraping off his finger prints, which made me feel really uncomfortable because it was an image I really didn't like. This suggests that he could be a serial killer and has planned things through to not get caught also this person seems to know what they are doing. There are images of dead people and it looks like he is creating a scrapbook which he has put the picture in but we aren't sure what the scrapbook is of. I also thought that he would have been a perfectionist because everything was done with his own hands and it clearly showed that he took time and care with his work and it was obviously thoroughly planned, I could tell this from the way everything seemed so precise, he seems to document his work very obssessively, but with patience. I thought that the person was religious, because they cut out a piece of a dollar bill that had the word ‘God’ written on it and also at the end of the title sequence the song ended with ‘gonna get me closer to God’, this made me think that they are killing people for their deadly sins and that they were killing for God. He crosses out words such as "transsexual" which also makes me think that he is religious. I got the idea that it was the seven deadly sins because there are two 'sevens' in the title and because the first shot after the title sequence says 'monday' which could explain one of the sevens.

Cinematography

'Seven' title sequence uses a lot of extreme close ups, this is used to create tension for the audience as it makes you feel very uncomfortable and it puts you in discomfort. Also all of these shots are still, we are only able to see the movement of the peoples body features and some of the objects. Due to the fact of these extreme close ups being still we are unable to see the surroundings and where everything is set, this is to create a big mystery which people may want to reveal by watching the whole film. Most of the lighting in this title sequence is dull; this is to create a scary and an unpleasant atmosphere. Not only the lighting is dull but also the colours included are rather dark such as brown, black, dark blue, grey. These colours give the whole title sequence a very unpleasant effect. Rays of light have been used for the main features and objects to stand out. Some of the photographs are very shaky as well as lightning has been added to them, this is to create a more unpleasant effect towards the audience, as this type of effect may reflect a scary storm at night. Fast pace has been also included to flick through a lot of things creating excitement towards the movie, leaving the audience wanting more. This title sequence also includes flashes of red which create an effect of danger. Layering is one of the things that has been used but not so much, it shows photographs fading out onto other photographs. The letters and numbers are hardly visible as a flash has been added to them which creates a mysterious side of the film. Looking at just cinematography you are able to get an idea of what the film may be about and the uses of cinematography are very strong as they create different emotions towards the audience leaving them wanting to see more, and that is the main aim of the title sequence.

Sound

The sound of the title sequence creates a disturbing feel. At the beginning it shows the character preparing to sleep, a clicking sound is used as the background which could be connoting a ticking clock counting down, showing that it is a countdown for something that is going to happen. In the sequence the character is crossing out words and pictures, every time he crosses something out you hear a scratchy screechy sound. This could be implying that the things he is crossing out are his next victims, as the screeching sound could be the person screaming and the scratchy sound could be the way they are killed. By putting this disturbing sound track in the background of the sequence with the close up images it creates a sense of confusion, as the audience has to take in the creepy sound and the glimpses of images together trying to make sense of them both at the same time.

Mise-en-scene In the Title Sequence: Se7en

A title sequence is the first thing the audience sees when the film starts, this being that it is very important that it gives of a first good impression. Within the film Se7en there are many things to consider in its title sequence, one of which being the mise-en-scene. Throughout this truly chilling title sequence there is no exterior or landscape shown which automatically leaves the audience with lots of questions in relation to the background information; the basic facts an average audience member would expect to know. We see a constant close up of the characters hands, never their face or body. Although we can see clearly sharp objects being used and there movement is very much the focus when they are involved in the frame. There are many different props used throughout the sequence which include: sharp objects, pen, paper, needle and thread and many old photos. Throughout the entire sequence the colour remains desaturated which we can only interpret as it having some relation to the forth coming events about to take place later on in the movie. The whole title sequence is film in a dark light setting, this suggests that the life is being drained out of the film this is also linked to how the character treats his victims. The final thing that sticks out in the sequence is that various things are highlighted in the props such as “homosexual” and “Transsexual” as well as cutting out the name “GOD” out of a clipping, to perhaps show the theme of religious belief and the connection to the person in the sequence; also the precision the person in the sequence has cold possibly be giving the audience an insight into the characters personality.

