CREDIT INSPO!

The credits and the title of the film are an important section of this project, without them, it would not look realistic and would not get the same attention. I looked through some opening credit sequences in my genre, mostly coming-of-age to look for inspiration.

Almost famous (2000)

In this particular production, the opening scene divides into two. In the first part, the credits are being written out in a yellow notebook paper. This decision might represent the development of the character. I made some research and found an article about the analysis of this opening scene. The handwritten credits at the beginning tie with the plot of the movie, a 15-year-old kid that gets assigned by Rolling Stone magazine to do a written documentation of a rock band that has been rising. During this first half, during short pauses, other items are shown to show context of the time. The purpose of showing the items on the desk are to show the time period which is the 1970s, showing concert tickets (mostly rock and bands) and posters from the time. Plus, there are warm colors being added to this first part, which is used to give the sense that it is where the character feels more comfortable at. On the second part, the credits are seen now in text, the font is very similar to the handwriting of the notebook credits. Also, the credits are dispersed all over the screen, not in a particular place. The shots show a beach, small houses and surf shops. Towards the end, there are Christmas stores shown which indicates that the time is around Christmas. I find this credit opening scene creative to the ones I have seen so far, it has a variety of symbols and notice more as you analyze and watch the movie. I have personally not watched the film, but in the research I have done, I get to understand some things and why they were included to the opening credits. For example, the band/music posters and the handwritten credits give context clues of the character. This is innovative to create an appealing opening scene.

Lady Bird (2017)

This production is a coming-of-age drama film, the protagonist is a rebellious teenager named Christine and calls herself "Lady Bird". The credits are in a capital letter fonts in a yellow color, it starts with the names of the actors. Then, the names of the  music supervisors, costume designer, editor, production designer, director of photography, co-producers, executive producers, writers, and directors are shown. The title is in a pretty different font from what I have seen so far in my genre, it can be recognizable for this particular production. The title is introduced at the beginning of the scene at the second 0:11. I like it because it connects to what you are seeing on screen, with the tone and the colors. The colors of the overall scene are yellowish, it is a warm palette that combines with the title and the credits, it was well chosen. For my opening scene, I would like to have a yellow title, I am not sure if the credits as well but I want to incorporate this color to add meaning. I also want the color and the font of my film to align with what is being shown on screen. So I will think about this wisely as well. Everything need to be well thought. Click here to watch the entire opening scene.

Eight Grade (2018)

This coming-of-age film shows a girl called Kayla in her last week of middle school. It begins with a realistic opening, of what middle school looks like for her. Kayla is introduced as a quiet and shy thirteen-year-old. It is seen in the first seconds of the opening, that she posts make-up tutorials and vlogs of positiveness on self image. The opening scene credits are in a white and small font, all positioned on the bottom-left side. The title is introduced at the end. The screen goes black and the title " Eight Grade" is shown in capital letter font which is white as well. I find it a simple and straight-forward credit scene. It can align with the protagonist's character of being shy and reserved. Here is the opening scene.

By watching credit scenes in my genre, it gives me ideas of what I want to incorporate into my project. I find that the opening credits also serve as a way to add meaning and establish symbols, even if the viewer does not know yet. It is something about being creative and think wisely of what you are delivering to the audience. I will be looking at more credit scenes that follow my idea, and I will give more updates!