Major Project: Opening Titles
Opening Titles or the Title Sequence is simply the part of the film in which the main actors names are displayed on screen, also accompanied by the title of the film. The ways in which this happens can vary depending on the genre of the film, the tone, the style and the creative minds behind the film. A few examples of these are explored below.
Examples & Inspiration
Bond Franchise
The Bond Franchise is famous for, among many other things, for their opening titles. This short artistic films, accompanied by a specially written track, depict each film through different styles, depending on the film. This style of opening titles has continued from the very first films such as Dr. No (1962) and Goldfinger (1964) to the most recent Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).
While carrying the theme of the films within these opening titles, they are so detailed and artistic that they standalone as almost a separate film or piece of work. While keeping with the film's genre and tones, stylistically they are very different, with the incorporation of CGI in the more recent films and more practical effects within the early films.
They are separate sequences. We essentially watch the first short 'opening titles' film, of which the Bond Franchise is famous for, and then view the actual film.
This works to the Bond Film's style though. James Bond is a slick and cool character and without a slick and clever opening title, the Bond Franchise would look very different. It works because it fits with the tone the film sets. In Goldfinger the projected image of each character and moment within the film onto a half naked woman painted gold, absolutely works as it fits with the narrative, themes and style of which the film is about to explore. These titles show the audience exactly what they are about to see and can expect, much like most of Bond's more successful opening titles.
The Bond Films have a purpose and effective reason for their opening titles to work in this way. As one of the few quintessential creators of opening titles, they are fitting to their films and the genre. However, that doesn't go to show that all opening titles should look this way.
If Double Exposure had these style of titles it would not be as effective, meaningful or relevant as it does not represent the themes and genre that we are looking to explore. Bond is naturally unrealistic, while our film looks to reflect on the real emotional struggles of a dysfunctional relationship. While extreme with the resulting death, the subtext of the unhappy partners needs to be explored with a more realistic approach. Very far from a Bond Film.
Opening titles must reflect the tone, style and genre of the film. It is important to recognize that and see that a opening titles that stands apart from the actual film would not represent Double Exposure in the way I would want, as it would fail to support the realism the film tries to portray.
Toy Story
With Toy Story (1995) the film's opening credits fit in and around a child's playtime with his favourite toys. They titles and credits work around the action on screen as not to take away from the child's exploration and imagination. This reflection of the film helps to tell the story as the titles roll, instead of being stalled by the titles or to view a separate short film of which the titles appear.
This allows the titles to flow with the story. The playful font and title fits in with the film, its style and the genre it explores. The way in which the text appears and the titles are portrayed the film feels more of a fly on the wall of a child's imagination and play time rather than a title sequence, which is very effective to the credibility of the film as it recognizes that the titles should not distract from the film.
For this reason the titles flow straight into the beginning of the story, no stalling, the credits fit in around the playtime which sets the scene for the audience of what the film is about and then, seamlessly the film's narrative begins.
This method of allowing the opening titles to fit in and around the world as it flows naturally is something I want to work with. While the genre and theme of Toy Story is obviously very different from Double Exposure, the method in which the titles are portrayed is something that I think, with work can be used very well within our film.
The main focus of allowing the titles to flow within the story, making sure the titles do not distract from the film and to ensure they fit with the genre and tone of the film.
Lord of War
This 'Life of a Bullet' opening titles scene in the Lord of War is very effective for the way it conveys a message and follows the process of a bullets production to ultimate use. This, in essence, short film, conveys the tone, theme and genre the film is about to set out on in a short amount of time.
It explores an alternative method of portraying the opening titles through the method of a disconnected story before ultimately returning following the end of the titles. While this is something I am not looking to replicate, as I feel it does not fit with the tone and genre of our film, it is none the less important to recognize how this style of opening titles can be done, and done well.
It is important to weigh up options and not dismiss different styles and methods of conveying opening titles but through research detailed viewing it was quickly decided that the actual story must take centre stage throughout the film, with particular focus on Emily, as Double Exposure explores her in detail as a person and her relationship. By sidetracking the opening titles we lose this sense, immediately as the film begins.
