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

Titles on a blank screen

• Most common type of title sequence
• Involves different kinds of type face on a black background
• Usually white text to create contrast
• Studios use them because they are low budget
• Simple, uncomplicated way to include institutional information
• Examples: Psycho, Pulp fiction

Titles on still images

• More elaborate
• Historically, title credits are developed to include hand drawn borders and other images
• Incorporates text with a visual image to hint tone or genre of the film
• The development of titles became much longer
• Use of music and still images accompany the credits
• Example: Wimbledon

Titles over moving images

• Incorporates the credit titles with moving image behind the titles, sound and usually no dialogue
• Narrative at the beginning 
• Offers either a metaphor or narrative thread to help introduce the tone or story line of the film to the audience
• Examples: Rear Window, City of God

Titles using animation or motion

• In the late 1990's, the use of animated titles became popular
• Requires a lot of digital technology and stylized editing
• Examples: Catch me if you can, Casino Royale

My favourite type of title sequence is the titles on a blank screen. This is because it is very simple but effective. Moreover, the reason why I like it is because the white text on the black background creates a high contrast. Furthermore, although it is quite plain, it is also very mysterious, which has an effect on the audience.