This is my blog for Media Studies. I will be uploading pieces of my coursework on to here and, updating my content on here. I'll make sure I clearly label/title my pieces of work.
For our title sequence, we have decided to go for the theme of a Dystopian-action themed genre. The reasoning behind this is due to our budget (which is set at $156million). With this given budget, this allows our group to go for the route of a more action themed movie.
The narrative for our groups title sequence consists of the idea of a government owned society (set in a dystopian future) that is looking to be overthrown by different and smaller cults/communities. These cults consists of:
The Illuminati
Scavengers
Rebels
The Government
The Evangelists
Our title sequence involves shots of a high tech map, created by the government. This map shows where in the dystopian city these different cults and communities actually live in. The map is shown within a conference room which consists of all of the other government members, almost as if a meeting as to how the government can take out the cults. As the narration goes on, we will be shown the different cults through 10-15 second clips. The casts, production companies and, the title of the movie will be displayed throughout the title sequence.
We will be shooting at locations such as the London's Shard as this will be the location in which the government's meeting will be held. Then, once inside to show 'Tom Hardy' walking towards the conference room, we will shoot these scenes within Welling School. This is also where the map and conference will be held.
The Illuminati scenes will be shot within Welling School inside a drama room. This will consist of the Illuminati members walking along a trail of candles laid on the floor, walking toward the 'Devil's trap' on the floor. The Illuminati members will also be chanting at the camera.
The scavengers group will be shown in a location that appears very desolate and empty (like an abandoned building/factory) with a bin being lit on fire and, the scavengers using the heat from the fire.
The evangelists will be shot within an ancient/traditional church, showing a priest, people praying and, close up shots on the stained glass windows and, religious imagery within the church.
The rebels group will show the characters holding weaponry and, wearing scruffy clothing. The title sequence will essentially end with the title of the movie "Genesis: The Uprising". Interestingly, when I looked at the other movies that are similar to mine - in terms of genre - their title sequences usually revolve around the style of the typography and, the style of the title sequence being either computer graphics based or, real life acting and gritty. For our title sequence, we have researched 2 other title sequences within the dystopian genre; The Matrix and Children of Men. The Matrix's title sequence is completely CGI based whereas the Children of Men's title sequence is real life acting based. So, for our title sequence, we are looking to essentially combine the two ideas of graphics based (the map) and real life acting. These techniques have both been shown to be useful and effective for them two movies so, we feel it is appropriate to incorporate these ideas in to our title sequence.
For my title sequence, me and my group have decided to focus around the idea and sub-genre of 'Dystopia'. For our title sequence, we want to focus on the idea of anarchy, chaos, the idea of the government and specific cults and - most importantly - the idea of a dystopian future.
I have decided to have a research and a look in to the dystopian sub-genre and have a couple of notable points to include and discuss. For example, dystopian genres of movies usually consists of the idea of a futuristic world that has gone wrong. Essentially, a dystopian society is the direct opposite to a utopian society. This essentially means that this particular genre focuses on the theme of disaster and chaos, with a theme of darkness throughout. Interestingly, this title sequence gives the audience a bit of a backstory as to the events that have happened to this world. This saves the movie time of having to do an origin story.
A title sequence I feel fits within the theme of my genre is the opening title sequence for the dystopian themed movie 'Children of Men'. This title sequence provides an essential backstory for the audience through news reports and newspaper articles. We see a futuristic set world that has an issue with infertility levels rising. We get to see the P.O.V. of different social classes within the dystopian world, from rich to poor.
Another example of a dystopian themed movie is the 1999 'The Matrix'. The focus of this movie is that in the near future. humans have been taken over by the war of machines and, the machines now stores humans as a source of power. However, to ensure that the humans remain in a stationary state of mind, the machines have created another world in which the humans' mind can go to, a virtual reality world called 'The Matrix'. I feel as though this is a good example of a dystopian themed movie as this movie plays around with the theme of a futuristic endangered world. In terms of the title sequence, the production company 'Warner Bros.'is first established. Then, we are introduced to the CGI green codes of The Matrix with a dramatic themed soundtrack. Not much is given away from this title sequence however, it then goes on to the opening sequence of the movie. So, this means that the audience are straight away jumped into the matrix world and, the plot of the movie.
