Analysis of Fonts for Opening Sequence

Analysis of Fonts for Our Opening Sequence

With these title sequences The Terminator allows the font to add a sense of seriousness and drama to the sci fi film. The font is bold and contrasts with the blackness to the background, allowing a stark contrast to be visible within the opening shot. James Cameron’s name is also important as it can attract.

At 16 seconds the shot fades in to display a baron wasteland with the words Los Angeles 2029. The use of framing in this shot allows the words to be clearly notified in the bottom of the shot. As part of our short film I would like to incorporate this idea by using a white or grey font that will contrast with the blue lighting and orange candle light to bring attention to the actors and the crew.

At 57 seconds a paragraph of text appears containing information relevant to the narrative. The text is then placed in the centre of the frame allowing use to understand the importance of what the director is trying to put across. The native is told within this paragraph so it becomes the main focus of attention, whereas the previous shot did not retain this idea. The director has also decided to allow the shot in the background to continue its movement to add excitement and suspense to the audience while hey read the text.

The main actor is introduced as the title ‘Terminator’ is passed in the background this adds depth and intrigue to the opening sequence because we are now having to focus on the names as well as the narrative. The use of blue also ties into the Sci-Fi realm which we wish to incorporate into our film.

Actors such as Micheal Biehn and Linda Hamilton then proceed Schwarzenegger as the letters’R’ and ‘E’ cross the background. They are framed inside the letters to allow them to represent the coherent to the films storyline and allow Schwarzenegger to has more prevalence in the opening title sequence. All of the opening titles retain in the shot fro four seconds before disappearing into the side of the frame.

We also understand the sequence is coming to an end as we finish on the most important part of the film; the director and Cinematographer. The order of these shots allows the talent to be the key interest at first and slowly move onto the main crew members. When we work together to create our opening sequence we plan to use this as an influence as to when the names of each crew/talent member come up.

The main title appears in front of us in the main reveal. Brass and horns from an orchestra peak at the revealed as a glint crosses the words allowing the audience to recognise that the words are made of a metal and symbolise power and control. Cameron then allows the font to drive backwards at speed, allowing us to realise that previous events have occurred and that we are about to begin a new chapter in the film. The blue is more striking in this shot and becomes more relevant in this shot, bringing into detail the light that is hitting the top of the font and giving it an ominous glow.

Overall I have learnt that the blue is striking with the black background. This is positive news for us because we were intrigued into the concept of blue lighting and now feel more confident in the production process.