Routes
A Third year final piece, Routes was a student production, dealing with a similar budget to us with Double Exposure. It is important to compare, contrast and learn from works of a similar level to our own in order to see what is and isn't capable. Researching Hollywood budget films is okay, however not an accurate representation given the budgetary differences between the two, allowing us to be realistic with our ambitions and do the basics and what we can use to the best standard possible.
What Routes does very well is set up the scene and allow the the titles to be a part of the opening story. It is a part of the narrative and cuts into a scene of which one of the main characters is beaten up. While the cuts are disruptive to the flow of the narrative, it is done on purpose and effectively. A fairly simple technique done very well as the names of the cast take over frame mid way through the action, cutting up a fast paced chase and fight scene, finishing with a fade to the title of the film.
While our film will explore a less disruptive method of opening titles, Routes is a prime example of effective opening titles, done very well on a small budget. A simple technique done very well.
Grit
Once again Grit was a similar budget student film. It provides an interesting comparison to Double Exposure as some of the tones, themes and the genre are similar while story-lines do differ. The emphasis on the psychological sides of story allowed me to look at a style of opening titles done with a similar budget, and scenario of which to explore.
Grit made excellent use of After Effects with their opening titles focusing primarily on text and the different definitions of their title. This combined with a blood running effect at the end and a distorted track played over the top makes for a eerie and unsettling beginning, this combined with the harsh cut to the beginning of the interaction between the characters sets the tone for the film.
It's uncomfortable and disruptive style reflects the film's main character Shaun. Just as a good psychological thriller should, as focusing on the character is the key to this genre. However, this is not the approach we will be taking with Double Exposure.
Our main character Emily is very different to Shaun, and the style of ours is also very different, although it works very well for Grit as it makes sense for the titles to be done this way, as it fits with the film. It would not fit for ours.
Once again with Grit, the opening titles fits as a separate film from the rest as it is done intentionally, and it has allowed me to recognize that Double Exposure absolutely requires the opening titles to flow with the story and not be disruptive to it.
Ideas
Double Exposure Effect
One of the things we are looking to incorporate into our opening titles is the use of the Double Exposure photography technique on the actual title. Depending on whether this works out during our post production time, we will be working on just having the title reveal with this effect as to not ruin the use of it. (Example of style below)
We will also be experimenting with this technique as we adopt our strict production company motto, it it doesn't work, cut it.
If the technique misrepresents the film then we will not go further with it and introduce our plan B. We are focused deeply on making sure to the finest detail that the genre, tone or style of the film is not misrepresented in the opening titles and throughout the film.
Titles
We are focusing our main titles on Emily's arrival home. Her process driving up her drive and walking inside and closing the door on us is the scene of which the titles will focus. This way it doesn't break up the narrative, the story can flow without the titles being disruptive or stalling to the narrative progression of the story.
By having the titles fit in and around Emily the titles just become another part of her organised life, of which she is always in control. The titles and names of cast will be structured on screen as if Emily designed them herself.
By doing this it reflects the tone and style of the film, it keeps the flow of the story and allows us to use the opening titles as a further layer of storytelling.
Decision
I brought up the point to the group that by introducing the Double Exposure effect on the opening titles, it may be too much and misrepresent the film. The Double Exposure effect is a photography practice but the stylistic use of it on the opening titles may not work.
The effect, while depending on the way it is done, is very artistic and surreal with its aesthetic. While this will represent the promotional material fantastically, I feel that during the film however, especially in the first minutes, the film is establishing itself to allow the audience to understand what type of film this is. By misrepresenting this, it could throw the audience.
From this we decided on our plan B option, in which the door closes on the audience and the title is then presented.
This is much more simple, however more effective and suitable to the film. It flows with the story and does not stall proceedings and narrative progression. It also fits with my requirements of the film not being split up into a title sequence and then the story. Instead the story starts and the opening titles fit in and around it.
While other films fit jarring and disruptive opening title sequence, ours does not and requires fluidity. This also combined with time constraints given the duration of our short film as we need to prioritize time on screen with things that serve the story, rather than a separated title sequence.
Fonts
Importance of Font & Consistency
Fonts pay a key role in branding. A good font can be the key to an eye catching and effective title or name of a film, brand or product. As there are thousands of different styles of fonts it can be difficult to select the right one, suited for our film's title.
