Title Sequence Analysis - Grange Hill

Here I have analysed the 'Grange Hill' title sequence, I have chosen to analyse this sequence as it is unconventional compared to the others I have researched.  The ‘Grange Hill’ title sequence I have analysed is very different to the others I have researched as it is an animated sequence for an unanimated children’s program; however, it is still highly effective.  The Grange Hill title sequence is presented as a video game about a character who is trying to survive school life.The sequence opens with the schools logo loading to start the game, this instantly implies to the audience that the program is set in an average school and that surviving school at Grange Hill is like trying to survive a video game. Furthermore, the use of the school bell as the logo/game is loading highlights that it’s the beginning of the program as the audience will associate the school bell with the start of lessons. As the sequence develops the camera uses the animated characters perspective to show the

audience what school life is like and how you defeat bullies and villains just like in a video game. The use of feature such as the ‘level one’ sign and the characters power levels either side of the screen further enhances the video game theme and genre of the program to the audience. Throughout the title sequence the video game theme highlights the obstacles and events of everyday life at school, this also highlights to the audience the storylines and plots that may be used in the program. For example, the user is shown running through a couple who are breaking up, the word ‘dumped’ then appears on the screen in a big and bold font suggesting that storylines may be based on relationships at Grange Hill high

school.  As the sequence comes to a close the camera shows the user running into class for safety and through the users perspective the camera shows the user looking at the board again with the school logo on, the camera than zooms in a focuses on the logo that goes onto fade into the first scene of the programme. Using the logo fading into the first scene is typical of many title sequences as it is the last image to be shown which reinforces and makes the logo memorable and recognisable to the audience. The

Grange Hill title sequence is not typical of many title sequences as it does not introduce any characters of the program. This may be similar to Doctor Who sequence as the characters are constantly changing. Also, the animated approach to this title sequence is unconventional for and unanimated program because it doesn't show the actual characters of the show  of the program and gives the audience a false impression of the TV show. However, the Grange Hill producers may have used an animated sequence so that it is children friendly and so that it draws in the audience more as a larger audience may find it fun and interesting if it is presented as a video game. The use of backing music in this sequence is again very

similar to the music used on video games which goes on to further emphasise the video game element , it also, makes it appear believable and interesting to the audience. In Conclusion, this title sequence is very different to those I have already researched as it uses unconventional media techniques. However, like MI high, Tracy Beaker and Doctor Who they all use the programmes memorable logo to fade into the first scene of the show. 

Title Sequence Analysis - Good Luck Charlie

Here I have analysed the 'Good Luck Charlie' title sequence as it is a typical children's TV drama based on family life, this is a very popular theme within children's TV dramas as many children can relate to them as they are enjoyable and lighthearted. The ‘Good Luck Charlie’ opening sequence follows all the typical media conventions regarding title sequences. Similar, to the others I have researched, The ‘Good Luck Charlie’ title sequence opens with an establishing shot of a typical American family home, this implies to the audience that the program is based on an average American family and their day to day life. After the establishing shot of the

family home the camera zooms in through a window to reveal a wall of family photographs, the use of the fast paced camera shots from a variety of angles suggests to the audience that the family life is exciting and hard to keep up with, the use of the fast pace and upbeat backing music further emphasises this to its audience. Like, the Tracy Beaker sequence, the lyrics to the music also tells a story which outlines the basic plot for the audience. The use of the lyrics ‘everything turns out alright’, ‘sure life is up and down’ and ‘I know the futures bright’ suggests that the program is based on a baby and its

family watching her growing up and giving her advice, the use of meaningful and catchy lyrics gives the audience an insight into what the show is about and makes them anxious and excited to watch more. As the sequence develops the camera zooms into the family photo wall revealing images and short clips of the main characters within the photo frames, like the Tracy Beaker and, MI High sequence the sequence reveals its characters personalities through short clips and images. I like the use of the photo frames as it brings together the family life theme and it is more interesting than other sequences within the industry, it also clearly conveys its young target audience.

Furthermore, the characters of the program are all dressed in typical everyday clothes; the colours of their clothing are bright and eye catching further emphasising the upbeat and positive mood of the program. Moreover, the simple clothing also suggests that they are a normal everyday family which many children and families watching can relate to. As the sequence comes to an end the camera focuses on one particular image of the family together, it then zooms out of the frame to reveal the actual image of the family and the programs logo.  This is typical of many title sequences as it is the final image that is shown to clearly suggest what the program is about, the typical family portrait further emphasises the theme and genre of

the program. Overall, the fast paced camera shots and exciting and upbeat music suggest that this is a light hearted and fun program for children to relax and enjoy, the positive mood is again shown through the large variety of colours used for the character clothing and photo frames.  In Conclusion, this title sequence is very similar to those in the media industry as it follows all the typical media conventions as, like MI high they both open with establishing shots of where the program is set and use theme tunes to give the audience an insight into their programmes plot. 

