Conventions of Institutional Credits

In this section I will analyse the institutional conventions of an opening sequence. I chose the opening sequence of Pacific Rim.

The opening sequence does not include shots of the actual story however does reveal an essence of what the film may be about. In this scene there are very large, chrome metal robots being displayed at different angles. The lighting is dark, creating a mysterious, tense atmosphere to emphasize the drama and action. The actors and setting is unknown and not displayed which creates enigma.

Firstly I looked at the institutional logo and the typography used in the opening credits.  



There is no institutional logo displayed in the opening credits. Only the graphic/text of the the institution name which is displayed in the image on the left. 

I think that it is a good thing that the institutional logo is not shown because the fact the text is the same throughout keeps the feeling and atmosphere the same. If the graphics where interrupted with a different type of text and logo, it would kind of distort the fluidity of the film. I think that it makes the opening sequence more effective, and allows the viewer to focus on the text more as it stands out.

As shown in the institutional name the typography is the same throughout. The denotation of the typography is a blocky, bold, plain yet sharp font in a silvery, gradient colour.

The typography is very important as it also sets a theme to what the theme may be about. It gives the idea that it is a sort of sci-fi action film that includes something robotic that is seen through images in the background. The fact the font is plain gives the idea that the target audience for this film is for young adults and more mature people. Also the dark colours and basic typography gives the idea that this film is mostly aimed for males.



The Image below is the timeline of all the institutional credits. It includes what is actually said at the time code and what their role is in the production of the film.

Click the image to enlarge.

I have found out a lot about institutional credits. It is very important to include institutional credits as it gives an idea of the production roles and who made the film. Roles such as the director is a good way to promote the film because if someone has enjoyed the directors past work then it will make them want to watch the next film. The director, producer and editing roles are the most important roles so are usually shown first in the opening credits. Also when displaying the actors the credits show the most well known actors first because more people will know them, allowing more people to watch the film. Actors displayed after are well known but does not have as much blockbuster power compared to the first actor displayed.

I will use them well and I have a good idea on the type of typography I will use, a basic, gritty sort of plain typography. I know what type of roles to include such as the director, editor, casting, and music but I know not to involve roles such as special effects supervisor because it would not be used in a typical BSR film.