Class title sequence exercise:
https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/split/
Reflection: After having done this exercise, I had a better understanding of title sequences and why type can add a lot to a movie. I learnt that it’s not just about randomly adding text but it’s also about how we can communicate the theme, concept and somewhat parts of the story to our audience. I learnt that we are even able to hint to our audience and viewers about what the film might be about.
It’s also interesting to see the development of typography. It’s interesting to see how far type has come from where it started. When you first watch the title sequence, you don’t think about the title sequence but after having been exposed to the use of typography within title sequences, I definitely had gained more appreciation for title sequences and the work that goes into choosing the type as well as it’s movement and transitions.
Title Sequences:
Series: ‘The Walking Dead’
https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-walking-dead-season-9/
What’s the film/ series about? How does the title sequence reflect the story/ Idea? The series is about the end of the world. The end of the world was caused to an outbreak of a disease which turned people who caught this disease/ bite, turned into zombies. During this season, we continue to embark on a journey of people who try to survive this and try to live while this outbreaks goes on. They try to find new ways of living or at least try to live a new ‘normal.’
Through the title sequence, we are able to understand what this series might be about through the use of typography, animation, moving images and might even include some sort of timelapse or hyperlapse in the beginning with the birds.
Describe use of graphic elements if any/ Describe use of graphic elements if any: We are first introduced to the concept of life and death mainly through the mixed images that communicate life and death shown through dead trees which gets revived. We see a skull wrapped by growing flowers. We also see black crows which mainly represent death (wheres doves represent cleanliness- which is something we don’t see.) Moreover, we see horses, a forest, graveyards, weapons used in the series (Lucille), silhouettes of people which appear to be dead. Lastly, the title sequence, also includes a few easter eggs for the fans to look for.
Describe use of typography: In terms of typography, we mainly see a san serif font that was used -Tungsten. A simple font. But towards the end of the title sequence, we see a bolder font of tungsten to emphasise the title and see it covered with dirt, cracks and what seems like to be mould or old grass which is related to the idea of decay, rotten things and sludge which also relates to zombies.
In addition, as art of the title mentions, that compared to the other title sequences in previous seasons, ” It also communicates something that may be slightly unfamiliar to Walking Dead viewers after eight seasons of terrible fear and suffering: a feeling of hope, a sense that this could be a new beginning for the titular group of survivors. Maybe.” The new title sequence also represents a new chapter in The walking dead franchise.
Possible use of technique- How do you think the title sequence has been composed? How could you achieve similar results?: Since it is animation, I assume they might have used Autodesk Maya which is a 3D software used for animation or some sort of 2D or 3D animation software as I also saw that behind the scenes, they had used a green screen to get the shots of the silhouettes.
I feel like I could achieve something like this through After Effects as well as Premiere Pro in terms of editing but still have to look at possible software for me to use.
How does the sequencing occur between scenes ? (transitional elements): In terms of typography, the actor’s names get removed by a somewhat pixelated vanishing affect or technique. Whereas with the images and animation, they transition scenes by doing dolly outs and smooth jump cuts. Although they are smooth transitions, it still feels uneasy as we are moving backwards as well as the camera is crooked when ‘filming’ the scenes giving an uneasy feel to it.
Describe the colour treatment: Throughout the sequence, we mainly see blacks, rustic browns, some deep reds but also bits of greenery to represent life as well as showcase that feeling of hope and or new growth.
Describe use of film language: In the film sequence, we see dolly outs, truck, close ups, focus, blurs and close ups to long shots. In addition, as they transition to the next scene or location, the old location fades rather them just cuts away to show a smoother dolly out and transition of location.
janinecarlos.photo.blog 