Research into Opening Sequence Designs

To get a better understanding of what makes a successful opening sequence, I watched and took notes on the ideas of Kyle Cooper, the acclaimed title designer.

Kyle Cooper Interview Part 1 and Kyle Cooper Interview Part 2

Through watching these two interviews with Kyle Cooper, I have learned simple methods in which create a memorable opening sequence. An opening sequence that will be successful is the kind that sets an expectation for the film; one that makes the audience excited and nothing will distract them from it. Cooper uses "Se7en" as one example of a successful opening sequence. The credits themselves in this sequence are hand written; a tool that is not only a suspicious and eerie effect, but is symbolic to the film as a whole. A huge element of "Se7en" is the way in which the protagonist keeps a journal of the events. The hand written font in this sense links to this; making me understand that an opening sequence should post clear links to the actual film. Cooper said that you should make the typography in the context of the film your about to tell; random sequences will lose interest of the audience.

Something else Cooper taught me from watching the first interview is to use out of the ordinary images to capture the interest of the audience in your opening sequences. For example, Cooper stated he likes using cells, and elements of the skin in horror/thriller films. Thinking of new ideas and being creative within the editing suite is what makes a good shoot.

Typography is seen at it's most effective when simplistic. An opening sequence that made an impression on Cooper was "The Dead Zone"; a key example of simple typography through use of mysterious overtones of music, and effective fonts. Also through watching the opening sequence to "To Kill A Mockingbird", I discovered that linking the opening sequence to obsessions of the protagonist in close up macro format are hugely effective. It allows the audience to gather an insight to the characters without initially seeing them, and making a judgement on them. Comfortable opening sequences are ones in the form of a story; where you could use this opportunity to introduce the metaphors that the film will entail.

Opening sequences are important in giving an opportuinity to advance on the plot of the film. From looking at the advice of Kyle Cooper, our group now feel confident with our ideas. We will use close up shots, perhaps take the form of a narrative opening sequence and link small elements of the sequence to the main plot of the film in the hope to make it effective.