The font will feature in our film during the opening titles as the title and actors names are presented, and it will also used for the promotional material. This means that it has to suit the films style, be eye catching and easy to read.
It is important to recognize each of the aspects of fonts, in order to choose and use one that fits the aesthetic of the film. One of the aspects to take into consideration is Serif or Sans Serif. The difference being the 'feet' of the text, evident on Serif and without 'feet' on Sans Serif. The difference can be seen below:
The difference can be clearly seen and allows for a a very different look between fonts. Serif's flowing style of font makes it easy to read and provides a classic look to text. Sans Serif on the other hand provides a slick, modern style that is streamlined. However, San Serif can be difficult to read at a smaller size or thinner thickness.
Font size means a great deal when reading text. Applying to whether or not Serif or Sans Serif font is used the text's size can reflect a huge amount in film and promotional material. While Titles are often in huge font and made bold on most films and their promotional material, it sometimes pays to have a more subtle approach, depending on the tone and genre of the film.
A larger font, in bold and capital can come across to an audience as shouting the title, while a smaller, thin title could appear to an audience as a whisper. The size of fonts can be reflective of dialogue and the pronunciation of the title. Something that is important to consider when creating promotional material as simply picking a font, putting it in bold and plastering it across a page would not be representative of the themes we explore in the film or the genre.
The Font Chosen
After taking the factors above into consideration I found a font that I believe best represents our title, film and will work well on our promotional material. Below are the black and white versions:
References
- Importance of Font
- GRIT
- Routes
- Goldfinger Opening Sequence
- Skyfall Opening Sequence
- Toy Story Opening Sequence
- Lord of War Opening Sequence
- Dafont.com
What's Next?
- Supply Nick with Font for promotional material
- Provide Megan with Font for opening titles
Examples & Inspiration
Bond Franchise
Goldfinger (1964)
Skyfall (2012)
The Bond Franchise is famous for, among many other things, for their opening titles. This short artistic films, accompanied by a specially written track, depict each film through different styles, depending on the film. This style of opening titles has continued from the very first films such as Dr. No (1962) and Goldfinger (1964) to the most recent Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).
While carrying the theme of the films within these opening titles, they are so detailed and artistic that they standalone as almost a separate film or piece of work. While keeping with the film's genre and tones, stylistically they are very different, with the incorporation of CGI in the more recent films and more practical effects within the early films.
They are separate sequences. We essentially watch the first short 'opening titles' film, of which the Bond Franchise is famous for, and then view the actual film.
This works to the Bond Film's style though. James Bond is a slick and cool character and without a slick and clever opening title, the Bond Franchise would look very different. It works because it fits with the tone the film sets. In Goldfinger the projected image of each character and moment within the film onto a half naked woman painted gold, absolutely works as it fits with the narrative, themes and style of which the film is about to explore. These titles show the audience exactly what they are about to see and can expect, much like most of Bond's more successful opening titles.
The Bond Films have a purpose and effective reason for their opening titles to work in this way. As one of the few quintessential creators of opening titles, they are fitting to their films and the genre. However, that doesn't go to show that all opening titles should look this way.
If Double Exposure had these style of titles it would not be as effective, meaningful or relevant as it does not represent the themes and genre that we are looking to explore. Bond is naturally unrealistic, while our film looks to reflect on the real emotional struggles of a dysfunctional relationship. While extreme with the resulting death, the subtext of the unhappy partners needs to be explored with a more realistic approach. Very far from a Bond Film.
Opening titles must reflect the tone, style and genre of the film. It is important to recognize that and see that a opening titles that stands apart from the actual film would not represent Double Exposure in the way I would want, as it would fail to support the realism the film tries to portray.
Toy Story
Toy Story (1995)
This allows the titles to flow with the story. The playful font and title fits in with the film, its style and the genre it explores. The way in which the text appears and the titles are portrayed the film feels more of a fly on the wall of a child's imagination and play time rather than a title sequence, which is very effective to the credibility of the film as it recognizes that the titles should not distract from the film.
For this reason the titles flow straight into the beginning of the story, no stalling, the credits fit in around the playtime which sets the scene for the audience of what the film is about and then, seamlessly the film's narrative begins.
