Research : The Importance of Opening Titles

Titles

Opening titles; the introduction to a film. These often crucial sequences have developed from simple text introducing the film/actors, to full-blown animated introductions. The opening titles are often used to set the tone for the film, and typically have some similarity to the film itself. For example, the opening for a horror film would typically be composed of reds and dark colours. However, if for example, the film was set inside a hospital, the colour palette in the title sequence could be more cool, harsh colours, like blues and whites. This would be an example of the title sequence illustrating the setting for the film. In title sequences, music is also used which holds some similarity to the tone of the film. An example of this is the introduction to an interview with the makers of a game called The Last of Us. The music they use echoes the tone of the game itself; melancholic and bleak. 

The actual intro to the interview isn't on
Youtube; this is the song itself.

In a horror film intro, they could use dramatic stringy music to set the tone for a fast-paced horror film. In contrast, a film that relies more on subtlety as opposed to outright action could use ambience as opposed to music.

In opening titles, the information gives typically is;
The names of the companies who produced and distributed the film
The name of the director
The name of the producer
The name of the lead/star actor(s)
The name of the film
(^ in no particular order ^)

There are several ways a title can be presented to the audience. Back in the genesis of film, titles were often presented as 'cards', projected onto a screen. They held simply the name of the film, the director, the actors, and some miscellaneous information. Later on, title cards developed to have frames, and eventually become animated around the 1950s. Some examples of early animated title cards are 'North by Northwest' by Alfred Hitchcock.

This animation was developed by Saul Bass, a man who was revolutionary and instrumental in the progression of film titles.

Since then, film titles have only developed further. They have evolved beyond simple frames with which to introduce the film, and are now used to generate emotions and set the scene for the entire film. Some of the most memorable parts of films can be the title sequences (see; The Pink Panther, which had an opening sequence iconic enough to generate an animated cartoon, merchandise, etc.), and they have become an instrumental part of many films today.