Film title design
Encyclopedia
Film Title Design is and always has been an essential part of any motion picture. Film Title Design was originally a motionless piece of artwork called Title Art.
The Main Title Design consisted of the film company’s name and/or logo and the presentation of the main characters along with the actor’s names, generally using that same artwork.
Most independent or major studio had their own Title Art Logo used as the background for their screen credits and used it almost exclusively on every film that they produced.
Then, early in the 1930s the more progressive motion picture studios started to change their approach in presenting their screen credits. The major studios took on the challenge of improving the way they introduced their films. They made the decision to present a more complete list of credits to go with a higher quality of artwork to be used in their screen credits.
A Main title designer is the designer of the movie title. The manner in which title of a movie is displayed on screen is widely considered an art form. It has often been classified as motion graphics, title design
, title sequences and animated credits
. The title sequence is often presented through animated
visuals and kinetic
type while the credits are introduced on screen.
From the mid-1930s through the late-1940s the major film studios lead the way in Film Title Art by employing artists like Al Hirschfeld
, George Petty, Ted Ireland (Vencentini), William Galraith Crawford, Symeon Shimin, Alvan “Hap” Hadley
and Jacques Kapralik. Here are some examples of 1930's - 1940's title art.
Quality artists met this challenge by designing their artwork to “set a mood” and “capture the audience” before the film began. An overall 10% jump in box-office receipts was proof that this was a profitable improvement to the introduction of their motion pictures.
One famous example of the form is the work of Saul Bass
in the 1950s and 60s. His modish title sequences for the films of Alfred Hitchcock
were key in setting the style and mood of the film even before the action began, and contributed to Hitchock's "house style" that was a key element in his approach to marketing.
Modern technology has enabled a much more fantastical way of presenting them through use of programs such as Adobe After Effects
. Although a form of editing, it is considered a different role and art form rather than of a traditional film editor.
The Main Title Design consisted of the film company’s name and/or logo and the presentation of the main characters along with the actor’s names, generally using that same artwork.
Most independent or major studio had their own Title Art Logo used as the background for their screen credits and used it almost exclusively on every film that they produced.
Then, early in the 1930s the more progressive motion picture studios started to change their approach in presenting their screen credits. The major studios took on the challenge of improving the way they introduced their films. They made the decision to present a more complete list of credits to go with a higher quality of artwork to be used in their screen credits.
A Main title designer is the designer of the movie title. The manner in which title of a movie is displayed on screen is widely considered an art form. It has often been classified as motion graphics, title design
Graphic design
Graphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience...
, title sequences and animated credits
Motion picture credits
-Opening credits:Opening credits, in a television program, motion picture, or video game, are shown at the beginning of a show and list the most important members of the production. They are usually shown as text superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in...
. The title sequence is often presented through animated
Animation
Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2-D or 3-D artwork or model positions in order to create an illusion of movement. The effect is an optical illusion of motion due to the phenomenon of persistence of vision, and can be created and demonstrated in several ways...
visuals and kinetic
Kinetic art
Kinetic art is art that contains moving parts or depends on motion for its effect. The moving parts are generally powered by wind, a motor or the observer. Kinetic art encompasses a wide variety of overlapping techniques and styles.-Kinetic sculpture:...
type while the credits are introduced on screen.
From the mid-1930s through the late-1940s the major film studios lead the way in Film Title Art by employing artists like Al Hirschfeld
Al Hirschfeld
Albert "Al" Hirschfeld was an American caricaturist best known for his simple black and white portraits of celebrities and Broadway stars.-Personal life:Born in St...
, George Petty, Ted Ireland (Vencentini), William Galraith Crawford, Symeon Shimin, Alvan “Hap” Hadley
Alvan “Hap” Hadley
Alvan "Hap" Hadley was an American artist specializing in pen and ink representations of popular subjects. He created movie posters for Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, as well as promotional posters for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and billboards for Roy Rogers.-External...
and Jacques Kapralik. Here are some examples of 1930's - 1940's title art.
Quality artists met this challenge by designing their artwork to “set a mood” and “capture the audience” before the film began. An overall 10% jump in box-office receipts was proof that this was a profitable improvement to the introduction of their motion pictures.
One famous example of the form is the work of Saul Bass
Saul Bass
Saul Bass was a Jewish-American graphic designer and filmmaker, best known for his design of motion picture title sequences....
in the 1950s and 60s. His modish title sequences for the films of Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock
Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, KBE was a British film director and producer. He pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. After a successful career in British cinema in both silent films and early talkies, Hitchcock moved to Hollywood...
were key in setting the style and mood of the film even before the action began, and contributed to Hitchock's "house style" that was a key element in his approach to marketing.
Modern technology has enabled a much more fantastical way of presenting them through use of programs such as Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects is a digital motion graphics and compositing software published by Adobe Systems, used in the post-production process of filmmaking and television production. Its main uses are the origination of 2D and 2.5D animation, visual effects compositing and finishing...
. Although a form of editing, it is considered a different role and art form rather than of a traditional film editor.