Analyse the title sequences of two TV programmes, comparing and contrasting the techniques used are their effects on the audience

Authors Avatar

 By Matthew Benyayer

Analyse the title sequences of two TV programmes, comparing and contrasting the techniques used are their effects on the audience

A television title sequence has to carry out a number of important roles.  Firstly, the signature tune signifies which programme is about to start.  Some well known signature tunes are instantly recognisable, even to young children.  The music in a title sequence is like a scent. It attracts its viewers to the television in the same way bees are attracted to pollen.  Secondly, the title sequence aims to be associated with the programme. The signature tune has the role of giving an insight into the programme’s style and a good signature tune provides clues as to what the programme is about, for example a ghost story may have an atmospheric signature tune. In addition, the title sequence can be used to introduce the programme’s characters. Furthermore, it is intended to attract and maintain viewer’s attention and finally, the title sequence acts as a ‘wrapper’ around the programme.  It is a vital part of the whole package.

‘The Bill’ and ‘NYPD Blue’ are the two television title sequences to be compared. As both programmes are crime related dramas, it will be interesting to investigate whether both title sequences create similar expectations of the proceeding programme. The title sequence of ‘The Bill’ opens with a close up shot of bright blue flashing lights, which signifies an emergency.  Black and white chequered tape rolls across the screen in a suspended edit and then the viewer is immediately informed that a crime drama is about to start. An atmosphere of danger and excitement is created ensuring the viewer wants to keep watching. A car is seen hurtling across the screen in an attempt to involve the audience. The camera emphasises the dramatic nature of this by magnifying the image of the car. The viewer is immediately aware of the Metropolitan Police Badge as the camera lingers on this image in a close up and is informed that a gritty slice of a police action drama rather than a fantasy drama is about to begin.

Join now!

The ‘NYPD Blue’ title sequence transports the viewer to the wild streets of New York as we are immediately thrown into the depths of the urban jungle. However, ‘The Bill’ is obviously set in London even though the viewer is not shown any famous landmarks. However the famous sights of police uniforms and police cars are displayed in the title sequence. In ‘NYPD Blue’, a train hurtles towards the camera from the background to the foreground. The speed symbolises the energy of New York, a 24/7 city that never sleeps. Neon ‘Don’t Walk’ sign flashes as people rush across ...

This is a preview of the whole essay