Research - Making a credit scene

 In order to design an effective credit sequence for our thriller opening, I researched how professional films use opening titles to establish tone and support narrative themes.

Example 1 : (45) Se7en (1995) title sequence - YouTube

Se7en (1995 ) title sequence

One of the most influential thriller sequences I analyzed was from Se7en. In this opening, the credits are layered over fragmented close-ups and unsettling imagery rather than appearing on a blank screen. Since it’s distorted it reinforces the psychological tension of the film. This demonstrates that credits are not simply informational and can visually communicate genre before the narrative unfolds. 

Through further research into thriller conventions, I found that many films use :

- Minimalistic fonts to maintain realism

- Dark or muted color palettes to reflect low-key lighting

- Slow pacing to build suspense

- Integration of text within the scene rather then separating it

This is important in modern thrillers when maintaining immersion is key. When credits appear disconnected from the narrative, tension can weaken.

Application to the film opening :

This research is especially relevant to our film opening because our story begins in a seemingly casual and modern environment. Two teenage girls scrolling and talking on their phones. But for this specific scene they happen to be scrolling through potential matches on a dating app. Unlike traditional thrillers that begin dark or visibly dangerous, our opening presents normality at first. Therefore, the credits must subtly support the genre without disrupting the realism of the scene. 

I found that embedding credits within a realistic environment, allows the audience to remain immersed while still establishing tone. Since our opening focuses on online interaction and hidden motives, the way the credits are presented must reflect this theme of digital modernity and concealed danger. 

Note : My group and I aim to seamlessly add the credits into our film without interrupting the atmosphere. And since the girls are using their phones, ads are very likely to pop up on online websites so this wouldn’t interrupt anything.