Title Sequence

I love well done opening credits, note the well done part! One of my favorites is the Dexter opening.



I find it a nice play on the subject matter of the actual show.

Re: Title Sequences

I've been interested in title sequences since my sophomore year in undergrad when my instructor gave a lecture on them. I like when filmmakers take time and effort to make an enjoyable and interesting title sequence.

I agree with Sarah about the Bond films having great title sequences. My favorite from recent years is the one in Casino Royale. 

I love everything about this title sequence including using the symbols of playing cards as other things like bullets, blood, and throwing knives. And now that I've seen the Mad Men title sequence, I definitely see some similarities between that one and this one.

Re: Title Sequences

I never tire of the Mad Men title sequence -

you can view it here (sorry, embedding has been disabled):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcRr-Fb5xQo

I always stay for the end credits, partially because I like watching them scroll and seeing whatever graphics are in place, and partially because I want to make sure there's not a hidden scene at the end of the credits. The latest Twilight movie, for instance (judge, I'm fine with that) had a hidden last scene, and I was super glad I stayed. I feel like the Marvel Comics movies always do as well.

Poster Series

Sorry to take away from your topic Cat, but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions/feedback on my posters. I hand drew the font for Nancy Meyers, and then edited it in Illustrator to make it look more uniform and nicer. I also made the objects larger and made all of the fonts smaller. I know the locket poster is hard to read, but it's also unreadable when I make the text white. I still think the placement of the text needs work, but I don't know what to do with it. Feedback is greatly appreciated!

Re: Title Sequences

One that came to mind right away was the LOST sequence. It's so simple (it's just type!). I think the music also has to do with why that title sequence works so well too. I also always enjoy the Tru Blood title sequence.





I do try and stay for the closing credits for almost all movies. You never know if they are going to throw something in at the end like a preview of a sequel or an alternative ending.

Re: Title Sequences

Bond, James Bond

The movies that popped into my head after reading your post are the entire series of James Bond movies. The title sequences for these movies take the time to display all of the credits with interesting visual effects. It makes you actually want to read the names of the people that worked on the film. Of course, the title sequences all end with the famous gun barrel sequence that James Bond is known for, which features Bond shooting directly into the camera, and then blood streaming down the screen. I really like the title sequence that features Sheryl Crow's song. The graphical treatment is great. You can watch it here.

Title Sequences

I wanted to share with you two resources that showcase film and television title design. Art of the Title and Watch the Titles

I'm always interested in seeing if the films or TV shows take the time to create imaginative and memorable title sequences. The good ones can put me in the exact mood the director wants me to be in before watching the movie. The better ones can stand alone as it is without the movie. Occasionally, they're better than the movie itself.

Sometimes I feel cheated when films and television shows put the titles during the movie or TV episode, so you’re less likely to pay attention to them. Even some movies include creative closing credits, which I appreciate as well. Last semester in Advanced Motion Graphics class with Sarah Verville, one of our assignments was to create a title sequence for a book we've read using After Effects. While difficult, it was extremely rewarding to complete. I was always a big fan of title sequences, but that assignment just made me appreciate the art even more.

Some of my favorite title sequences are
LOST
Chuck

Forbidden Kingdom

and Catch Me If You Can

Saul Bass is one name that is thrown around in class a lot. The book "Saul Bass: A Life in Film & Design" was just released and a fan put together a video of some of his most celebrated work. Thought you all would enjoy this.

What are some of your favorite title sequences? Do you pay attention to them at all? Do you stay for the entire closing credits? Have any of you attempted to create a title sequence?