Codes and Conventions of title sequences:
I have done some research into the many different codes and conventions of title sequences and have been able to summarise some of the different points that a company may cover:
Studio production
Production companies are expected to showcase the production company's logo and the distribution company's logo in the opening title sequence.This is because it is able to give the audience an insight into firstly the type of film that they may be watching, as some companies are known for making films of a particular genre, and secondly the quality of the film, as some companies may also be known for the making of a high budget blockbuster movie.
Titles
Opening title sequences essentially are used to present to the audience all of the people involved in the making of the film (that includes the production company, all of the producers' names, the Directors' name, the Title of the film being made, some of the main actors in the film, the supporting cast and the crew). The main usage for a title sequence is the ability to attract an audience for the film itself, which is mainly done using the Directors' name and the name of the main actor (especially if the actor is a well-known actor). It could also be used where an audience may expect who the Director chose for their main role. For example, if an audience sees a Director and a lead role name that they frequently see, they might be able to assume the kind of film that they will be watching.
The establishing of the Genre
In the opening title sequence of a film, it's also necessary to reveal to the audience the kind of genre film they will be watching, as it will prepare, engage and focus the audience on the film from such an early on stage. The way in which a film will be able to help the audience distinguish between what type of genre film they will be watching is through the use of Lighting, Sound/Music and Colours. For example, in a horror genre opening sequence you would probably have a low-key lighting (back key light only), eerie/ little to no soundtrack and use of colours such as black, grey and possibly red to some extent. This is also shown through the use of certain characters that represent the different genres, for example, a grim reaper is able to portray the horror genre, whereas the imminent possibly of a man running late for work and leaving his house without his suit trousers on is able to portray the comedy genre.
Topic/Theme
The use of a theme in an opening title sequence is first to give the audience a bigger insight into the genre and story/narrative of the film, and secondly to be able to ease the audience's expectations of what may actually happen later on in the film. However, some films may actually not express a theme in the opening title sequence, as they may want the audience to feel confused, in an attempt to create an enigma within the audience.
Establishing of characters
The establishing of characters is one of the main conventions in opening title sequences, as it is able to give characters the sort of insight into the story's narrative structure and plot that most of the other stuff may not be able to (in case the film doesn't actually present a clear insight into it through the theme presented). It is also essential as it shows the audience the status and importance of each character that is shown. This is mainly used to highlight to the audience either the antagonist or protagonist of the film. However, some films may not show the main protagonist or antagonist in the opening scene, which is done to challenge the conventions of a typical film and also to provoke the feeling of mystery and confusion in the audience, as it will intrigue the audience and make them more focused and engaged at the very start of the film. Some films use the characters as a way of presenting even the genre of the film, as some actors are known for taking part in certain types of genres.
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