PRE-PRODUCTION • Title Sequence | Research

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In my research into title sequences, I first looked at older examples to see if there any conventions of the opening titles in sitcoms. Three of the main things that I identified in these titles sequences are:
  • The characters are made obvious
  • They identify the location
  • It hints to the storyline of the show

 Keeping Up Appearances (1990 - 1995)

The first example I looked at was Keeping Up Appearances which is a British Sitcom that began in the 1990. The first think I noticed was that the main character of the show was very clear. Hyacinth is seen making sure all the her books are straight, the her glasses are clear and sparkling and that we writes in a straight line. From this, it can be seen that she is a perfectionist and that she likes to make sure everything appears to be as it should. 

This also begins to hint at the storyline of the show, in that although Hyacinth tries to make sure everything in her life is perfect, the shot of the books falling over at then end and her sighing in annoyance show that it doesn't always go to plan. This is similar to Annie & Dean in that they are constantly trying to be seen as young and become famous however they never quite get there. 





Mrs Brown's Boys (2011 - )

The next title sequence I looked at was Mrs Brown's Boys. This is a 12 second animation that shows the main character Mrs Brown in her back garden, hanging up pictures of her family on the washing line. There is no dialogue, just the theme music and the Mrs Brown laughing at the end. 

This is a very simple animation that gives the audience a basic idea on the main character and a look into the others who can be seen in the washing line. It being set in a back garden shows that the programme is possible set around one specific house which is the 'identifying location' aspect of the sequence. This is also a very short title sequence compared to some others, with it being 12 seconds following a 30 minute episode. 

Due to the fact our pilot episode will be around 15 minutes long, the length of our title sequence is important to consider as it should be in proportion. For the title sequence of Young & Famous, ours will be around 15 to second animation, as a group we decided we liked this style the most and felt we could put our characters into cartoon and get across their personalities and the storyline well.



Some other examples I looked at were:
  • The Good Life (1975 - 1978)

  • On the Busses (1969 - 1973)

  • Bread (1986 - 1991)




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