Film Title Analysis

Lesson objective• To review key terminology necessary for analysing

film titles.• To create step-outlines for the opening titles of

Horror films.

StarterDo you know your film production companies just by looking at a tiny part of their logo?

You have just 4 minutes to guess the names of these companies!

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

Idents

What is an ident?Idents

An ident is the 5-20 second clip that shows at the start of a film, identifying the company that produced it.

To ensure top marks, designing your own ident would be essential. ‘Borrowing’ an existing ident eats in to your 2 minute showcase of work and will not contribute to your overall grade.

SerifSerifSerif

Sans SerifSans SerifSans Serif

ScriptScriptScript

DecorativeDecorative

Decorative

Serif Sans Serif Script Decorative

TypographyWhat are the differences between the fonts? What effect do these visual

differences have on the reader?

SerifSerifSerif

Sans SerifSans SerifSans Serif

ScriptScriptScript

DecorativeDecorative

Decorative

Serif Sans Serif Script Decorative

Serif fonts have ‘tails’ on the ends of the letters. They tend to be used in more formal texts, to project a mature

or more adult image.

‘Sans‘ is French for ‘without’ which

means they do not have the tails on the

letters.

These fonts are very common and can

help a text to appear modern.

Script fonts are often designed to

mimic handwriting and can look quite

sophisticated.

However be careful over using this font – it can difficult to

read.

Decorative fonts can add interest to a

text, but be aware that they can be

over the top and not fitting for every text

type.

TypographyWhat are the differences between the fonts? What effect do these visual

differences have on the reader?

Horror Film Typography : What are the similarities and differences between these font types? What can be said about Horror genre fonts?

Step Outline (often called a ‘Beat Sheet’)

This is a cut by cut, action by action break down of what is happening.

It should be a record of camera shots/angles/movements, sound, mise-en-scene, special effects etc…

Everything should be recorded and noted in detail.

You are only analysing the opening two minutes

Step Outline

• I have created an example for you to follow with ‘The Possession’.

• On sdswmedia.blogspot.co.uk there is a large blog post with;

– Review of camera shots– Review of camera angles– Review of camera movements– Review of typography

Accurate terminology use is essential.

Be descriptive and detailed; recognise which people are

included in the opening title credits.

Only watch the opening 2 minutes. Any one who sits and attempts to watch most of a film will do their work at the front desks with me using the large screen.

The Possession (2012)

In this supernatural horror flick, a young girl unwittingly unleashes an evil spirit dwelling in a curious antique box full of mysterious

relics.