With the Golden Age of Television happening as we speak and TV series giving “the shivers” to movie studios, it was only normal that the traditional Opening Sequence would get a total make-over.
The Opening Sequence should be a great combination of imagery, music and symbols (clues) of what the show is about, without revealing its plot. It should grab the viewer’s attention and make him/her stop using the remote at least for a couple of minutes.
What follows is my 6 favourite Opening Sequences from TV series that I love and recommend.
But first, the Criteria:
- Look/Feel - how does the intro reflect the tone of the show. I looked here at editing (fast paced images, or slow-mo), music, colours and the overall pace.
- Symbols - how much does the intro reveal about the nature of the show, using symbols and metaphors (some that will be explained to those who watch the series)
- Is longer than 30 seconds
- Is NOT a sitcom, miniseries or variety show (such as Friends, Band of Brothers, 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live or The Daily Show)
Rating:
10 - what you see is what you get
.
.
1 - what was that? commercial break?
Here goes ! (Don't worry, NO SPOILERS ahead)
Here goes ! (Don't worry, NO SPOILERS ahead)
Masters of Sex - my all time favourite, a quick, fast-paced clip, over a relaxing but energising jingle. Every second of this intro symbolises what the show is all about, while touching on the time period it relates to (6oies America). Simply brilliant. 10/10
Game of Thrones - Like a God’s watchful eye, this intro puts the viewer in his perspective, travelling from one location to another, and a new one every time the story takes you there. The fact that all locations are made out of bits-and-pieces that come together nicely, reveals the true rule of the game: put the pieces together (for personal benefit) and you survive. And the music? Sublime. 9/10
Boardwalk Empire - a simple and great way of reflecting what this show is all about (alcohol trade in the Prohibition Era), the genius behind this intro lays in the symbolism of the floating bottles. You’ll have to watch it to get it. 9/10.
True Blood - another great intro, filled with symbols and great editing. The flow of the images literally contradicts each other and critiques the society the story takes place in. Some disturbing images, but nothing too revealing, makes it a good representation of the series. 8/10
The Newsroom (season 2) - this is a show about what the mass media is (or should be) and the intro sets the mood just for that. Takes you from the morning coffee, the early meetings, the day’s main events and the evening news. All of of this over a cheerful song that could very well be the opening for the actual news broadcasts. Great stuff. 8/10.
Six Feet Under - following the dark-comical tone of this show (about a dysfunctional family that runs a funeral home), this intro presents macabre images over a funny, mysterious song. The show deals with people’s tragedies in a satirical way. Perfect match. 8/10.
Other shows considered: House of Cards, Homeland, Sopranos, Walking Dead, Orange is the New Black, True Detective, Carnivale, Rome, Weeds, Sons of Anarchy, Vikings, Battlestar Galactica
