RESEARCH - The 4 different types of film openings

1. Titles on a black screen

Historically this is the most common type of title sequence.

• Involves different kinds of type face on a background,
• Usually has white text over a black background to create contrast,
• Clear font which is easy to read,
• Low budget,

Examples:

Psycho

• Plain black background in-between graphics for titles,
• White text, simple font,
•  Clear font,
• Easy to read,

Pulp fiction

• Plain black background,
• Yellow colour at start overlaps with white font of actors names,
• White text, simple font,
• Quick pace of titles, no spacing,

2. Titles on still images

This type of film opening was more elaborate than simple white text on a black background and was developed from title cards.

• Is a way of incorporating text with visual images,
• Hints at the tone or genre of film,
• Clear font which is easy to read,
• Made longer than title sequences on a black screen,
• Combining different media for background,
• Music and still images accompany credits to introduce tone and genre of film.

Examples:

Wimbledon

• Tennis themed - sets tone of the film,
• Each name in time with beat of music,
• White writing,
• Simple font over still images,

3. Titles over moving images

This category incorporates credit titles with moving image behind titles.

Moving image serves to offer either; 

1) A metaphor (Not the start if the film)

OR
2) Narrative themed - to help set up the genre and introduce the tone or storylines of film to audience. (Establishing shots)

• Conventionally moving image with titles and sound,
• Usually no dialogue,
• Sound > sound effects, soundtrack, pre recorded narratives,

Examples:

Rear Window - Narrative Thread

• Indent at beginning of film,
• White text simple font,
• Sound effects throughout the soundtrack,
• Title on top of moving images,

4. Titles using animation or motion

In late 1990's the use of animated text in title sequences became popular.

• Titles built around animation/motion,
• A lot of stylised editing and digital technology,
• Titles became part of image,

Examples:

Catch me if you can

• Black text, 
• More complex font,
• Text over animated backgrounds,

Casino Royale

• Plain white simple text,
• Moving images/animations with text,
• Soundtrack,
• Establishes the genre of action as we are introduced to action imagery (i.e gun fights).