Sherlock-BBC

Extreme Close-ups:

In this sequence there are a number of extreme close-ups on both characters and objects. This is an extremely useful method of both communication and representation as it can suggest different events, themes and messages before there is any notable references to them during the programme, itself. It is also very much like how Sherlock views the world; throughout the series he delivers a display of his deductive abilities and this is presented in a very modern context. Every little detail which Sherlock takes note of is focused on by the camera and flashes up from several different perspectives.

This is particularly interesting as it is  minimalistic in terms of graphics; instead it focuses on mixing together shots from the programme, itself, and adding in additional establishing shots of London, the city where it is set. It is a modern portrayal of the classic detective from English literature text and this is shown in the title sequence. It is almost pulling together a character from the past with the future by showing a time-lapse of London traffic.

Primeval-ITV

Shards-of-Glass Effect:

In this programme there is a reoccurring effect used during the opening credits. This is the series of images which are formed by sharp and obscure shapes resembling shards of glass. This is relevant to the programme as there are portals which appear during every episode. The basis of the programme is that there is a group of people who monitor the activity of these portals and capture whatever prehistoric or futuristic creatures enter through them. The portals resemble shards of glass suspended in the air. The fact that it is relevant to the show itself only betters it as the key representative of the programme.

This is one of the sequences I admire the most as it demonstrates both artistic ability and relevance to the programme, as mentioned before. I believe that it is the more visually engaging sequences which prove to be successful rather than those which simply focus on the factual information.

Jekyll & Hyde-ITV

Steampunk:

The entirety of the title sequence consists of industrial machinery and steam engines at work in the background whilst the titles are brought into the foreground by a vivid yellow colour filling. This is very fitting with the programme itself as it follows a man with an extraordinary ability which makes him stand out during in the era of which he lives. This era being the Victorian ear where everything was steampunk and gritty but somewhat satisfying to look at within the chosen context.

This is a very interesting title sequence as it is all in one continuous shot; There is simply a pan down as text rolls past. The sheer simplicity along with the complex graphics creates a rather thrilling atmosphere therefore winning over the interest of the audience. It is a sequence I believe many would find complex being that it is one continuous shot, this is understandable. However, given the correct software and, through the use of key frames, this effect can be achieved easily. After-which, it is largely down to the graphics to win over the full potential.

As a whole, the last two sequences contain a substantial amount of colour and this is something I find most engaging about a visual piece of work; the colour. Both of the programmes containing these sequences confront a lot of sinister themes throughout and yet this is not presented in the opening sequence; instead there are bursts of colour and, referring to the Primeval sequence, shots from the programme itself much like with the opening sequence for Sherlock. With both sequences it seem more attention has been given to the adventure elements of the programmes rather than the sinister elements and therefore they believe they are bringing out the best of the show.

The music in all three sequences follows a similar pattern; they are all rather fast paced and suggest adventure. This, again, helps those responsible bring the audience into the show and really make them feel engaged in the story lines and characters. It is essentially setting the mood for the rest of the show and , more so, establishing its audience.