'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' (2011) - Directed by Brad Bird:
In the title sequence for the 2011 movie 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol', the title sequence begins after a short opening sequence played at the beginning of the movie. The title sequence begins with one of the characters igniting the fuse/spark which runs along the wire, leading to an explosion. What is significant about this is that this is key iconography that represents and establishes precisely what this genre of the movie is about... Action. The title sequence is completely CGI'd with key scenes taken from the actual movie.
Throughout the majority of the title sequence, there are a variety of different settings established. Such as, under water, through sewer pipes, through to the city and then, the spark that is running along these settings comes back to where it was ignited in the beginning at the end of the title sequence. The main title of the movie appears at the beginning of the sequence, along with the cast members names displayed afterwards. In regards of the genre of the movie being established, there are explosions displayed and, fast car chases, which again alludes to the audience what the movie consists of.
The purpose of this title sequence is to put the viewer through the perspective of this spark running along the wire. Throughout this journey, you get to see the majority of the settings in which the movies events takes place in. Furthermore, the purpose of this title sequence is to inform the audience what the genre this movie is going to be about, which is essentially action.
'Napoleon Dynamite' (2004) - Directed by Jared Hess:
In the title sequence for 2004's 'Napoleon Dynamite', it is obvious straight away that this sequence is essentially low budgeted. This is because the props, objects and style of the title sequence looks very cheap yet, very creative - compared to the typical title sequences that are displayed in higher budgeted movies.
What is interesting and, arguably creative about this title sequence is that the casting and the typography used is shown through different pieces of food and, different objects. What these different pieces of foods and objects represents is that this movie is set within high school, alluding to the fact that the genre of this movie is a teen comedy. The soundtrack used throughout it very funky and, has an almost 70's vibe to it. The colour scheme is very bright and saturated, keeping the title sequence engaging for the audience.
The purpose of this title sequence is to show the audience its creativity and quirkiness through the funky choice of music and, the way the typography is written on the objects and food. Although this title sequence hardly gives anything away about the plot of this movie, it is still clear enough to the audience that the genre in which this movie is set in is teen comedy/drama.
'Children of Men' (2006) - Directed by Alfonso Cuaron:
In the title sequence for 2006's 'Children of Men', it is tangent that compared to higher budgeted movies title sequences, this one is lower budgeted. You can tell that the movie is about a dystopian city due to the news paper reports dates.
The movie is set as a drama and, a sci-fi movie - which is a subgenre. The news paper articles declares how infertility rates decrease, which is a significant point because these newspaper reports allows the audience to have an insight in to the plot of the movie and, provides a bit of background knowledge into this movies already established world. Scenes of anarchy is displayed towards the end of sequence. Interestingly, it could be argued that throughout the title sequence, it is from the view points of different montages from the rich side of the world/city, to the poor side of the society. This is most evident when at the beginning of the sequence, we see state of the art technology being used, whereas towards the end of the sequence, we see poverty and run down environments. The soundtrack used begins to pick up speed and become fast paced, with the typography of the casting being bold and gritty. It is interesting to note that when the main title of the movie appears at the end of the trailer, the writing is put together in the colours of white and red. This is interesting as the colour white carries the connotations of purity and good, whereas the colour of red connotes violence, evil and savagery - which these are the issues that are focused upon throughout the title sequence.
The purpose of this title sequence is to provide the audience with the essential backstory of the movie. The reasoning for this is so that the audience are not left confused when the movie jumps straight in to the plot and the action.
'Django Unchained' (2012) - Directed by Quinten Tarrentino:
In the title sequence for 2012's 'Django Unchained', it is clear that the genre for this movie is essentially western. The entire title sequence is made completely out of CGI and, features the cast members and of course the main title of the movie. The title sequence takes place through an old barn.
The iconography used throughout the title sequence is vital within this sequence due to the fact that this is the key indication as to the genre of the movie. For example, there are old fashioned carriages displayed, with barn houses and, classic + western guns shown. What is interesting to note is that we are shown an actual chain towards the end of the sequence which is a smart reference to the title of the movie due to it being called 'Unchained'. We then see the chain being broken at the end, again referencing the title. What also establishes this western genre is that the soundtrack on top of the sequence is very old school, funky and groovy - relating to the time period set within the movie.
"Words and lettering played an enormous role in films of the silent era."
Many films that were released during the silent movie era created title sequences in a more traditional and old fashioned manner. Usually, the title sequences would be created by placing text and cutting outs of writing onto a black screen board/title. This would then be recorded by the film stock and edited together in a simplistic way. Because of this, this made the particular words and lettering during this era very essential as the audience were becoming tired of the same generic title sequences back then. So, when films would experiment with different with different ways of reinventing title sequences back then, this was seen by the audience as revolutionary.
