Opening Sequences/Credits

Title sequence definition: 
A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound. It usually follows but should not be confused with the opening credits, which are generally nothing more than a series of superimposed text.
Opening credits definition:
In a motion picture, television program, or video game, the opening credits are shown at the very beginning and list the most important members of the production. They are now usually shown as text superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in the show. There may or may not be accompanying music.

Here are some examples of opening sequences I have looked at and will consider when we create our own:

Scream: Opening scene

This opening sequence from 'Scream' is effective because it is memorable. It immediately introduces the killer to the audience but not in the usual way, the audience immediately wants to know what happens to rest of the characters and find out who the killer is, the creepy phone call grips the audience to the screen, making them want to watch more.



Halloween: Opening credits/scene



This opening sequence is brilliant because you don't expect it at all. It shocks the audience into watching the rest of the film and leaves them on the edge of there seat with the dramatic story line. The camera angle is from the point of view of Michael, the killer. This is effective because it makes the audience feel like they are the killer, and feel an emotional attachment to the character. The credits are done at the start of the opening sequence, the bold orange font ties to the 'Halloween' theme and title. They creepy non-diegetic background music is effective because it sets the the audience up for the scary story line.



The Ward: Opening credits



The images of torture being shattered by glass under-laying the credits is brilliantly effective because it slowly grips the audience and sets them into a horror state of mind. the music in the background is weirdly creepy and makes the audience feel uneasy.  




The Woman in Black: Opening scene

The Women in Black's opening scene is effective because the first victims are three young female children. the plays with the audiences' first immediate response, to protect, once they realize they can't, they are in shock, and want to continue to watch the film to find out the outcome and to see the 'killer' (the women in black) be defeated. 



The Ring: Opening scene



The dark lighting in The Ring's opening scene makes the story line more effective and creepy because it reflects the emotions of the characters onto the audience. The fact you know something is going to happen to the character makes the audience sit on the edge of their seat, and want to watch the rest of the film to go into more depth about what happened to the young female victim. the reaction shots of the victim when the phone rings adds significance to the event, and makes the audience fear for her. 




In our opening sequence we want to:
- Include several codes and conventions of the horror genre
- Make it gripping and appeal appropriately to our selected and targeted audience
- Use lots of different camera angles and movements to get a wide variety of points of views and shots
- Contain credits(Use effective and appropriate fonts, non-diegetic and diegetic sounds, and backgrounds)
- Use editing and special effects