The Basic Elements of a Title Sequence

The elements which can be expected to be found in a title sequence are the following:

• Details of the cast
• Films Title
• An introduction to character or character type
• Indication of place/setting
• Indication of historical period
• Information regarding tone and mood
• Introduction to signature theme tune
• Information about genre
• Questions which the viewer finds intriguing (sets up enigmas)
• Patterns and types of editing that will be echoed in the remainder of the film
• Mise-en-scene and cinematography that will be echoed or elaborated upon later in the film, therefore possibly foreshadowing a certain event or series of events through the duration of the film          

The Importance of a Title Sequence

 The following points outline the reasons which make a title sequence such a key important element of any film:

• Other than trailers and marketing elements, title sequences are the first images seen by the audience
• The clips of a title sequence outline the film-makers intentions and set up the expectations of those watching the piece
• Title function as a transition: studios brand identity, actors, movie title
• Title sequences have evolved into complete narratives, they establish mood, visual character of film, foreshadowing the action
• Successful title sequences must have the ability to draw the viewer into the movie
• Title sequence designers who have the skill and ability to do all of the above include Kyle Cooper, Saul Bass, and Lawrence of Arabia etc.

Article:The Art Of Film Title Design Throughout Cinema History

These are five main points made in the article which I found interesting:

Click here to view the article: The Art of Film Throughout Cinema History

"Film titles can be great fun. In them we see the bond between the art of film making and graphic design — and perhaps visual culture as a whole. They have always served a greater purpose than themselves: to move the overarching story forward."

I found this point made in the article interesting because it completely sums up the need for title sequences. Title sequences become a chance for people to take a story and visually turn it into a piece of motion art; still enabling a story to be told or introduced to the audience, without making it extremely complex. I like how they are described as being fun because the title sequence is able to do so many things in such a short period of time such as telling the audience the genre of the film or perhaps suggesting the setting, introducing us the viewer to certain characters of the story.  

"Words and lettering played an enormous role in films of the silent era."

This point was very interesting to me as its clear that words and lettering did play a huge role in the era of silent films, yet they have continued to play a massive part throughout the history of cinema because words and lettering are required in the larger majority if no all film. 

"During the 1920s and ’30s, European cinema was deeply influenced by modernism..."

Below:"main title from D.W. Griffith’s “Intolerance” (1916), which many reviewers and historians consider the greatest film of the silent era"

Modernism can be defined as being when a 'genre of art and literature that makes a self-conscious break with previous genres' meaning a development in a genre keeping it up to date with new technologies and art. I interpreted this point as meaning that there was a rapid development in the style of the film which was being produced during the 1920s and '30s within Europe, although I would go as far to say that this is the continuing way to view cinema world wide as it is constantly being improved. A prime example of this could be seen in the 90s with the high development of visual effects-such as shattered glass; which played a prominent part in the opening title sequence for the James Bond film: 'Tomorrow Never Dies' (1997).

"It could be argued that typography lost importance in this era of title design. The imagery behind the credits received a lot more attention."

Its clear to me that this can sometimes be the case in anything the audience watch, in some situations there is so much going on in a single frame, at an one particular time that it is near impossible to take in everything happening after seeing it just once.Which is why I would agree to a certain extent that there is a possibility that the credits would not receive the same degree of attention as that of the imagery.

"...the measure of a title designs quality is the same now as it was in the silent era. Whatever function they perform, titles remain an essential part of film."

This statement is true in saying that the titles remain an essential part of any film. They introduce the audience to so much information about the film, that it almost serves as a summary of the film within the space of a few minutes.

Opening Title Sequences

Title Sequence: “Supernatural”

Why does this appeal to you?

I chose the “Supernatural” opening title sequence because there is a lot taking place in the short amount of time it lasts. Also it summarises what the programme is about-action packed with the continuous scenes of fighting- but the viewer is able to understand there is some supernatural forces behaving in the fights as it is clear the people are not fighting humans; and the audience are exposed to this supernatural force at the very beginning. Another reason why this appeals to me is because it is a complete contrast to the Mad Men opening title sequence because all the information you need in given whereas in Mad Men you have to find out for yourself.

