Opening Sequences

 What is the purpose of opening sequences?

An opening sequence is the way in which film, TV and video games present their key production and cast members along with the title. It will typically involve sounds and visuals that are related to that of the media being presented. It usually helps establish the setting and tone.

Opening sequences convey important information in regards to the concept of the media but also about the people involved. These are known as the opening credits. 

The main purpose of an opening sequence is to set the scene. The opening sequence will ultimately define the mood and tone for the rest of the film. It gives the audience an insight into what they may they encounter without giving away too much detail. The establishing shot is the most common technique used to do this. It sets the atmosphere; the audience can begin to understand where the characters are set in the world of the film.

What is the difference between opening credits and a title sequence?

Title sequences are usually accompanied by the opening credits but we are still able to distinguish between the two:
  • Opening credits contain the key creative roles in the film. They are shown at the beginning; presented as text along with action and sound.
  • When opening credits are built into a separate sequence of their own this is known as a title sequence.
  • The title sequence will still establish the scene of the film but through the use of sound and visuals while unpacking the key production and cast members.

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

  • two-dimensional styled graphics in three-dimensional environments: Created using motion capture technology, this technique creates a modern, contemporary mood which peaks the audience's interest as not too much is given away. The graphics are still related to the film but leave the audience with questions that will eventually be answered through the course of the film.
an example is Casino Royale's opening sequence




  • freeze-framing and layers of illustrations with ink bleeding effects: Inspired by vintage newspaper headlines and ink drawings; this technique acquires a certain antique feel. When watching it almost will feel like you're flipping through an old newspaper and is perfect for crime or mystery thrillers. 
an example of this is Sherlock Holme's opening sequence



  • three-dimensional CGI: This is made possible through the use of modelling, lighting, rigging, animation and rendering. CGI is an interesting and audience grasping way to tell the "story" of the opening sequence. It keeps it interesting as it shows a graphic that may link to the film that will play afterwards.
an example is Great Expectation's opening sequence



  • hand-rendered type, glitchy effects, live action close-ups: This technique gives a real uncomfortable feeling to the opening sequence. It's almost like the storyline has already begun as we get close-ups from the one of the actual characters. We are given a backstory or even hint to what may occur next. This technique is great for thrillers.
an example is Se7en's opening sequence



the website I got these examples from: top 10 techniques for killer title sequences


Saul Bass



Saul Bass who started out as a graphic designer completely revolutionised the once boring and plain opening sequences. Opening sequences used to be that time where the audience would simply get ready for the movie and not pay attention to the information displayed on the screen. Bass wanted to change this as he believed the audience involvement should begin with the first frame. He wanted to create a climate for the story that was about to unroll. This was clearly evident in his almost line drawings that told their own story.


Modern Thriller: Skyfall




Skyfall is a James Bond action thriller that came out in 2012. The opening sequence features many aspects that allude to death and illusions.

It begins the shot of the main character; Bond falling into a body of water which links to the name of the film. Although it starts off as what seems as a normal panning shot it quickly transitions into that of the opening sequence as the graphic of a much larger hand begins pulling Bond downwards. This may foreshadow his impending death. The main purpose of an opening sequence is portray information about the cast and crew of the film. This opening sequence does just that as typography pops up as the score of the sequence begins. The typography is modern and bold, making it easy to read. This font also links to the film as it's very sleek. The title Skyfall is then shown in bold capital letters in the centre of the shot as it is key information. The typography doesn't take away from the graphics. A Chinese cultural aspect of a dragon is included which may relate to the idea that the characters could end up in this country at some point in the film; this gives the audience some information. The blood, guns and knives set the scene for the film as we can expect violence and anguish. This setting of the scene perfectly fulfils the purpose of an opening sequence.






Hitchcock thriller: Vertigo

Vertigo is a 1958 mystery thriller by Alfred Hitchcock. The literal meaning of vertigo is the internal or external spinning sensation. This is very evidently portrayed in the opening sequence. Along with showing the key information, the sequence displays the constant graphic of a spinning illusion. This effect almost puts the audience into an illusion themselves. The technique of real life close ups are used at the beginning which creates and absurd and uncomfortable feeling. This can foreshadow the feelings the audience may feel as they watch this film.

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