This method of allowing the opening titles to fit in and around the world as it flows naturally is something I want to work with. While the genre and theme of Toy Story is obviously very different from Double Exposure, the method in which the titles are portrayed is something that I think, with work can be used very well within our film.
The main focus of allowing the titles to flow within the story, making sure the titles do not distract from the film and to ensure they fit with the genre and tone of the film.
Lord of War
Lord of War (2005)
This 'Life of a Bullet' opening titles scene in the Lord of War is very effective for the way it conveys a message and follows the process of a bullets production to ultimate use. This, in essence, short film, conveys the tone, theme and genre the film is about to set out on in a short amount of time.
It explores an alternative method of portraying the opening titles through the method of a disconnected story before ultimately returning following the end of the titles. While this is something I am not looking to replicate, as I feel it does not fit with the tone and genre of our film, it is none the less important to recognize how this style of opening titles can be done, and done well.
It is important to weigh up options and not dismiss different styles and methods of conveying opening titles but through research detailed viewing it was quickly decided that the actual story must take centre stage throughout the film, with particular focus on Emily, as Double Exposure explores her in detail as a person and her relationship. By sidetracking the opening titles we lose this sense, immediately as the film begins.
Routes
Routes (2016)
A Third year final piece, Routes was a student production, dealing with a similar budget to us with Double Exposure. It is important to compare, contrast and learn from works of a similar level to our own in order to see what is and isn't capable. Researching Hollywood budget films is okay, however not an accurate representation given the budgetary differences between the two, allowing us to be realistic with our ambitions and do the basics and what we can use to the best standard possible.
What Routes does very well is set up the scene and allow the the titles to be a part of the opening story. It is a part of the narrative and cuts into a scene of which one of the main characters is beaten up. While the cuts are disruptive to the flow of the narrative, it is done on purpose and effectively. A fairly simple technique done very well as the names of the cast take over frame mid way through the action, cutting up a fast paced chase and fight scene, finishing with a fade to the title of the film.
While our film will explore a less disruptive method of opening titles, Routes is a prime example of effective opening titles, done very well on a small budget. A simple technique done very well.
Grit
Grit (2016)
Once again Grit was a similar budget student film. It provides an interesting comparison to Double Exposure as some of the tones, themes and the genre are similar while story-lines do differ. The emphasis on the psychological sides of story allowed me to look at a style of opening titles done with a similar budget, and scenario of which to explore.
Grit made excellent use of After Effects with their opening titles focusing primarily on text and the different definitions of their title. This combined with a blood running effect at the end and a distorted track played over the top makes for a eerie and unsettling beginning, this combined with the harsh cut to the beginning of the interaction between the characters sets the tone for the film.
It's uncomfortable and disruptive style reflects the film's main character Shaun. Just as a good psychological thriller should, as focusing on the character is the key to this genre. However, this is not the approach we will be taking with Double Exposure.
Our main character Emily is very different to Shaun, and the style of ours is also very different, although it works very well for Grit as it makes sense for the titles to be done this way, as it fits with the film. It would not fit for ours.
Once again with Grit, the opening titles fits as a separate film from the rest as it is done intentionally, and it has allowed me to recognize that Double Exposure absolutely requires the opening titles to flow with the story and not be disruptive to it.
Double Exposure Effect
One of the things we are looking to incorporate into our opening titles is the use of the Double Exposure photography technique on the actual title. Depending on whether this works out during our post production time, we will be working on just having the title reveal with this effect as to not ruin the use of it. (Example of style below)
We will also be experimenting with this technique as we adopt our strict production company motto, it it doesn't work, cut it.
If the technique misrepresents the film then we will not go further with it and introduce our plan B. We are focused deeply on making sure to the finest detail that the genre, tone or style of the film is not misrepresented in the opening titles and throughout the film.
Titles
We are focusing our main titles on Emily's arrival home. Her process driving up her drive and walking inside and closing the door on us is the scene of which the titles will focus. This way it doesn't break up the narrative, the story can flow without the titles being disruptive or stalling to the narrative progression of the story.
By having the titles fit in and around Emily the titles just become another part of her organised life, of which she is always in control. The titles and names of cast will be structured on screen as if Emily designed them herself.
