Ideas and Planning for Title Sequence

  Now that I have a clear idea of my film structure including the opening sequence in Act 1, I will now need to start thinking of ideas as to the title sequence in the opening.  The title sequence plays a very important role when it comes to the opening of a film as it allows the audience to know more information from above the line talent to costume designer.  Certain names and famous actors might entice the audience to watch the film more than if there was no above the line talent.  As my film will not be featuring any above the line talent, I will need to make the title sequence informative but fitting so that the audience do not get bored at the start.  Therefore, I will need to make sure that I make good decisions when it comes to the order of titles, font and layout.

  Firstly, I will need to come up with a font for the title sequence which in some way reflects something about the film and makes the opening interesting.  

  One of the first fonts that I thought would be good is 'Dark Times' from dafont.com as it looks urban and untidy giving it a mysterious quality.  Also, another reason why I think this font is good is because it reminded my of the different shaped characters that are used in threatening or ransom letters.  This is good as it has some link to the film as the killer is after the three witnesses of his committed crime and is therefore on a quest to seek vengeance by threatening them and attempting to kill them.  Therefore, this font not only looks good but has a good and subtle undertone about what the story of the film is.

  The second font I have had a look at is 'Anonymous Clippings' from dafont.com.  I like the look of this title as it has an even stronger resinance with the film because this looks more like the clippings used by a killer who sends death threat letters.  The use of this font would be very effective in helping the target audience to understand what the film is about and what the underlying themes of the film will be about.  The only thing that might make this font a problem is that it might be a bit difficult to read but I think this is a good looking font that will really make a good representation of the film.

  Another font that I have researched that I thought would look good for the titles in the opening sequence is 'Base 02' from dafont.com.  This font caught my attention as it is slightly distorted and looks untidy which gives the sense that the films would also be uneasy and tense.  The bold characters are also effective in this font as it stands out and is easier to read than 'Anonymous Clippings.'  The fading and distressing on the characters is another feature that makes this font look good as it portrays the anxiety and stress faced by the three main characters.  The font straight away would make the audience know that this film is a thriller and would make the title sequence look very interesting.

  From looking at these three fonts, the one that I think is the most captivating and interesting is the 'Base 02' font as this looks clear and easy to read which is important but also, I think it portrays the idea of the crime thriller genre in the best way with the distressing and fading of the characters.  Although the first font looks interesting, it doesn't look like it fits the theme on reflection as it looks like it could be used for a Super Hero film. Also, looking at the second font, it also might not have much relevance as there is no use of threatening letters in the film so this might not be that effective.  Therefore, for the title sequence, I will use the 'Base 02' font.

  When it comes to the titling sequence, I have decided that it would be good to introduce the titles alongside the opening narrative.  I think this will look effective as I will be able to incorporate the titles onto the props such as putting stickers of the titles on to the drinks bottles.  This will ensure that the tension is not lost as my opening sequence will have a lot of action.  Also, it would be very difficult to make a title sequence on its own as the audience would lose interest and it would be difficult with the editing and animation.

Planning of Title Sequence

1. (shot 1) Producer - Charles Evans - this title is seen on a sticker on the drinks bottle

2. (shot 3) Film By - Jess Ramplin - this title is seen on the second drink bottle

3. (shot 5) Casting Director - Charles Evans - this title is shown as a message on a phone

4. (shot 9) Music by - Jess Ramplin - this title is seen as a sticker on the killer's car at the bottom of the door

5. (shot 16) Editor - Jess Ramplin - this is a title put over the top in editing when the killer flicks out a knife

6. (shot 18) Director - Charles Evans - this is another title which is put over the top of the action in the post production editing

7. (shot 30) Film title - The Vengeance - this title is put over the top of the darkness, which is the last shot, in editing

Opening Sequence Description

  Ellie, one of the main actresses, is in the kitchen making drinks for three other guests at a house party. Therefore, one of the first things you will see is an alcoholic drink with a title on a sticker.  The camera shot changes to medium shot of Ellie pouring out the drinks using the bottle from before.  She then picks up another bottle which is seen from the point of view from Ellie which has another title.  There is then a medium shot of her drinking from the bottle, putting it down and then walking off to join the party.  The camera stays in the same place as she comes back because she has forgotten her phone.  This is where the first and only dialogue is heard "Oh my God, where's my phone." It then cuts to a close up of the phone receiving a text which reads "The casting director" and then a second text which reads "I think someone's following me" but she ignores the text and continues drinking.

  Next, there is a sharp change of scene, accompanied with tense music, of a girl driving past the camera which is stationary.  The camera then pans down in height to show the second cars wheels.  The camera cuts back to point of view shot from the killer watching the girl go to the party who is greeted by Ellie.

  There is then a close up of a medium shot of Ellie, Carla, Billy and the other girl (girl 1) who are seen dancing, partying and doing shots.  Carla does a suicide shot and begins to feel extremely dizzy.  There is then a shaky camera point of view shot from Carla seeing a faint figure of a man.

  There is then an over the shoulder shot of the killer looking into the window at Carla. There is then a close up of Carla's face, trying to work out who he is.  There is then a close up of the killer's hand, flicking out a knife.  This is where the title of the film is seen.  There is then a point of view shot from the killer's perspective watching Carla leave the packed room.

  There is then a medium shot of Carla going upstairs into a room and slams the door in the cameras face.

  There is then a match on action sequence of the killer entering the party through the front door past Ellie and the other girl who are having a cigarette and are oblivious to the killers entrance.  This is then followed by the a medium shot of the killer going upstairs and waiting outside the room.  He then looks around to make sure no one is looking as he enters the room that Carla went into.  He opens the door and then slams it when he enters the room.  There is complete darkness accompanied by a scream which is where the next titling sequence is seen.