"As movies grew more popular, their titles evolved."
After the silent movie period, films were beginning to become much more popular as time went on and, as movies became more popular. With the popularity of movies rising higher and higher in time, movie companies during the mid 40's period were given more money and more of a budget in order for film studios and directors to invest more in to their title sequence. Given this advantage, this allowed film studies/directors to experiment more with their title sequences and create them with the inclusion of more graphics, making them more engaging and interesting for the audience, compared to the old fashioned silent movie title sequences.
"The incorporation of audio into movies — making them “talkies” — didn’t revolutionize how film titles were handled, at least not immediately."
With the inclusion of audio in to title sequences, this was indeed revolutionary as to how film titles were handled.This is because with the inclusion of audio, audiences now had something to listen to along with watching the title sequences. This made the viewing experience more engaging and interesting. However, I can see why this was revolutionary immediately due to the fact that having soundtracks and audio didn't necessarily relate much to the title sequences back in the 1930's-1940's as the title sequences didn't have much of a concept back then. Soundtracks and soundscores became very essential and revolutionary when the movie 'The Man With The Golden Arm' was released, due to the fact that the title sequence was very creative and the soundtrack related and went along with the sequence.
"Breakthrough ideas in titling, such as timing the typography to interact with metaphorical imagery or to create its own world, were largely innovations that came from outsiders to the Hollywood studio system. Figures such as Saul Bass, Pablo Ferro, Maurice Binder and Richard Williams arrived on the scene in the 1950s, at a time when the studios were starting to flounder in their fight with TV."
Due to the empowering introduction of television, film studios - back in the 1950's - had to create and think of new and innovating title sequences in order to attract and interest the audience. Ideas such as the typography of title sequences being metaphorical and having some meaning that relates to the movie were being introduced. This was successfully done by famous title sequence designers such as: Saul Bass, Maurice Binder and Richard Williams. They provided fresh ideas towards title sequences and had essentially changed the way title sequences were being viewed and created.
"Every sphere of contemporary life — and especially the film business — has been affected by computers. For designers, creating film titles meant participating in the apprenticeship tradition — learning by doing, on the job; that continued unabated into the mid-1990s." With the introduction of technology being prominent within the film industry, this had essentially taken over the way in which title sequences were created. Film studios decided to include CGI even more in to sequences and, film studios essentially learnt to manipulate title sequences using technology. A famous title sequence creator during the new technology age was Kyle Cooper due to the fact that he created the majority of pop cultures most famous movies. The title sequence of the 1995 movie 'SEVEN' was again revolutionary due to its grittiness and innovating ways of displaying unsettling imagery - again created by Kyle Cooper.
'Catch Me If You Can' (2002) - Directed by Steven Speilberg:
The title sequence for 2002's 'Catch Me If You Can' begins the conventional way with the introduction of the production company, which begins first before the title sequence. It begins with 'DreamWorks Pictures' and then underneath says 'Presents'. Interestingly, the DreamWorks Pictures font is very blocky, bold and is a sanserif font. This indicates that this movie is going to be fun, nice and friendly. The 'Presents' underneath is a serif font which looks old fashioned, higher class and formal. Furthermore, the writing interestingly looks like a typewriter, which relates to the time period in which the movie is set. The inclusion of 'A Steven Speilberg film' relates to the star power of the director as he is displayed at the beginning and at the end of the sequence.
The writing for this title sequence remains very simple and classy. However, throughout there are lines which look aesthetically appeasing to the viewer. This also makes the sequence more engaging and interesting. The soundtrack at the beginning of the sequence starts off slow paced but, sounds as if it were the theme song for an espionage/spy movie. There is a scene where jazz music is played and then the original espionage-like soundtrack returns in a more quicker pace.
The purpose of this title sequence is to demonstrate and display key scenes that takes place within the film. It doesn't give the plot of the film away but gives hints and clues as to what is about to take place.
'Forrest Gump' (1994) - Directed by Robert Zemeckis
The title sequence for 1994's 'Forrest Gump' begins with the logo for the production company 'Paramount' before the actual title sequence began. The title sequence opens with the perspective of a feather falling from the sky and heading towards the main protagonist of the movie, played by Tom Hanks. Interestingly, the title sequence only displays the cast members and the essential crew members. However, towards the end, there is no introduction to the main title of the movie, which is unconventional of a title sequence.
