Film pitch: Sci-fi Drama openings

The following post will include analysis of title sequences in Sci-fi's and Dramas to help me get ideas to produce a title opening of the final foundation coursework:

Sci-fi - Inception

T1: 0.04 seconds, capitals, font about 50, colour: red, bottom centred.

T2: 0.09 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: red and white, middle left and right.

T3: 0.15 seconds, capitals, font about 35, colour: red and white, middle left and right.

T4: 0.34 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: white, upper left.

T5: 0.41 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red and white, middle left and right.

T6: 0.50 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, middle/upper left.

T7: 1.06 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, middle/upper left.

T8: 1.11 seconds, capitals, font about 20/30, colour: white, centre/right.

Mise en scene:
Positioning of objects within the frame:
The positioning of the text in the frame varies, this means that there is no set pattern, and perhaps keeps the audience 'on their toes.'
Lighting and colour:
The text is always against a black backgroud, this makes it stand out, the lighting is high so you can clearly see everything.
Camera:
The animation of the building is quite cool, but was a bit of an anti-climax.
Editing:
The editing is all slick, the text appears at a good time in between each title. The animation of the building and the spinner animation at the end is really interesting.

Drama - The Notebook

T1: 0.05 seconds, capitals for first initial, font about 20, colour: white, bottom right.

T2: 0.10 seconds, capitals for first initial, font about 20, colour: white, bottom right.

 T3: 0.15 seconds, capitals for first initial, font about 20, colour: white, bottom right.

T4: 0.20 seconds, capitals for first initial, font about 20, colour: white, bottom right.

T5: 0.28 seconds, capitals for first initial, font about 20, colour: white, bottom right.

Mise en scene:
Positioning of objects within the frame:
The text is always placed at the bottom right, this is to focus on the image of the boat and the sunset.
Lighting and colour:
The lighting is always very low key as it is just coming up to sunset.
Camera:
The camera makes the title sequence feel very peaceful as it is steady and slow.
Editing:
The editing is very slick and there is sometimes tilt up's of the birds flying past in the sky.

What I have learnt that I can put into my title sequence:
Sometimes simple titles can be effective but when they are centred they are much more effective, as the audiences' attention is focused on them and they are noticed. Colours that contrast the background e.g. black background and white text work really well as they stand out. The title sequence should be really slick and edited really well so that it all looks professional and is memorable, and perhaps include something interesting like animations.

G321 AS film openings evaluation

What went well:
It was really clever how they managed to film the girls going onto the bus and getting off the same bus.
The level of sound was really good.
The titles were really good.
Even better if:
The text on the mobile phone was easier to read, you have to tilt your head to clearly see it so it should be the other way up.
The camera was a little steadier.
Mark: 51/60

Elimination

What went well:
The acting was good.
There were some quirky, edgy camera shots.
Even better if:
The titles were really simple.
The background music was sometimes a little too loud when trying to hear what the actress was saying.
Mark: 44/60



What went well:
The camera shots were steady.
Even better if:
The story line was much more interesting.
The actors and actresses spoke louder and clearer.
There was more variety of camera shots.
Mark: 22/60


The disappearance:
What went well:
The voice over was really good.
The camera shots were steady.
Although the titles were simple, they were quite short and sweet e.g. effective.
The acting was really good.
Even better if:
The titles were more interesting.
There wasn't so much blackness at the end.
Mark: 52/60

Film pitch idea

 

This presentation is my film pitch idea for the foundation coursework film we have to produce. Mine was chosen to be the final idea, but developed so that is would be easier to film, and other ideas making it better. 

