Title Sequence

Watch as an animation →

In plain words

An introduction that shows the title of the work and the names of the people who made it, together with graphics and footage. It lets viewers feel the mood and theme before the main story begins.

When to use it

The intro to a short film or web drama, a brand film, a YouTube series intro. In short-form, cut it down to 1–2 seconds or put it in briefly after a cold open.

Example videos

The History of Movie Title Sequences — Explainer: See how modern title design took hold after Saul Bass.
Vertigo (1958) title sequence — Real: Watch the title sequence Saul Bass made for Vertigo.
How Saul Bass Changed the Future of Title Sequences — Explainer: Watch the part that explains what makes Saul Bass's title sequences special.

In AI video, like this

Have the AI make only a background video with no text, and leave room for text in the center or the lower part. Add the title and names in your editing program. Time the changes of the name cards to the music beat, and borrow shapes and colors from a symbolic prop in the main story so the theme carries through.

One-click prompt

Slow push-in on swirling ink clouds blooming in a glass tank of water, deep indigo and crimson against a black void, a large empty area at the center left clean for a title, abstract graphic title sequence background plate, no text, no letters, the camera gliding forward the whole time.

Example films

The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) — The work that made Saul Bass's name with his animated opening (Britannica) · Vertigo (1958) — A Hitchcock film with titles by Saul Bass (Britannica)

See it in real films and ads

Art of the Title — Saul Bass title collection

AI-made examples

Wikipedia — Secret Invasion (an opening title partly made with generative AI, which drew criticism after release)

Recommended for scenes like these

Techniques that pair well

← Cold OpenHook (First 1–3 Seconds) →