The Difference Between Trailers and Opening Sequences Research

A problem groups in the past for the AS media course have come across is not distinguishing the difference between the trailer to a film and the opening sequence, i have completed some research in order to gain knowledge of the two and to combat this problem.

What is a Title Sequence?

A title sequence is a scene or sequence of scenes, usually shown at the beginning of a film, to show the names 

of the key production and cast members, not to be confused with the credits. These titles are normally super 

imposed over a scene, allowing them and the scene to be viewed easily. These sequences may help to build up 

the story plot or show a crucial moment, building up anticipation and atmosphere, they establish a usually 

independent setting within the film, this is so people can question the film and make there own assumptions as to what the film may entail, they sometimes introduce to types of characters which may be featuring in the film,

to see some examples of title sequences and what they contain please see my other post titled

"Film Openings Research"


What is a Trailer 

A movie trailer is usually composed of a montage of scenes shown throughout a film, which allow the viewer to develop and insight of the storyline and genre. They try to convince the viewer to watch the whole film and therefore to find out what happens as trailers normally end on a ‘cliff-hanger’. Film trailers are usually much shorter than title sequences, so that they can be advertised in-between programs and in cinemas.
They're used to attract audiences to want to see the film, so the most exciting and attractive scenes are shown.

Here are a few examples of film trailers, they were all produced for the same reason, to get people watching these films!

THE HOBBIT (December 2012)


MEN IN BLACK (Summer 2012)


THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Summer 2012)