VOTD: The Art Of Film And TV Title Design

When opening title sequences are done right, they become much more than a list of credits. They can compliment the film in ways that you might never even realize — an artful transition into a movie which helps set mood, tone and style. We regularly feature links to The Art of the Title, a site which focuses on great title sequences and has interviews with the creators behind them. PBS' Off Book takes a look at the creation of these sequences, talking to Peter Frankfurt and Karin Fong from Imaginary Forces, Ben Conrad from Logan and Jim Helton of Blue Valentine.

The credits are often the first thing we see when we watch a great film or TV show, but the complexity and artistry of title design is rarely discussed. Creators of title sequences are tasked to invent concepts that evoke the core story and themes of the production, and to create a powerful visual experience that pulls the viewer into the film's world. In this episode we hear the stories of some of the most inventive people working in the field, including the creators of the iconic Mad Men sequence, the hilarious Zombieland opening and "rules" sequences, and the stirring end credits from Blue Valentine.

Watch the seven minute documentary short after the jump.