What colour is the text? Why?

The text is a white colour, I dont think this particular colour related to the shows itself in anyway more just to stand out against the background of action scenes. Whereas the “Supernatural” title itself is animated in fire imagery which I would say can defiantly be related to the themes of the programme; those been action, the paranormal and anger.

Does it fit with the overall look of the sequence?

The text used to present the names of those starring in the programme and also those who work to produce the programme does fit with the overall look of the sequence. This is because the text does not over power the title sequence neither does it fade into the background; therefore it is easier for the audience to be able to take in both the text and image at the same time.

What style of text is used?

The style of text used is just a basic plain font, although it is very bold-to make the audience aware it is there. Whereas the main title is written in a very fine script.

Where is the text positioned in the frame?

The text is positioned on the lower half of the frame, although does not remain in one position every time the text appears in the frame. The text is positioned in the right lower half of the screen, but this position later in the sequence moves to the center of the lower half of the frame.

Title Sequence: “Mad Men”

Why does this appeal to you?

This particular opening title sequence appeals to me because I like how the influence of Saul Bass’ opening title sequence has shaped this sequence. I noticed the resemblance of the body from Saul Bass’ ‘Anatomy of Murder’ has been recreated with the plain black male figure falling in the opening. Also I like how the background sets the scene for the programme, by having hidden messages throughout the sequence such as ‘emjoy the best America has to offer’ which suggests that the setting is in America; also the message ‘its a gift which never fails’ written above an image of two people holding hands, wearing wedding rings.

What colour is the text? Why?

The colour of the text is in black and red, the first names in red the last name in black. The direct contrast of the black and the red could suggest there are two sides to what occurs in the programme. 

Does it fit with the overall look of the sequence?

I think the colour does fit in with the overall look of the sequence, because it stands out against the white and faint imagery background.

What style of text is used?

The text used is all upper case, in a sharp bold font.

Where is the text positioned in the frame?

The text changes position in the frame, which enables the audience to take in everything that is happening in the shot because you have to look around the frame to see where the text appears next. This could suggest that the programme requires attention to understand the full story and background of the different things which go on.

Research On Title Sequence Designers: Saul Bass

This is a presentation I have put together with research I have found on the famous title sequence designer Saul Bass. I researched information about himself and then gone on to analyse some of his work.

This work includes title sequences such as 'West Side Story' (1961), 'The Man With The Golden Arm' (1955), 'Vertigo' (1958) and 'Psycho' (1960)-just some of his great pieces of work. 

'The Man With The Golden Arm' (1955)

Bass’ titles for the film feature spiny, cut-out projectiles, which vaguely represent veins and syringes, that manages to be unsettling to the audience despite the accompaniment of Elmer Bernstein’s brassy jazz music. The lines enter at awkward angles in a stabbing motion which comes to a stop at the various titles. The title of the film is boarded by four of these lines, suggesting there is some sort of conflict in the film. Finally,the title “golden arm” appears as a bent and tortured image, reaching out for either redemption or a fix.

'West Side Story' (1961)

Bass uses a vibrant orange to fill from corner to corner the entire screen. Specifically placed vertical bars or lines create an abstract form, yet strangely representative of a certain setting. As the “mood” of the music differs as does the colour of the background. The music culminates in a blue frame, and pulls in a backward motion to reveal the film title below. The image fades in to an aerial shot of Manhattan, and the vertical bars/lines reveal the sky line of the setting.

This simplistic sequence is an exemplary use of colour and the way in which it can easily reflect a certain emotion or mood. 

'Vertigo'(1958) 

The opening Paramount logo is in black and white while the rest of the film, including the closing Paramount logo, is in Technicolor. 

The psychedelic movement and colour used in the background draws the audience into the screen. 

'Psycho'(1960)

As the music swells, the horizontal and vertical lines that appear are driven across the screen in a stabbing motion (similar technique used earlier by Bass in the opening title sequence of 'The Man With The Golden Arm'), foreshadowing the action later to come in the movie. 

Occasionally, a name that appears on screen (for example Alfred Hitchcock) becomes scrambled,which leads to the suggestion that perhaps during the film identities will become scrambled.