Title Sequence Analysis

Katie Gardner

Title Sequences I have created a timeline using “Tiki-Toki” to show what

titles are shown on screen for 3 different genres of films and 3 different ways to produce the title sequences.

1. Juno – created digitally using a green screen, and editing in the cartoon effect and titles afterwards

2. Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs – also created digitally, using a series of sketches which are then transformed into a title sequence using Photoshop and after effects

3. Napoleon Dynamite – created without using digital effects, but using everyday objects to spell out the titles (such as ketchup spelling out “Fox Searchlight Pictures”)

Juno (2007) The title sequence of “Juno” is of the main character

walking through town, but she looks like a cartoon character. This effect has been created using a green screen and adding in the cartoon effect during the editing process. There is no diegetic sound, as she is walking to music which is non-diegetic.

The title of the film comes at the beginning of the sequence, but after the two production and financing company's (Fox Searchlight and A Mandate Pictures Mr. Mudd Productions). Therefore, the production and financing companies are seen as the most important, as they are right at the beginning of the sequence, even before the main title.

After this, the actors and actress’ names appear, followed by other members of the backstage team, such as costume designers and film editors.

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (2009) The tile sequence for “Cloudy With A Chance of

Meatballs” is a journey through a candy land, and has been created using sketches followed by Photoshop and After Effects, as it is animated. The sound within this sequence, like “Juno”, is all non-diegetic and is played to music.

The sequence starts off with the writers and producers, followed by the title of the film.

The production and financing companies are not featured throughout the sequence, suggesting it was produced and financed by individuals as opposed to large companies, like “Juno” which featured at the beginning of the sequence.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004) The title of “Napoleon Dynamite” has been created in a completely

different way to the two previous films, which have been digitally created. Instead, real objects (such as food) have been used to show the writing, such as cast members names. Additionally, an ID has been used to show the name of one of the backstage members, so the title has not been digitally created.

Again, there is no diegetic sound, as the sequence is played to background music.

The sequence begins with the production and finance companies names being shown using things like ketchup, which is then followed by the main actors name using a “U.F.O. Abduction Insurance”. This is then followed by the main title of the film.

Titles to include in my Opening Sequence Overall, I think I will use a mixture of the two methods, as I like

how digital credits can look, but I also like how different and eye catching the credits are when everyday objects are manipulated. Therefore, by using a combination of both of these methods I could have both of these effects.

As seen in both “Juno” and “Napoleon Dynamite”, I will probably show the titles of the production and financing companies of my film, followed by the overall title of my film.

I will also include the names of the actors, actresses and backstage members of cast in my opening sequence.