SANKOFA: Film Title Sequences

Film title sequences is the method by which films or sometimes television shows present their title, production and cast members. Early title sequences were simple compared to those of today. They only consisted of the title card and nothing else. Beginning in the 1930s films began to use elaborate title sequences. As technology improved film studios began to add graphics into the title sequences.

One of the earliest films to begin using elaborate title sequences was this 1947 movie called Sinbad the Sailor. The title sequence has the letters of the opening credits form from colored water gushing into a fountain. it would be considered simple by today's standard but for its time it was amazing.

When compared to the title sequence of the movie above you can tell how far title sequences have come since they began to be incorporated in films.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvsQE3FRoLE
With more advanced technology title sequences like are more creative, elaborate and can set the tone for the movie.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k2gsEI34CE
One of the more celebrated movie title sequences of all time, Seven set a precedent that still use to this day in which titles superimpose text over a black background. It continues to influence a host of designers.