The document discusses different types of titles and credits that can be used in movies and television shows. It describes single, double, and triple title cards that display cast and crew credits in opening and closing credits. It also covers main title cards, scrolling credits, lower thirds used for interviews, and subtitles. The document lists various tropes for title sequences such as action-hogging openings, animated credits, and music video style openings. It notes the core members typically credited and sounds that may be used.
2. • A title sequence is that part of a programme
which typically gives the series title, theme
music, and serial or episode name. It may also
provide the names of the principal actors
involved, as well as that of the writer.
3. Titles and title cards can be distinguished as follows:
• A single title card contains one name credit. Typically used in opening titles to display the name of
the lead actors and the creative people involved in the movie. Generally referred to as the above-the-
line credits.
• A double title card contains two name credits. Typically is used to display the names of supporting
actors and additional creative people involved in the movie.
• A triple title card contains three name credits. Typically used to display the names of additional
supporting actors.
• A multiple title card contains more than three name credits. Typically used to name additional
supporting actors or extras.
• A main title card displays the main title of the movie.
• Scrolling titles are titles that move sequentially in and out of frame, generally used as end titles.
• A lower third is a title placed on the lower-third of the screen (although there might be other
screen placements you could consider), generally used to display the information—name and
title—of a person being interviewed or a location.
• Subtitles are titles placed on the lower-third part of the screen (or sometimes on the top of the
screen to avoid covering relevant information on-screen or previously existing lower thirds). These
are generally used to translate dialogue in another language.
• Inter-titles are title cards that display the time, place, prologue, or quotes. In silent films, an inter-title
is often used to convey minimal dialogue or information that can’t be deduced from the
talent’s body language or the scene’s settings.
4. Major types and tropes of the Title Sequence include:
• Action-Hogging Opening
• And Starring
• Animated Credits Opening
• Artistic Title
• Automobile Opening
• Bait-and-Switch Credits
• Couch Gag
• Credits Running Sequence
• Dancing Theme
• Evolving Credits
• Eye Open
• Fake Guest Star
• Five Man Band Concert
• Inverted Portrait
• Music Video Credits Sequence
• Opening Credits Cast Party
• Opening Narration
• Opening Scroll
• Placeholder Titles
• Promotion to Opening Titles
• Pull the Plug on the Title
• Soundtrack Dissonance
• Special Edition Title
• Spoiler Opening
• Theme Tune
• Theme Tune Roll Call
• The Teaser
• Sting
• Through-the-Years Credits
• Title Montage
• Title-Only Opening
• Title Sequence Replacement
• Unique Pilot Title Sequence
• Variations On A Theme Song
• Welcome Titles
• Whooshing Credits
7. • The opening credits are shown at the very beginning
and list the most important members of the
production. They are now usually shown as text
superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or
sometimes on top of action in the show.
8. • “Watchmen” (2009)
• Why it works: This INVINCIBLE credits
sequences did a ton of heavy lifting —
providing backstory, cleverly recreating key
moments in history, and incorporating a Bob
Dylan song.
