Research into title sequences

Research into title sequences

All films have a title sequence. This is an essential part of a film as it sets the scene and introduces the characters. The title sequence also gives the audience information about the actors/actresses in the film as well as the producer, director and other important people behind the camera. The title sequence can also inform you that the film is based on a true story or not. The title sequence tells you the production and distribution companies for example Warner Bros.
On www.artofthetitle.com there is lots of inspiration into different title sequences that I could develop on and use for the title sequence in our film. 
One good title sequence i found on this site is The Goodfellas. This is a good title sequence as it introduces the company who produced and possibly distributed the film. It also introduces the main actors within the first 35 seconds. This is good as it is quick so the audience doesn't lose interest. As each persons name comes onto the screen the sound of a car passing runs in time with it. This is good as it gives the audience an idea of what might happen next, a car chase or set on a busy city road.
After the production team and actors are introduced we get straight into the story with the main characters driving in a car. 

Goodfellas shot of characters in car.

This is a good shot as it sets the scene for the film. It also interlinks with the beginning of the sequence as the sound of cars passing is synchronized with the names passing the screen. Having the three characters in the car also gives the impression that they are  on there way to do something or that they already have done it and are on the run. 



The characters then hear banging sounds (diegetic sound) coming from the car, they pull over and get out. Opening the boot, a man is found covered in blood. they soon realise that the man is still live and are quick to finnish the job. Using this is effective as it leaves the audience guessing as to who the man is and why they have abducted and killed him. Having this scene in the title sequence works as it grabs the audience attention straight away and leaves them guessing as to what has happened and what will happen next. 

Then we move to a close up, of who we would guess is the main character, with a voice over "as far back as i can remember, i have always wanted to be a gangster" finishing with the boot slamming shut. This is effective as it gives the audience an idea of the type of person this man is and the sort of crimes he has committed in the past. It may also cause fear of the character and suspense as to what will happen in the rest of the film. I would want to recreate a title sequence like this as we want our audience to be in suspense as to what will happen next so they will carry on watching the film and hopefully enjoy the film. 

Goodfellas title sequence, production team 

From this scene we then go back to the original sequence of the names of the producer and other behind the camera names sweeping across the screen with the synchronised sound of passing cars. This is good as it splits up the same sequence with a little action ands then restarts with the same effective chain. 
Goodfellas Title Sequence