9 - What are the four different types of film openings?

There are four categories of title sequences:

1- titles on a blank screen

- involves different kinds of typeface on a blank background

- white typeface is used on a black background to create a high contrast

- studios use them because they are low-budget

- offer a simple uncomplicated way to include institutional information at the beginning of the film

2- titles on still images

- more elaborate than simple white text on a black background

- title cards developed to include hand drawn borders and other images

- incorporates text with a visual image to hint at the tone or genre of the film

- incorporates more than just the name of the studio and filmmakers

- use of music and still image introduces theme

3- titles over moving images

- incorporates credit titles with moving images behind the titles, with sound and usually no dialogue 

- The moving image serves to offer either a metaphor or a narrative thread

- helps introduce the tone and the storyline of film

4- titles using animation or motion

- the titles themselves become a part of the moving image and not integrated together with the still image we see

- requires a lot of digital technology and stylised editing as well as attention to detail therefore as a result is one of the most expensive title sequences to make

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The two most important categories for my coursework is titles with moving images and titles built around animation.

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These four title sequences can be put into three more categories.

1- Narrative title sequences

The titles are integrated into the moving images in someway and begin as the film its self begins; this might be as a long establishing shot or as a part of a series of establishing shots.

2- Discrete title sequences

Are integrated into the moving images (doesn't clearly show the films storyline). They also help to set the tone and gives clues as to what could happen later in the film (the point where we have an "ahh" moment in the film and realise the significance of the titles).

3- stylised title sequences

These are highly stylised title sequences, they can be a mixture of the over two subcategories in terms of what we see, but the moving credits have been stylised (filters, motion ect...) to create a combined effect. 

I prefer discrete title sequences as it gives off a sense of mystery in what you see on the screen as the storyline is not completely given away. Discrete title sequences also hints us clues as to what could happen later on in the film; I like this as when I watched the film I realise why certain things was in the title sequence.