Film openings

There are four categories of title sequences: Titles on a blank screen, titles on still images, titles over moving images and titles using animation or motion.


You can then categorize the title sequences into: 
1. Narrative titles
2. Discrete titles
3. Stylised titles

Titles on a blank screen
The main conventions and reasons for use are: 
It is the most common title sequence used and involves different kinds of typeface against a black background. Usually a white typeface is used against a black background to create a high contrast. Studies use them because they are low budget.
An example of this type of sequence is used in 'Pulp Fiction'

Titles on still images
The main conventions and reasons for use are:
They are more elaborate than simple white text against a black background. Historically title cards were developed to include hand drawn borders and other images. It indicated a move past just text but a way to incorporate text with a visual image to hint to the audience what the genre of the film may be.
An example of this type of sequence is used in 'Wimbledon'

Titles over moving images
The main conventions and reasons for use are:
These sequences incorporate the credit titles with moving images behind the titles. There is often sound but no dialogue. It serves to offer either a metaphor or narrative thread to help introduce the tone or storyline of the film to the audience.
An example of this type of title sequence is used in 'The 60's' 

Titles using animation or motion
The main conventions and reasons for use are:
In the late 1990's the use of animated text became more and more popular. The titles became a part of the moving images. It requires a lot of digital technology and stylized editing. 
An example of this type of title sequence is used in the 'James Bond' movie.