Title Sequence Analysis - Doctor Who

Here I have analysed the famous Doctor Who title sequence, Doctor Who is very popular amongst the target audience I am making my title sequence for. I hope that this will inspire and, help me when making the title sequence for my children TV drama. The ‘Doctor Who’ title sequence is a very simple sequence compared to the others I have researched however, it is still highly effective. The sequence opens with the iconic Doctor Who Tardis being thrown into the world of time travel, the camera then continues to follows the Tardis in a time tunnel throughout the sequence. The use of the camera following the Doctor’s Tardis suggests that we as the audience follow the doctor in his different time travels just like the camera is following him through the tunnel.

Furthermore, the use of the time tunnel and Tardis highlights to the audience the Sci-fi theme and the time travelling plot throughout. As the sequence develops the camera then pans out of the tunnel to reveal the famous and well-known actors names. Unlike, other title sequences there are no corresponding images or character names shown with the actors names, this may be because the actors and actresses are constantly changing and the program may have regular guest stars. As the sequence continues the Doctor Who logo makes a dramatic entrance in time with the intense background music, the large typeface is easy to read but it also looks intimidating

suggesting that Doctor Who is an intimidating and the dominating figure to the villains in the show. As the Doctor Who logo fades into the background of the sequence the Doctor’s face is mysteriously revealed, this again suggests to the audience that the Doctor is a strange and mystifying character. Finally, as the sequence ends the title of the program is revealed, ‘Dawn of the Doctor’, this gives the audience an insight into what the program may be about and makes them excited and anxious to watch more. Moreover, the music used throughout the sequence ties it all together and clearly conveys the sci-fi theme; the space like sound track builds intensity throughout the sequence and dramatizes the time travelling element in the program.

Overall, this title sequence from the children’s TV drama ‘Doctor Who’ does not follow all typical media conventions related to title sequences as unlike Tracy Beaker and, MI high it does not introduce its characters except when the Doctor is briefly shown at the end. However, it does follow some conventions as it ends the sequence with the programs well known logos fading in to the first scene; it also uses music to reinforce the theme of the program to its audience like Tracy Beaker and MI High.

Title Sequence Analysis - Tracy Beaker

Here I have analysed the popular children's TV drama ' The Story of Tracy Beaker', this is so that I can investigate conventions of title sequences and also, I hope this will inspire me when making my own sequence. The Tracy Beaker title sequence opens with a cluster of stars that go on to reveal a series of images of the main character, Tracy, this helps establish the main character  but also, the exciting and eventful theme of the show. The series of images that move quickly between shots shows Tracy in a variety of poses and pulling different facial expressions, this gives the audience an insight into the characters personality and how she may act in the program. As the sequence continues a series of animations are shown flying across the screen, these illustrations are taken from the popular Jacqueline Wilson book that the show is based on, this makes the program recognisable and memorable to the audience who are fans of the books. The illustrations also highlight that she is a girl with a wild imagination, living in care and is regularly breaking its rules. The sequence then goes onto introduce the other characters of the show through a series of changing images similar, to the way Tracy was introduced.

Towards the end of the sequence an image of Tracy is shown thinking about her mum, this implies to the audience that something may have happened to her mum and that she is living in care. The sequence then ends with the ‘Story of Tracy Beaker’ logo which is again familiar to the illustrations in the book; this again makes it memorable and recognisable for the target audience. Throughout the sequence a song is used that has lyrics which link to the storyline of the program and the character Tracy Beaker.

The use of the lyrics  ‘all my dream will come true’ and ‘Believe me now I will win some day’ suggest that Tracy Beaker is a character with a big dream that she is determined to achieve one day; readers of the book will also know that she inspires to be a Hollywood star just like her mum. Overall, this title sequence from the children’s TV drama follows several media conventions that are typical of many title sequences as like the MI High sequence, it presents the different characters and their personalities throughout, it also ends with the programs logo which fades into the first scene. 

Title Sequence Analysis - M.I High

Here I have analysed a popular children's TV  drama M.I High, this program is aimed at both young boys and girls aged 5-10. By analysing  this I will be able to see elements that are typical of title sequences and I will also be  able to get inspiration from them for my TV drama.The M.I High title sequence opens with  an establishing shot of the houses of parliament in London , this may be because  London is stereotypically associated with  spy’s and undercover missions as the MI5  service is based there, this also establishes  not only the genre but,also the location of the  program.This opening shot then fades into  several silhouettes of the spy’s and the MI High logo further emphasising the spy theme .A split screen is then

used to introduce the three main characters all running toward the camera, the fast pace editing throughout highlights to the audience what the program is like and what to expect. After the split screen the smooth sliding transition goes on to further introduce the three characters, this allows the audience to see in more detail the characters and their personalities.The characters personality is shown through a series of small clips and camera shots, for example, Rose is shown wearing a lab coat and science goggles suggesting she is the smart and intelligent character, this then goes on to contrast with the presentation of Daisy.

