6: What makes a good title sequence according to Kyle Cooper?

After watching a short interview with Kyle Cooper, I can identify different aspects and factors which makes a good title sequence. Kyle Cooper was accredited for single-handedly revitalised title sequences as an art form as well as creating the title sequences for Dawn of the Dead and also Se7en.

One of the most famous and well known title sequences which brought light back to beautiful typography and alternates cross dissolves flash frames and hard cuts. As a result the audience will feel the intended emotions and instantly recognise the genre of this film without too much being given away from this psychological thriller.

What makes a good title sequence?

- According to the interview with Kyle Cooper a good title sequence should set an expectation for the film, meaning that the title sequence should get you excited and looking forward to what will haven in the movie, Kyle Cooper also said that a good title sequence should go seamlessly into the movie, as well as get you excited for the film, which links with his first statement to as of what makes a good title sequence.

What is important about the font used in Se7en?

- In the title sequence the fact that the font is hand written is important as the person that is writing these journals is a serial killer, so by using a hand written font it makes these journals seem more authentic and also more dramatic as it makes the viewer think why is this person so organised and precise? The typography also adds to the tone of the sequence making it appear more dramatic and genuine as if the serial killer is the one writing the credits on the screen.

What reasons does he give for liking the Deadzone sequence?

- Kyle Cooper mentioned that one of the reasons why he liked the Deadzone sequence is the simple typography in the sequence as well as the music that played over time creating mystery within the film opening, at this point he mentions that then was the time that he realised his interest in film and his interest in typography can be incorporated.

What reasons does he give for liking To Kill a Mockingbird? 

- Kyle Cooper mentions that he enjoys watching the characters obsession with the treasure box as well as the title sequence being beautifully photographed and is focused on various macro objects, also the typography is integrated into the title sequence rather than being an afterthought, also he likes the way the marbles distort the background. Also the type is in front of the objects which is uncommon to see now a days, however the marbles behind the type make good contrast due to the curves of the marbles and the credits in front.

Story based main title sequences and problems a studio may face after audience test screening

Kyle Cooper has always been comfortable with "story based" main title sequences, by story he means specific backstory or even a metaphor or pun which has correlation with the story. This is important as it can create context and show the audience what the film may be about and what the plot may include, for example in Dawn of the Dead it is obvious to see that there is a zombie epidemic occurring from the use of voice overs and short clips of the news with interference in-between shots to create the effect of chaos.  In the interview Kyle Cooer touches on the topic of what problems a studio may face after an audience test screening, these include

• Having to reshoot and a scene and not having the budget to do this 
• The audience may not understand the plot or not understand whats going on 

This is why the 2 ½ min of the title sequence is important for the studio as it can avoid problem that include having to reshoot due to the audience not understanding the plot as the title sequence can become another scene for the movie or the prologue for the movie and help put in information that unfortunately got left out.

What do the title sequences to Dawn of the Dead try to do?

-  The title sequence tries to make the audience think that there is carnage where the film is set and to set the idea of panic through the entirety of the movie. He also includes a second title sequence which includes the survivors who try to escape are now living a happy ending however it takes a turn as they end up on a island and now it suddenly does not end on a happy note. 

Kyle cooper believes title sequences are important as they can provide a back story to the movie, also it helps the production team keep to their time limit for the movie as they will be able to realise that some scenes need to be cut as the title sequence already explains the context in the scenes, this also allows the designers to be creative as they will be able to tell the story through the title of the scene.