Title sequence research

A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films ortelevision programs present their title, key production and cast members, orboth, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound.It usually follows but shouldnot be confused with the opening credits, which are generally nothing more thana series of superimposed text.

Many films have used unusual and fairly elaborate titlesequences since the 1930s. In the 1936 Show Boat little cut-out figures on arevolving turntable carried overhead banners on which were displaying theopening credits. This opening sequence was designed by John Harkrider, whocreated the costumes for the original 1927 Broadway production of the musical.In several films, the opening credits have appeared against a background of(sometimes moving) clouds. These include The Wizard of Oz (1939), Till theClouds Roll By (1946), the David Lean Oliver Twist (1948) and the 1961 King ofKings.

In the 1947 Technicolor film Sinbad the Sailor, the lettersof the opening credits seem to form from coloured water gushing into afountain. In the 1959 Ben-Hur, the opening credits were seen against thebackground of the "Creation of Man" in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapelceiling. As the credits progressed, the camera slowly zoomed in on the Hand ofGod outstretched toward Adam.

In a trend increasingly common since the late 1950s, filmtitle sequences have been a showcase for contemporary design and illustration.The title sequences of Saul Bass and Maurice Binder are among the best examplesof this. They also inspired many imitators both in cinema and on television.