Film and TV titles design is an art form. However, many such works have been overlooked, ignored, or forgotten. Unlike a trailer which contains actual footages, film title is often created separately from the film itself. Title art grew in 1940’s out of Hollywood studios’ desire to present a more complete list of credits and using better quality artwork to distinguish their productions from others.

Here is a brief history of film title.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/26278283 w=500&h=213]

 

Title design has to inform (who worked on what), entertain (otherwise no one will pay it any attention), and impress (set the tone if it precedes the main).

 

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/34699752 w=500&h=281]

 

The James Bond franchise defined a very distinct and iconic  style for presenting its credits.

Casino Royale

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/38776782 w=500&h=213]

 

These are two of my favorite anime TV series, both by Shinichirô Watanabe (渡辺 信一郎), and each accompanied by a great soundtrack and title sequence.

Samurai Champloo

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/16109876 w=500&h=281]

 

Cowboy bebop

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/21550137 w=500&h=281]

 

I (Chris) seldom watch a film more than once, unless it is so good or so opaque that it warrants a second viewing. But for film titles, I can watch it several times in a row and then come back and watch it again several months later.

Stranger than Fiction – End sequence

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/3193872 w=500&h=281]

 

Here is another remarkable film about type – no CG was used in this film !

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/6382511 w=500&h=281]

 

I am a fan of the web site – The Art of the Title – which does a really good job of presenting interesting new as well as old title designs. Check it out!