I am going to review and discuss title sequences from three distribution formats I have identified. These formats are episodic online media, episodic broadcast media UK and episodic broadcast media US. I will be analysing the production values and visual styles of these title sequences.
This review concerns the discussion of: US Episodic Broadcast Media Format
- Genre: mystery thriller/drama
- Motion graphics animation
- Short
- Changing throughout seasons but keeping within brand
- Showing little of storyline
- Creating atmosphere through visuals and audio
- Hint to/reminder of main storyline
- Jitter of title and visual style are consistent with trend of horror genre
- Title card, main graphic of sequence
The Supernatural title sequence is created with the shows mystery/thriller genre in mind. The title emits mystery by not giving away details, instead only showing the mere gist of the current season. Supernatural has retained its style throughout all 7 seasons with the name of the show in the centre of the screen and season related motion graphic animations alongside it. It has never been more than a logo come animated indent. The most recent title starts off with a black splatter that spreads towards the screen in slow motion before it is rapidly sucked into the “Supernatural” lettering. The show title is displayed in black on a white background with the black fluid moulding itself around the lettering before said, jumping back and forth a few times, moves towards the screen in a quick motion. The brevity of the title cleverly conceals the details of the story but revels enough of the main storyline through hints in the visual style. The black substance, referring to the main enemy of the current season, creates a reminder of the golden thread that runs through the entire season despite the story diverting to a separate issue for almost each episode, occasionally loosing sight of said thread. Creating a title sequence solely with motion graphics without the use of live-action footage seems a deliberate choice in order to compose an atmosphere appropriate to the theme. It evokes mystery through emission of detail not only of the story but also about the villain the shows’ heroes have to face for the current season. From the first viewing the audience does not know if this villain is man or monster and that the black substance in fact relates to it. With this, the title orchestrates intrigue that reels the viewer in and acts as a reminder from there on out thus playing into the hands of the genre. Live action footage might spoil this intrigue and not have the same, mysterious effect.
The mystery genre is reflected in the title sequence visually as well as aurally. The sound is reminiscent of a creature that you might encounter in such a world of supernatural beings. The jitter of the lettering towards the end of the title is very typical of the mystery/horror genre as seen in films such as Paranormal Activity and prepares the audience for the kind of experience they are about to encounter. Despite the ever changing visual style of each seasons title, the animation and “Supernatural” type face as well as the audio has remained similar if not the same creating a recognisable brand. Short, animated sequences of this style have become a trend since Lost and are a continued technique used for secret bearing, mystery themed shows as Breaking Bad and Ringer.
- Period drama
- Motion graphics & 2D Animation
- Saul bass 60s style
- TS is story of Don Draper, man losing his footing in the changing ad business and changing times
- Possibly deferrable onto any male character in show – faceless man makes it possible
- Style detached from realism, just like the advertising business
- TS underpins some themes and storylines of show
- Title card at the end of sequence
Big Bang Theory by The Picture Mill
- Comedy drama
- Science orientated, reflected in title sequence
- TS is fast forward of evolution and human invention in still frames
- Some 3D elements at the start
- End on a main cast live action frame, similar to comedy drama shows like friends
- Tying together the genre, through comedic soundtrack and visuals, subject of discussion (science) and relationship/friendship story references through last shot
- Title card at the end of sequence
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