Production Concept Unit: Title Sequence

I've spent the past week going through each page of the book we're making, adding the content and designing it so it comes together as a full professional package. There are a few more tweaks to be made before we send it to be printed. 

I'm now going to concentrate on making the title sequence which I have already shot. And continue storyboarding the opening of the pilot. This is the website where I do most of my research into title sequences. 

The purpose of a title sequence is to set the mood or tone of the show with conceptual visuals and sound. It also expresses the concept of the show and sets the backstory. It will feature the typographic logo and present key production and cast members. For some title sequences they aim to capture the audience attention and draw them in. 

The length of title sequences for American shows varies, I watch a lot of US series so I'm familiar with many title sequences. Because the series are longer for US shows, the audiences tend to watch episodes back-to-back. Ideally for television shows, as opposed to film, title sequences are shorter; such as 24's titles being 12 seconds. Breaking Bad's title sequence is only 17 seconds: 

The Mad Men title sequence, created by Imaginary Forces, is longer at 37 seconds:

The Walking Dead's title sequence, created by yU + co is 38 seconds:

With this in mind, there is a limit to how long the title sequence should be to fit in with AMC's programming. As I've already storyboarded and shot the title sequence, I've now got to add the style through effects and colour. More stylish title sequences have complicated movements which are more animated, such as the new bond film Skyfall. It was made by Daniel Kleinman, a British commercial and music video director and title sequence designer. He began as an illustrator before going into music videos and advertising. Here are just some clips from the sequence, the whole sequence can be found here. 

For me, there are two main companies which make title sequences that stand out for their style. The first I have mentioned before are Imaginary Forces, they have made title sequences for Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Nurse Jackie, The Pacific, Rubicon, Se7en, The Number 23, The Negotiator and more. They are a design-based production studio which specialise in main titles, marketing, branding, design, commercial advertising and interactive design. 

The second company is Digital Kitchen, who have made titles for Six Feet Under, Dexter and True Blood. They specialise in creating brands with a team of transmedia talent who can move from platform to platform with the brand's story. They believe the role of the "producer" and "director" have changed dramatically, they take on many roles and move with the brand when it comes to: titles, commercials, billboards, print ads, music videos, short films, websites, apps etc. With Man Alive, I feel I'm doing the same by directing, designing and editing our brand.