Peer evaluation of Prelim Tasks

Dreamcatcher - Joe Griffiths' group: 
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? It was clear the genre was a horror/thriller, so the conventions were used well.
How was the use of camera shots? Good steady camera shots, but the shot reverse shot could have been done better.
Use of editing? The sound editing was great, however there were too many 'black moments' during transitions.
How was the continuity? The sequence had good flow.
Was the brief met? The horror/thriller effects were present so, yes.
Overall success of video: 6/10

Fug Lyfe - George Brewers group:
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? Was it a comedy drama? The genre wasn't clear.
How was the use of camera shots? The camera shots were steady, however one or both faces were cut off during the 180 degree shots during the teacher-student talk.
Use of editing? Good editing.
How was the continuity? There was a good flow and the story was easy to follow.
Was the brief met? The brief was met if it was suppose to be a comedy drama, what was the genre?
Overall success of video: 7/10

Celestial - Ellie Robson's group: ONE OF THE TOP THREE
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? The genre was clearly a thriller/horror so the conventions were used very well.
How was the use of camera shots? Really lovely camera shots.
Use of editing? Great editing.
How was the continuity? The plot flowed, along with all the shots when put together.
Was the brief met? Yes, however some footage at the beginning was not theirs.
Overall success of video: 9/10

Cheater - Nick Roxby's group:
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? The sequence was a Rom-Com, so the conventions were used well.
How was the use of camera shots? Some shots were a little shaky, but generally good.
Use of editing? The slow motion editing was effective and funny, generally good editing.
How was the continuity? The story was a bit confusing.
Was the brief met? There were some good Rom-Com elements, so yes.
Overall success of video: 7/10

Found - Sam Cook's group:
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? Was it a drama? The conventions were okay.
How was the use of camera shots?  The tracking shot was really nice, generally good.
Use of editing? The editing of the text and the beginning was really effective, good editing in general.
How was the continuity? At one point, Sam was going up two completely different sets of stairs, little bits like this need to be tweaked.
Was the brief met? The story line was a little confusing.
Overall success of video: 7/10

Time Out - Ben Flatt's group: ONE OF THE TOP THREE
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? It was clearly a musical so the conventions were used well.
How was the use of camera shots? The shot reverse shot could have been better but generally good.
Use of editing? The lip syncing was good but there wasn't really many transitions used.
How was the continuity? The story line was easy to follow and catchy.
Was the brief met? Yes, there was singing and dancing and all the elements of a cheesy musical.
Overall success of video: 8/10

Candyman - Dom Freedman's group: ONE OF THE TOP THREE
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? I think it was a drama so maybe the conventions could have been a bit clearer.
How was the use of camera shots? Good steady camera shots.
Use of editing? Good, however at one point you could hear someone say 'go,' little bits like this need to be tweaked.
How was the continuity? The story line was easy to follow, however when the chocolate bars fell, surely they would all just fall at the same time?
Was the brief met? Yes, it was one of my favourites.
Overall success of video: 8/10

The Encounter - Kaitlin Jarvis' group:
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? Was it a Sci-Fi? Conventions maybe need to be a little clearer.
How was the use of camera shots? Good steady shots.
Use of editing? Nice use of cutting within editing.
How was the continuity? It was quite a cliché story line, and a little short.
Was the brief met? Yes, but maybe a little longer next time.
Overall success of video: 7/10

What's in the Woods? - James Clifford's group:
How clear was the genre? Did it use conventions well? I thought it was a fantasy, so if so there was good use of conventions.
How was the use of camera shots? Good steady camera shots.
Use of editing? Great editing, nice split screen transitions.
How was the continuity? The story was very easy to follow.
Was the brief met? Yes, the unusual animal in the forest made fantasy elements present.
Overall success of video: 7/10

What we have learnt from our Prelim Task

What we have learnt from our Prelim Task:
Be responsible for props and costumes.
Take into account weather/room availability e.g. drama studio.
Extras can be unreliable.
Student office may not lend you the wheelchair if it is not booked.
Back up plan if the 'star' is absent.
If footage is moved from the computer, premiere will not find it.
Keep it simple, do not over complicate it.
Diplomacy and compromise are essential team skills.
Continuity errors.
Ask Ellie and Jonathon RE: blood.
Change settings when importing footage.
Music layers are essential.
Stick to the plan!!

