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.