The fonts used throughout the title sequence is very simple and elegant, with an old fashioned feel due to the fact that the typography isn't very challenging and very plain. In my opinion, I feel as though this title sequence is very traditional due to the fact that - unlike the previous title sequence for 'Catch Me If You Can' - it is very simple with no gimmicks of CGI/graphics. Instead it is very plain and old school. Through the sequence, you get to have an insight into the setting and environment in which the movie is set in.
The purpose of this title sequence is to introduce the audience in a simple and traditional manner to the environment and scenery in which the movie is set. It introduces the audience to the necessary cast members and the necessary crew behind the movie. The audience also gets to see the main protagonist briefly towards the end of title sequence, again giving the audience a brief insight in to the main character of this film.
Title sequences is the way in which film and movie studios introduce the opening credits of the production and the cast members of a movie. A typical convention of an opening title sequence is the utilisation of sound and many different visuals. Typically, title sequences lists the production and cast members in order of most important or famous. The main purpose of a title sequence is to establish either the genre, the character, the environment/setting or the mood and atmosphere of the movie.
Title sequences usually consists of: the name of the production company, the director, the producer(s), other essential and necessary crew members, the actors/cast and most importantly, the title of the movie. It is significant to note that this isn't necessarily the order in which these things appear on a title sequence.
'SEVEN' (1995) - Directed by David Fincher:
The opening title sequence for 1995's 'SE7EN' was created by Kyle Cooper. The title sequence begins with the scratchy and gritty writing introducing the film studio 'New Line Cinema' then, briefly afterwards, we are shown the actual title of the film 'SEVEN' appear in flashy, scratchy writing. The fact that the names of the cast that pop up throughout the title sequence is very un kept and childlike suggests to the audience that the character within the sequence is mentally unstable and, with some form of mental disorder. What also makes this title sequence unsettling is the psychotic gestures and things that takes place very quickly throughout the sequence. For example, we are shown the character defacing images of people, alluring to something sinister awaiting. The frames shown throughout the sequence are very glitchy and fuzzy, creating a sense of disorientation for the audience that watches. It is almost as if an old school, retro effect and filter is put over the sequence, making it appear to be an old film stock tape. There are a variety of very quick and sharp jump cuts to again confuse the audience. The soundtrack throughout begins slowly. However, it begins to drastically pick up speed and, begins to sound sinister and eerie, along with the typography used in the sequence.This title sequence has clearly inspired other pieces of media due to its iconic and boldness for the genre in which it is set. For example, the TV show 'American Horror Story' has a title sequence very similar with the same eerie music and flashy, jump cuts.
The purpose of this title sequence is essentially to make us as the audience feel unsettled and awkward. The use of the gritty, scratchy writing and the sinister actions taking place in the sequence is the way to make us feel this way - along with the eerie soundtrack on top.
Vertigo (1958) - Directed by Alfred Hitchcock: The 1958 title sequence for the movie 'Vertigo' was created by Saul Bass (a famous title sequence designer). Interestingly, this title sequence begins with the official short sequence to the introduction of the production company which created the movie: 'Universal'. This appears just before the title sequence begins.
As the title sequence begins, the soundtrack also begins to play. The soundtrack is very old fashioned and has a creepy and suspenseful feel to it. The soundtrack also sounds and feels very hypnotic due to its repetitive texture and its consistency throughout the sequence. There is no dialogue included which again alludes to the idea of the sequence being creepy and suspenseful. The sequence also appears in black and white, which relates to the time period of the creation of this movie as there wasn't much use of colour used in movies back in the late 50's. There's no acting involved throughout apart from different shots and angles of a woman's face, then follows CGI illusions, again relating to the theme of hypnotising. The typography used for the title sequence is very old fashioned and bland, with blocky, bold and white fonts. The title sequence then ends in a red effect/filter, with the name of the director kept last due to the director's star power.
The purpose of this title sequence is to make the audience feel almost hypnotised, unsettled and suspenseful. The soundtrack, the black and white + red filter and the CGI illusion images creates this feeling. Also, hardly anything information about the movie is shown throughout the sequence, which makes the audience essentially want to continue watching the movie to find out more.
'Spider-Man 3' (2007) - Directed by Sam Raimi:
In the opening title sequence for 2007's Spider-Man 3, it is clear that this movie is one of the instalments from a trilogy/saga. This is clear to the audience due to the fact that throughout the sequence, there are quick images, montages and clips taken from the previous two films in order for the audience to have a back story and, for the audience to understand what had happened previously before the new instalment. The sequence is completely CGI (Computer Generated Images) and, unlike the other 3 title sequences, doesn't display the film studio straight away at the beginning (being Sony). Instead, before the title rolls, the Columbia studio logo appears and, the iconic Marvel logo appears to inform the audience that Marvel is the creator or inspiration of this movie.