Art of the Title

A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members.

The function of a title sequence is to introduce the film and to give the audience information about the cast members in the film and the people behind it.

Three films featured in the A Brief History of the Art of the Title Sequence are: Phantom of the Opera, King Kong and Singin' in the Rain. 

Singin' in the Rain: 

Use of Typography Elements (text):
The 'in' text that is introducing the title is rather small to then make the title stand out massively. The text is in yellow which really catches your eye and is a much bolder yellow then the colour of their coats. All of the words in the title start with capital letters giving them importance. The letters in the title all have shadows behind them, which implies a light is shining on them, so the title is lit up for the world to see.
Use of visual imagery/sound elements:
The actors/actress at first appear to be walking towards the camera, smiling and dancing, they then turn on their side and present to us their umbrellas before turning their backs to the audience and begin to walk off. This visual imagery leaves us as the audience wanting them to come back and not walk off. We want to see more of their dancing and smiling.
Mood/feeling:
The rain creates a really relaxed feel, but then the actors/actress are smiling and dancing so this makes us as the audience feel excited and eager to join in. The rain is also very unique, when it is raining people usually stay inside, but these people are outside dancing and singing in it, this makes us think it is really unique and cool and feel like we too could sing in the rain.

The use of the above (typography elements, visual imagery and mood/feel) suggest that the theme/content of this film is going to be really uplifting and make us feel like in life we should just dance and sing in the rain if we want to. So the message behind this title sequence is really to make the audience think they should take risks in their life and live it to the full.

Phantom of the Opera:

Use of Typography Elements (text): 

This title sequence has chosen to write the name of the person who produced the film. This is to show us as the audience he owns this film and all his hard work has come down to this. The 'the' is in italics, to me this implies there is only one Phantom of the Opera, he is THE Phantom of the Opera. The text is all written in capitals, this shows the importance of the title. This title sequence has also chosen to name the book that Carl Laemmle got his idea for this film from. Although this is in smaller text, the name is still in capitals for us as the audience to see. The white ghost-like colour of the text shows perhaps there is going to be something mysterious and chilling about this film. 

Use of visual imagery/sound elements:

The use of the dark tunnel entrance in the background perhaps suggests the idea to us as an audience that by watching this film, we are about to enter something dark in which we don't know the way that it is going to lead us. This may intrigue many of the audience watching and urge them to want to watch it.

Mood/feeling:

The mood created by this title sequence is that something dark and perhaps even dangerous is going to happen. We can tell by the dark colours used and the ghost-like feel and dark passages in the background that this is not going to be a cheery, uplifting film like Singin' in the Rain.

The use of the above (typography elements, visual imagery and mood/feel) suggest that the theme/content of this film is going to be something perhaps not for young children to watch. This film is probably for older teens and adults only judging by the whispy title which creates a ghost-like affect, and the word 'phantom' which actually means a ghost. We can predict the genre of this film is probably going to be a horror. 

I think Richard Morrison looks for a nuance that gives his films energy and flavour so that the viewer thinks it is interesting and wants to see more. 

Sweeny Todd:

Use of Typography Elements (text):
The title sequence uses mainly white text that is medium size and usually placed to the left or right of the screen when showing roles people played in the film etc. This is to give information to the audience about the cast members which is the function of a title sequence. However, the name of the film is displayed in much bigger font and is red coloured text. This is to stand out, it is also in capital letters which makes it clearer to read. The actors/actresses are displayed in order of importance regarding their characters in the film.
Use of visual imagery/sound elements:
The blood in the title sequence is really effective as we follow it around the haunted looking house. It cleverly drips and falls into every nook and cranny that it can spill into, which gives us as the audience a close look at some of the really cool animated features. The music is quite creepy so it fits with the look of the haunted house and suggests this film is horror genre.
Mood/feeling:
The title sequence creates a really eery feel to us as the audience. The blood makes me wonder, has someone been killed? Who's blood is it? What is the significance of the blood? These are all questions the title sequence makes me feel. It creates a darkening mood.

