Questions

What is the purpose of opening credits?

Opening credits are the period at the beginning of a film used literally to credit the most major members of the cast, creative team and occasionally crew. However, they are generally also used as a time to establish the genre and the major themes of the film.

What is the difference between opening credits and a title sequence?

While opening credits list the names of people involved in the production process of the movie, a title sequence is a prolonged sequence which culminates in the 'reveal' of the movie's name. However, these two techniques are usually combined into one sequence and so have generally become interchangeable.

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

The main techniques used are those of font and sound. The score that plays over the sequence is vital to the establishment of the genre. The font of the credits play into that genre, whether its noticeable or simple and bold. Other techniques include motifs, colour and technologies.