By doing this it reflects the tone and style of the film, it keeps the flow of the story and allows us to use the opening titles as a further layer of storytelling.
Decision
I brought up the point to the group that by introducing the Double Exposure effect on the opening titles, it may be too much and misrepresent the film. The Double Exposure effect is a photography practice but the stylistic use of it on the opening titles may not work.
The effect, while depending on the way it is done, is very artistic and surreal with its aesthetic. While this will represent the promotional material fantastically, I feel that during the film however, especially in the first minutes, the film is establishing itself to allow the audience to understand what type of film this is. By misrepresenting this, it could throw the audience.
From this we decided on our plan B option, in which the door closes on the audience and the title is then presented.
This is much more simple, however more effective and suitable to the film. It flows with the story and does not stall proceedings and narrative progression. It also fits with my requirements of the film not being split up into a title sequence and then the story. Instead the story starts and the opening titles fit in and around it.
While other films fit jarring and disruptive opening title sequence, ours does not and requires fluidity. This also combined with time constraints given the duration of our short film as we need to prioritize time on screen with things that serve the story, rather than a separated title sequence.
Fonts
Importance of Font & Consistency
Fonts pay a key role in branding. A good font can be the key to an eye catching and effective title or name of a film, brand or product. As there are thousands of different styles of fonts it can be difficult to select the right one, suited for our film's title.
The font will feature in our film during the opening titles as the title and actors names are presented, and it will also used for the promotional material. This means that it has to suit the films style, be eye catching and easy to read.
It is important to recognize each of the aspects of fonts, in order to choose and use one that fits the aesthetic of the film. One of the aspects to take into consideration is Serif or Sans Serif. The difference being the 'feet' of the text, evident on Serif and without 'feet' on Sans Serif. The difference can be seen below:
SERIF / SANS SERIF
The difference can be clearly seen and allows for a a very different look between fonts. Serif's flowing style of font makes it easy to read and provides a classic look to text. Sans Serif on the other hand provides a slick, modern style that is streamlined. However, San Serif can be difficult to read at a smaller size or thinner thickness.
Font size means a great deal when reading text. Applying to whether or not Serif or Sans Serif font is used the text's size can reflect a huge amount in film and promotional material. While Titles are often in huge font and made bold on most films and their promotional material, it sometimes pays to have a more subtle approach, depending on the tone and genre of the film.
DOUBLE EXPOSURE
DOUBLE EXPOSURE
A larger font, in bold and capital can come across to an audience as shouting the title, while a smaller, thin title could appear to an audience as a whisper. The size of fonts can be reflective of dialogue and the pronunciation of the title. Something that is important to consider when creating promotional material as simply picking a font, putting it in bold and plastering it across a page would not be representative of the themes we explore in the film or the genre.
The Font Chosen
After taking the factors above into consideration I found a font that I believe best represents our title, film and will work well on our promotional material. Below are the black and white versions:
The Fonts were from dafont.com. The title is a mixture of Pistara and Stark.
Reasons for Font
- We chose a Sans Serif font as the clean cut, modern and streamlined style of the font linked with Emily's character. This fonts were essentially chosen from the mind of Emily. The structure of the fonts, with their simplistic yet 'perfect' style fit with Emily as a character and the tone the film sets.
- Size of font wise we split the two words with Exposure put in bold as to add a visual reference to the word Exposure. Pairing this with the thin and fragile 'Double' it provides further context to the film as the fragile 'Double' reflects Emily and Dan as a couple.
- The faded black version and the white version of the title was for light and dark backgrounds as options during editing and promotional material creation. However, the reason for the faded black is because brilliant white on complete black is too perfect. One of the things the film is about Emily's pursuit of perfection, which drives Dan and her apart. Ultimately leading to his demise and thus a life that can never be perfect. The faded black is a reflection of this as the black of the title can never be truly black, only faded.
- The style of the fonts also fits the tone of the film.
References
- Importance of Font
- GRIT
- Routes
- Goldfinger Opening Sequence
- Skyfall Opening Sequence
- Toy Story Opening Sequence
- Lord of War Opening Sequence
- Dafont.com
What's Next?
- Supply Nick with Font for promotional material
- Provide Megan with Font for opening titles
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