Opening Credit Sequences

     Since we are doing an opening scene for our film, it must include a credit sequence. This post will be similar to my last post, except we will focus solely on how the credits fit into each opening. We will then talk about how we could fit an element of that into our film opening.

Credit Sequence #1: Groundhog Day

    Since we are doing a time loop-themed project, obviously we have to look at the iconic Groundhog Day (1993). The way they do the credit sequence is actually pretty unique since the credits are split up into three different parts. The first part is the obvious credits, where various videos of clouds are edited together and the actors/title of the film is revealed. We then get a scene introducing us to the protagonist, where he reveals he is going to Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day. The credits are put on pause for a little bit, to develop this scene without distractions. They finally resume for a few seconds when he finishes up his actual forecast, but then are put on pause immediately for about a minute and a half before we see an aerial shot of the city. This is when they resume and last for about another minute while showing extreme long shots of the van driving to Punxsutawney. The credits are paused once more for a quick scene within the van that includes dialogue developing Phil's character. Once we get some more outside shots of the van, the credits finally resume until they reach their location.

Opening credit sequence for Groundhog Day (1993)

   

    This sequence is interesting because there are obvious dedicated parts to show the credits. I think we could incorporate the technique of spreading the credits throughout our opening so as to not distract from the dialogue being spoken. Maybe hold out on the credits while the characters are taking up the screen, but resume them when it is showing off different parts of the office.

Credit Sequence #2: Men In Black

    The opening credits for Men In Black (1997) are structured in a very specific way. It begins with the big production companies, the director, and the main actor as the background is just the night sky, both emphasizing the credits being displayed and hinting at the alien-themed story. Once the title card is revealed, the shot shifts from the night sky to following a dragonfly. This adds movement and action to the scene, as the rest of the credits continue. This scene is pretty long, lasting about a minute and a half. The reason this opening credit sequence works is that while it shows off a large list of credits, the audience stays engaged with the film since movement/action is happening in the background. If the credits went on for two and a half minutes with a static background, this credit sequence would be very weak and lose some interest within the film.

Opening credit sequence for Men In Black (1997)

    The important thing to look at for this credit sequence is how the film keeps the audience engaged while still giving a large number of credits. In our project, we will try to stay away from static credit sequences and try to incorporate them within the scene while still keeping it interesting. The only time we could afford to do something static would be for the title reveal since we have to emphasize that, but the scene would immediately have to resume after that alongside the more basic credits.

Credit Sequence #3: Back To The Future

    Back To The Future (1985) is most definitely my favorite film opening/title sequence of all the ones I have analyzed so far. The scene uses set design to explain the character of Doc without a single word spoken. We learn about his personal idols, his obsession with time, and how he is an inventor. The main credits (like the director and executive producer) as well as the title card are all emphasized since they are shown with a black background. Although there is nothing visually going on during these first credits, we still learn more about the film as there are clocks running in the background. The credits are all shown during this one master shot showing off the environment and are really just an addition to a very telling opening scene. The film uses the opening credit sequence as a scene to develop character through the environment.

Opening credit sequence for Back To The Future (1985)

    Taking all of this into account, I have learned that the credit sequence does not have to be focused solely on showing off the credits. The credit sequence can also be used to develop character/setting alongside presenting the credits. In our opening, we will play the credits as the scene develops our protagonist and the current conflict. This will both keep the scene interesting while introducing our plot and meeting the requirements of credits within the opening sequence.

Sources:

- MovieTitleScreens. (2012). Groundhog Day 1993 -- OPENING TITLE SEQUENCE. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SJc-8cHhus

‌- João de Carvalho. (2013, October 31). MIB Opening Credits. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm0eDTe4TYo

‌- MovieTitleScreens. (2012). Back To The Future 1985 -- OPENING TITLE SEQUENCE. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3isQI0nXQRE