Opening Titles Analysis

To get an idea of how most thriller movies start I analysed the opening to several films on the artofthetitle.com. This way I can get an idea of how the credits are set out, when the title occurs and what sort of shots are used to composed the opening scene. From this information, I can get inspiration and figure out what I want to do for my opening thriller scene.

Here is a full list of links to my opening titles analysis:

• Sin City (2005)
• Se7en (1995)
• Panic Room (2002)
• Juno (2007)
• Skyfall (2012)

ALL OPENING SEQUENCES WERE FOUND ON ARTOFTHETITLE.COM

From these analyses I've learned several opening title conventions and these are:

• The opening title is compiled from several short clips of either close ups of establishing shots. Humans are rarely featured in opening titles and they are usually made up of props. They are mainly used to set the scene and the tone of the film. 
• The titles tend to move slowly towards the left or right from the center of the screen. They usually go in opposite directions to each other or the panning shot.
• Music mostly features string instruments as they can create an atmosphere of suspense. The bass is usually featured to add a 'heartbeat' effect.
• The company is almost always the first thing at the beginning of a movie.
• The cast are mostly announced before the title.
• The title is always near the beginning of a opening scene.
• Casting directors and costume designers are usually the first crew credited.
• Music directors are normally one of the three main crew members announced at the beginning. They play with the music making it either come to a stop, get louder or slower when they are announced.
• Producers, cinematography directors and writers are announced towards the end.
• The director is usually the last person announced.
• The music at the end of an opening scene either ends in a bang or fades out.