The use of the above (typography elements, visual imagery and mood/feel) suggest that the theme/content of this film is going to be a horror and that perhaps something dark and dangerous is going to happen. The title sequence also suggests that the theme is maybe going to be revenge, someone's blood has been spilled and maybe somebody wants payback.

Batman:

Use of Typography Elements (text): 

The text is all in the same colour of yellow. Yellow is a good colour to place against dark backgrounds as it stands out. The connotations of yellow are curiosity and hope. The texts perhaps symbolizes this. The names of the people that play roles in creating or are in the film are in capitals to show their importance and stand out. The name of the film is in bigger font than the rest of the other titles, to make it stick in your mind and remember for ever. 

Use of visual imagery/sound elements:

The title sequence seems to be following what looks like a dark tunnel passage or cobbled street. The title sequence continuously uses low key lighting to create a dark feel. The music really builds up as the title goes on further and definitely sounds like something heroic. 

Mood/feeling: 

The title sequence creates a really mysterious feel but at the same time, the music is quite comforting as we know it is building up, just like a hero builds up his rescue. It creates a really dark mood, so to foreshadow something bad is going to happen, but not to fear because a hero is near.

The use of the above (typography elements, visual imagery and mood/feel) suggest that the theme/content of this film is going to be a film where we are gripping the edge of our seats. The music builds up in such a way that we are just waiting for the hero to burst on to the screen and save the day. Although hero films are usually much brighter, the darkness creates a theme of mysteriousness.

Richard Morrison explains about the film title sequence that it is important you do not give too much away but give the audience a flavour to intrigue them. This is definitely something I will consider when doing my final project and creating a film title sequence for that. 

For Sweeny Todd, he said: "This industry is very specific and if you do a good job then you tend to be remembered by directors and producers." I think he felt this title sequence was successful as he stated: "...we had to give it this comical feel, which worked really well. That was a dream project. We would love to work on something similar."

For Batman, he said: "The Batman 1989 environment was not that homogenized. In fact, there weren’t many people on the same platform and we were all very individual. (Homogenized meaning similar.) I think he felt this title sequence also was successful as he stated: "...that was the idea and then I just invented the world around it. Nobody did anything like it before so that’s why it probably retained its timeless feel." 

Title analysis

Title analysis timeline for three films:
Textual analysis for three films: font, size, colour, bold/italic/underline

1) Iron Man
2) Ocean's Eleven
3) Catch Me If You Can

Iron Man:

T1: 0.10 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: red, centred.

T2: 0.13 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, placed to the left.

T3: 0.15 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, centred.

T4: 0.19 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, centred.

T5: 0.21 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, centred upper.

T6: 0.24 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, centred upper.

T7: 0.26 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, centred upper.

T8: 0.28 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, placed to the left in the centre.

T9: 0.32 seconds, capitals, font about 35, colour: red, centred.

T10: 0.35 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, placed to the left in the centre.

T11: 0.37 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, centred.

T12: 0.42 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, placed in the upper centre.

T13: 0.43 seconds, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, placed in the upper centre.

T14: 0.47 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: red, placed dead in the centre.

T15: 0.51 seconds, capitals, font about 35, colour: red, placed in the right upper centre.

T16: 0.53 seconds, capitals, font about 35, colour: red, placed in the upper centre.

T17: 0.56 seconds, capitals, font about 35, colour: red, placed in the left centre.

T18: 0.58 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: red, placed in the far left centre. 

T19: 1.00 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: red, placed in the bottom right. 

T20: 1.03 minute, capitals, font about 30, colour: red, placed in the bottom right. 

T21: 1.09 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: red, placed in the centre slightly to the right. 

T22: 1.21 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: red, placed dead in the centre.