The title of the movie appears first of all, then the cast follows after. Intertextuality is used for the typography of the text on screen as the font of the text is of the exact same as Sony's main font. The font appears as bold, italic and sharp. The soundtrack played throughout suits well with the genre of this movie being superhero as it sounds very heroic, filled with an orchestra. The director of the movie - Sam Raimi - is left to be displayed towards the end of the sequence, which shows his star power for being an established successful director.
The purpose of this title sequence is to simply introduce any new members of the audience - who have no previous knowledge of the Spider-Man trilogy - to the storyline throughout the previous two movies. This is so the audience can understand what is it happen within the 3rd instalment of the movie.
'Monsters Inc.' (2001) - Directed by Pete Docter
The title sequence for 2001's 'Monsters Inc.' begins with the introduction of the production studio 'PIXAR' before the sequence starts. The soundtrack also begins instantly whilst introducing 'PIXAR' and, continues throughout the rest of the sequence. The soundtrack suggests that the movie is going to be light hearted, for children and very family friendly as it is upbeat, jazzy and funky.
The entire sequence is created using CGI. The sequence is very creative, aesthetically appeasing, childish and - it relates to the plot and theme of the movie due to the monsters behind the doors. The company of 'Walt Disney Studios' appears through different doors within the sequence which again is creative and keeps it interesting. Interestingly, unlike other title sequence, there is no introduction to the casting at all, the sequence just shows the production companies and of course the title of the movie at the very end. This is very unconventional of title sequence as usually, there is always the cast members being introduced throughout.
The purpose of this title sequence is essentially not to give too much away. However, it is created and illustrated to be fun and engaging for the younger audience and, to introduce slightly the theme of the movie being monsters behind the doors.
Title sequences development over the years:
Title sequences have gone through many different stages of development over the years. For example, when movies relied on film stock in order to create their movies, title sequences were essentially just a simple black and white countdown to the beginning of the movie. Then, people would create black cards in order to write the necessary and conventional pieces of information as a title sequence. Then, as film got better in terms of production, people began to move to using colour and coloured effects/filters. Also, the title sequence duration began to extend even longer and, they now had a bit more meaning and creativity. With the introduction of CGI, people also experimented in creating sequences using solely this technique or, including CGI into the title sequence. Currently, title/opening sequence now can be used as a backstory to a movie or, sometimes there is now action before the introduction of the title sequence (for example the 007 movies). Film studios now experiment more with their title sequences and, try to make them as unconventional and creative as possible.
This is my continuity sequence for my coursework for media. We had to demonstrate:
Match-on Action
180 degrees
Shot reverse shot to demonstrate a conversation
The plot of our continuity sequence is that Robert is being followed by Jacob in a clown mask, which is what appears to be some sort of ghost figure. When Robert finally approaches Jacob, all Jacob was after was a pen and that he was working in the drama department. The sequence starts off as horror and scary/eerie. However, towards the end of the sequence, it becomes quite clear that it is comedic and was all a joke.
What went well whilst recording was that we managed to get everything done, finished and recorded in one day. This help with the fact that it was continuous and was beneficial because everybody was still wearing the same clothes. Furthermore, we had access to props and costumes which helped with creating the horror theme. However, a problem we faced was that we had to change the classrooms we shot our scenes in with because the lighting wasn't appropriate for what we had in mind. Also, another problem we faced was that the tripod we wanted to use to record our sequence was broken and we only noticed once leaving, so this wasted time as we had to return and change the tripod.
To edit our sequence, we had to use the editing software of Final Cut Pro on the iMac computers. What went well whilst using this software was that it was quite simplistic to use and easy to include other pieces of media such as soundtracks, transitions and animations + effects to my sequence to add in the horror elements. However, a difficulty I found whilst using final cut pro was that it was hard to export my sequence on to the shared area. Also, it was hard to edit and crop the different shots together due to getting it at the exact precise point.
Video Preliminary exercise: Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule. Main task: the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes. All video and audio material must be original, produced by the candidate(s), with the exception of music or audio effects from a copyright-free source. Both preliminary and main tasks may be done individually or as a group. Maximum four members to a group.