Opening Sequences

Thomas Eisenstein was the first person to use title sequences to inform the audience the name of the film, the date it was made and the company name using a text board. Over the years sound in films evolved to include music. Actors and auxiliaries became credited at the beginning of films.          

      Opening sequences became a gatekeeping function; filtering what was seen before the film. However, as a result of the invention of television less people went out to the cinema and stayed at home instead; thus prompting film makers to produce colourisation and more elaborate title sequences in the hopes of seizing the audiences attention. 

      By the 50’s title sequences were like mini films. Saul Bass was acclaimed for his pioneering work in innovative title design, Pablo Ferro and Maurice Binder were also famed for their work in title sequences setting a standard in title design during the 50’s. Computer technology produced a new era or second renaissance. Superman was the first digitally generated opening sequence, the multi dimensional opening sequence captivated audiences in 1978. Shortly after, CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) and graphic interfaces became available. In the 1990s after effects were used to develop opening sequences. 

      This technology made visualising opening titles simpler for designers and directors. The fusion of old trends and new technologies were enabled by the digital technology revolution. Typography and space have been amalgamated in recent years for opening sequences at the expense of being able to read the words. Over the decades, settings and credits have become part of the film, although Woody Allen has entirely reduced his opening titles.