For the more important titles, they are placed in the centre of the screen, for example "Robert Downey Jr" (as he is the main actor) and "a JON FAVREAU film" (as this is the company that produced the film.) All of the text is written in red, so to stand out from the black background. The less important titles are in font sizes 30-35 and the more important titles are in about size 40, to make them bigger and stand out more. Less important actors/actresses share the screen, for example "Robert Downey Jr" has his own as he is more famous and "Faran Tahir and Clark Gregg" have a shared screen. Words to introduce the titles like 'a' 'and' and 'by' are not in capitals, where as titles that say what the person did e.g. 'music supervisor' and 'costume designer' are in capitals. There is longer screening time for the more important titles, for example "a JON FAVREAU film" is displayed for about 6 seconds where as there is a one second gap from 'music supervisor' and 'casting by.' 

Ocean's Eleven: 

T1: 0.02 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: black, placed in the centre (some in bold.) 

T2: 0.05 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: black, placed in the centre (some in bold.) 

T3: 0.08 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: black, placed in the bottom left (some in bold.)

T4: 0.10 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the top left (some in bold.)

T5: 0.13 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the top left (some in bold.)

T6: 0.20 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the top left (some in bold.)

T7: 0.25 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the top left (some in bold.)

T8: 0.31 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the middle right (some in bold.)

T9: 0.32 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the middle right (some in bold.)

T10: 0.36 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the middle right (some in bold.)

T11: 0.41 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the upper middle (some in bold.)

T12: 0.42 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the upper middle (some in bold.)

T13: 0.44 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the upper middle (some in bold.)

T14: 0.51 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the upper right (some in bold.)

T15: 0.54 seconds, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the upper right.

T16: 1.00 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the centre left, bold font.

T17: 1.05 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the centre (some in bold.)

T18: 1.10 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the centre (some in bold.)

T19: 1.14 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the centre (some in bold.)

T20: 1.21 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the centre right (some in bold.)

T21: 1.25 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the centre right (some in bold.)

T22: 1.31 minute, capitals, font about 40, colour: white, placed in the centre, bold font. 

The actors appear in the order of who is most famous, the more famous they are the longer screening time they have. All of the actors/actresses surnames are in bold. Again, words like 'and' 'by' and 'a' are in smaller font. All of the main font appears to be the same size, and as it is mostly in white it stands out against the coloured backgrounds. The most important titles are placed in the centre of the screen, for example "directed by, STEVEN SODERBERGH." 

Catch Me If You Can:

T1: 0.03 seconds, bold, font about 30, colour: black, placed in the centre right. 

T2: 0.15 seconds, bold, font about 30, colour: black, placed in the upper left. 

T3: 0.21 seconds, bold, font about 30, colour: black, placed in the centre.

T4: 0.28 seconds, bold, font about 30, colour: black, placed in the upper right. 

 

T5: 0.30 seconds, bold, font about 30, colour: black and white, placed in the upper centre. 

T6: 0.35 seconds, bold, font about 30, colour: black, placed in the centre. 

T7: 0.41 seconds, bold, font about 30, colour: black, placed in the centre right. 

All of the font is in the same size and all in the same colour, black (expect from the 'me' in 'catch me if you can' which is white, to stand out, as the whole film is based around one main character.) All of the font is in bold to stand out against the background. The screen time the titles get is pretty even, although the actors/actresses are again listed around who is most important/famous. The title sequence finishes off with who produced and directed it, which they obviously thought was the most important person behind the film. In the previous two films, less important words like 'and' 'a' and 'by' were in smaller font, but in this title sequence they are in the exact same size font as all of the other words, this makes it look quite neat, tidy and professional.

I have learnt the significance of why title sequences put the company who produced the film first, as they own it and want people to know that. I have also learnt how important it is to carefully plan how long it will be between each title, and to put them in order of importance, but also finish with a significant name or role to leave the audience with that in their heads.