vortex dot net dot en zed

How does this story start?  How is it going to draw me to it and hold my attention?  Will it change my perspective and suspend my disbelief for the duration of the story? Is it to excite and inspire me?

The prologue and curtain lift are as important as the acts, whether a starting gun or a large, long trough of developing fluid to expose the narrative and set the mood.

I’ve often thought about trying to create my own personal title sequence, though it’s more likely I’ll finally create the soundtrack of my life as a film first.  They’re just extra dimensions to my life chronicled - exhibit A, my actual life; exhibit B, this record & others.

Lights, camera… action.  Let’s talk specifics about the two types of title your correspondent favours.

The starting gun

These say “BAM!”. Let’s go!

Webstock 2011 opening sequence
Best viewed in a darkened room on a huge screen with the music cranked to 11.

Webstock 2011 Opening Credits from Webstock on Vimeo.

Saturday Night Live (from the Rihanna & Blake Lively episode)
Follows a cold open - a political sketch from the office/desk of the President. Sketch always ends with actors breaking character to yell “…And live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”

Saturday Night Live intro from TR!P Media on Vimeo (TR!P Media don’t create the sequence).

The mood-setter

These say “Breathe in, breathe out. Empty your mind. Once upon a time…”

Dexter title

On the surface, it’s the main character getting ready in the morning, but it signals the sinister undertow ahead.  

Showtime: Dexter Main Title from DIGITALKITCHEN on Vimeo.
Interview with the creator of the Dexter title sequence, Eric Anderson (via Matt) 

Sub City New York

This isn’t a title sequence or opening but it is shows a beginning: the experience of exiting a subway station in New York City.  Even a short trip underground means that emerging is a beginning - a new leg of your journey, the destination, an experience along the way. Both the music and the camera work in this have created the mood within the first five seconds.

Sub City New York from sarah klein on Vimeo (via Keight)

Next time you start to watch something, consider where that music is taking you & what you are being shown.  Recognise the choices that have been made in the setup and align your mood - don’t fast forward or use that time to set  your phone to silent mode. The story has already begun.