There are 4 main categories of title sequences that can be identified - Titles on a blank screen, Titles on still images, Titles over Moving Images, and Titles using Animation or Motion.
Titles on a blank screen
This title sequence, is the most common type - it usually consists of different kinds of type faces on a black background. This is the cheapest type of title sequence to make - commonly used in films with a low budget. White type faces on a black background are used to create a high contrast. For example, the title sequence, designed by Saul Bass, for the film Psycho, was simple but effective, and also symbolic.
Titles on still images
Studios eventually began to create more complex title sequences. This is a sequence, where text is used with a visual image, it usually gives a hint of what the genre of the film is. To create the background of this title sequence, it requires different medias to develop it. The music and still images accompany the credits - like the Wimbledon title sequence, where the images of moving heads matches the sound of the travelling ball.
Wimbledon title sequence - Watch the Titles
Titles over moving images
This title sequence usually has no dialogue overlapping it. The titles have moving images behind the text. Titles over moving images generally offer a metaphor in relation to the film or a narrative thread to introduce the tone/storyline of the film to the audience. The title sequence of rear window presents open windows, which is an introduction to the story line with the titles layered above.
Titles using Animation or Motion
In the late 1990s, animated title sequences became more popular - the titles are parts of moving images. This is demonstrated in the Casino Royal opening title sequence.
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