Daisy is shown entering a room wearing an extravagant coat and expensive sun glasses suggesting to the audience that she is the ‘diva’ of the show. Towards the end of the title sequence another establishing shot is used but this time of a school, this contrast with the original London shot and implies to the audience that this is no ordinary spy mission and, instead they are based in school and complete missions from there. The sequence then ends with the final logo of the programme, the use of the green and spy like font further emphasises the genre to the young target audience. Furthermore the use of the word ‘high’ implies that the program is set in an ordinary high school which breaks traditional spy stereotypes.Throughout the sequence a voice over from the spy’s leader is used, this sets the scene for the program and explains the basic plot for the young target audience.Overall, this title sequence from the children’s TV drama follows several

media conventions that are typical of many title sequences as it opens with an establishing shot which presents the genre of the program, it also presents the different characters throughout and their personalities, finally like other title sequences it ends with the programs logo which fades into the first scene.

Title Sequences Over the Decades - How have they Developed?

Blue Peter Through the Years 

Here I have gathered together a selection of ‘Blue Peter’ Title sequences together to see how they have developed over many years due to the new technology available and their growing target audience. 

1958

First is the opening sequence from 1958, this is one of the first title sequences that ‘Blue Peter’ produced. This title sequence is very very simple as it just shows a ship sailing through the ocean with a close up at the end this may be because there wasn’t the technology we have available today. Also they were able to keep title sequences simple and less eye catching as they did not have as many competitors competing with them for viewers like they do today.  This title sequence does not follow all the standard conventions that we see in title sequences today, this again may be because of the technology available and the lack of competitors when it aired. The one convention they do follow is that they show the ‘Blue Peter’ title in the sequence this convention is vital to all title sequences.

1985

The 1985 sequence shows that technology is now beginning to develop as not only is the sequence filmed in colour but the sequence is longer than the 1958 sequence. This sequence begins with an establishing shot of the Blue Peter gardens in the snow with the well known Blue Peter dogs playing in the snow. This highlights to the audience what will feature in the programme as after the opening titles the presenters are discussing the recent snow. When researching the Blue Peter sequences over the years the activities shown in the sequence changed depending on the subject of the show. For example, in one episode opening the presenters are shown swimming in a pool. Unlike the 1958 episode the 1985 opening follows more standard conventions as it establishes what the show is about and the presenter names are also shown on screen.

2000

The opening sequence from 2000 is more conventional to the title sequences we see today as it follows all the standard media conventions unlike the previous sequences. The sequence begins conventionally by introducing the presenters as they float around, the presenter’s names appear next to them so it is clear to the young audience who they are. The sequence then goes on to show clips that will feature in the episode like the 1985 edition. Another convention of title sequences that it follows is that it ends with the famous Blue Peter symbol fading into the starting scene. I like how the bubbles with the Blue Peter boats floats around and helps as a transition between the scene, this makes a smooth exciting transition for the young target audience.

2007

The opening sequence from 2007 like the one from 2000 follows more standard TV sequence conventions. This time the opening titles introduces the presenters in more detail as they show a series of clips of them on the show next to an image of them. There is also small box that shows some of the presenter’s hobbies and interests, this is so that the audience can get to know the presenters and their personalities before watching the show. The famous logo again slides across the screen to reveal the programmes name and the presenter silhouettes which then fades into the first scene. This sequence is more conventional and like the sequences we know today as it is bright colourful and eye catching to its audience, this is because they want to capture the young audience’s attention and attract more views against their competitors unlike the 1958 edition.

2011

Again this 2011 edition of the ‘Blue Peter’ title sequence is like the 2000 and 2007 editions as it modern and captures its audience quickly and effectively through the fast paced transitions and bright blue colour theme. Like the other openings this one follows all normal media conventions one being that it introduces its presenters, this time the presents are seen throwing round and electric ball that opens up into a screen that shows clips from the programme and the presenters hobbies. The blue colour theme throughout clearly highlights to the audience the sequence is ‘Blue Peter’. This is because ‘Blue Peter’ are known for the shade of blue they use in their logo and it is now recognised as the Blue Peter ship colour when on merchandise such as magazines.  Finally, I like the modern look to this sequence and the fast pace transitions such as when the piano spins into the logo at the end of sequence. I feel that this is highly effective and appealing to the young target audience as it is fun, exciting and eye catching.

Overall, one feature that stays the same throughout all the Title sequences is the memorable and recognisable theme tune. The 'Blue Peter' theme tune has stayed the same or similar throughout all sequences because it is well known and memorable to its target audience, although the show has had to adapt to its ever changing audience the one thing that remains the same is the theme tune. This is so that viewers of all ages can remember that theme tune so that when they hear it again it will instantly remind them of the show they used to watch as children. Although the theme tune changes slightly in the 2000's ultimately it is still the same as the original 1958 edition. The theme tune is vital convention to TV title sequences as when viewer hear it they will recognise it and know it is time to watch their show, this may be why Blue Peter has decided to keep it the same over all these years.