Research- Titles

 Hey everyone!

        In today's post we'll be getting a closer look at a important and overlooked factor of film openings which matter much more then you think- titles! When discussing titles, this doesn't just include the title card that has the film's name but its creators, and the typography, colors and transitions that make these titles up. Titles are able to add meaning, set a mood and highlight important individuals that took a big part of the film. This can include directors, actors and other impactful crew members. Titles can set the tone, communicate the genre and create expectations. In recent years though, title sequences and credits are not as common anymore like we saw in Five Feet Apart.

Timings, Movements and Transitions

  After analyzing the opening sequences from previous blog posts, I observed that titles in romantic dramas don't begin until the beginning monologue is complete. The title card of the films started either right before or at the start of the beginning scene which starts off the main plot. This was seen in "My Oxford Year" and "Five Feet Apart". Something I did notice though, was that "Five Feet apart did not include any actor, director or other significant crew that helped create the movie. This choice was most likely done to make the opening feel real as possible.

  As for movies like "My Oxford Year" which did include, co-producers, starring actors, designers and other important people, these titles went on for about 50 seconds to a minute since transitions faded in and out and were about 3-4 seconds long for each every time they were on screen. In between each fade out to fade in there was about 2-3 seconds between each title creating a steady, comprehendible pace for the audience. It also just sets a calm, gentle tone to the scene and story, adhearing to that romantic drama genre. Both title cards of both films were approached in a soft manner with fade in and out, while at the same time being in the center at a reasonably medium to large font size. Similarily, in Five Feet Apart, the title faded in slowly word by word and for about 10-12 seconds. It also makes the overall opening introspective and adds a effect making the film more deep and meaningful.

Sound and Music 

  As titles have their own purpose in a film opening, sounds can add effect, depth and emotion to add to themes and moods conveyed through other elements of the opening. Sounds and texts work hand in hand with titles and contribute to the pacing of the opening. Little things like pacing an rhythm are so important and can be the difference between captivating an audience or making misunderstandings. It has the ability to leave a memorable impression on the audience.

  Some opening titles may have sound effects while some don't. The purpose of using sound effects is that it goes hand in hand with creating that pace and mood previously talked about. It also just creates an immersive experience for the audience as it not only gets their eyes to pay attention but their ears as well. If sound effects are considered into my film, I will make ensure that they are incorporated using soft piano sounds or other melancholic songs and effects to create a emotional and reflective feeling.

Typography

  Another important element of titles is how they look! Presentation of titles are so important as they can give the audience an idea of what genre they're watching. Bolder colors, fonts can reveal feelings and  themes that will be later introduced the audience. For example, the title of the movie "Scarface" is made in such a way that it looks, serious, daunting and unpredictable. 

  In romantic dramas, the mood and emotions felt by the audience can help guide how typography should look for a film opening. Since romantic dramas can express intense, raw emotions of desire, yearning and love as well as other feelings that individuals may deal with due to challenges or struggles in their life. Therefore the typography must of these fonts should capture the gentleness and intimacy that will be later present in the film. To do this romantic dramas will have typography that is more minimalist, sophisticated and realistic fonts that give the idea of someone's handwriting. 

Sans- Serif, minimalist more clean 

• Helvetica Condensed
• Futura

High contrast literary Serifs, more thicker

• Playfair Dispaly
• Cinzel
• Garamond

Raw Handwritten looking Fonts.

• Satisfy
• Great Vibes
• Narrow Tall Slim 
  

Something also to take note of is how all these title cards have a dark background to contrast to the color of the typography. The color is almost always white and made visible no matter how tiny or small. The use of a black background can show the importance and represent the seriousness of a film. This would work as it is a romantic drama with more serious topics and conversations. This contrast provides a foundation for the rest of the film. 

Reflection

For my film opening, I will use a similar approach to my film opening titles and credits as it will add more meaning to my film and allow me to follow my sub genre. While choosing typography and choices when it comes to my film opening, I will stick to researching within the fonts I had listed and choose the font that best applies to my story board. I will also implement soft transitions and queue my credits in a slow but timely based manner, to keep the opening realistic and relatable as possible to blur the lines of reality and film for the viewer so that the full experience is felt.

Sources:

https://thefilmpie.com/index.php/category-table/198-who-are-those-people-in-the-opening-credits

https://www.derek-lieu.com/blog/2019/1/21/remember-the-titles

https://lwks.com/blog/rhythm-and-pace-crafting-the-tempo-of-film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1VPfeDh6GE