The opening credits of a film have developed immensely since the inception of titles on a black background. Contemporary title sequences have become a product of artistic excellence through the usage of typography, animation, complex narrations and breath-taking aesthetics. Title sequences have become an avenue to set the genre and create audience expectation for the film that is to follow. This article is a brief recap of the history of title sequences with a view of demonstrating the evolution of the medium by referring to Inceer (2007:5-16), Bhowmik (2014:12-16) and Matamala & Orero (2011:12-36). The study splits the timeline of title sequences into four eras: Silent films (1860s – late 1920s), 1930s – late 1950s, The Saul Bass era: 1955 – 1970, and The digital age: 1980 to present. The division is based upon technical and technological advancements that have influenced …show more content…
Bednarek (2014:126) supports that claim by suggesting that title sequences are to establish the characters, setting, storyline and overall ethos of the film. According to Stanitzek (2009:44) title sequences make use of “distractedness” and “diverging” to allow for an easier transition into the film. Title sequences divide the focus from the play of the film narrative to documenting the production crew (Stanitzek 2009:44). Stanitzek (2009:44) suggests that it achieves this by separating itself from the film as a “film within a film”. Stanitzek (2009:44) explains that title sequences have their own structure; a beginning, middle and end, thus establishing their individuality and coherence from film. Additionally, the usage of a variety of techniques i.e. live action, animation and typography, makes it possible for a title sequence to gain its distinguishing characteristics and thus be seen as separate from the film (Stanitzek