Saul Bass

Saul Bass - Famous for his enormous contribution to the title sequence evolution. He made his name in the title sequence scene by designing the titles for the 1955 film 'The Man with the Golden Arm' of which he created a title sequence that fitted in with the film, yet also caused quite a sensation.

The films subject was a jazz musician that suffered from a heroin addiction. The main image of the title sequence is the long, extended arm, which is a strong image relating to drug addiction. The sequence is all animated using black and white paper - something which our group could use for our title sequence if we do not want to use either live footage or animate something on After Effects or Premier. 

Bass worked alongside Alfred Hitchcock on a number of films; providing a number of effective and memorable title sequences. In his time working with Hitchcock, Bass created a new type of 'Kinetic Typography' (moving text) The first example of kinetic typography can be seen in the 1959 film 'North by Northwest'. In this animated title sequence the words flew in from off of the screen and then gradually faded into the live action film. 

 This title sequence features two kinds of disciplines - pure animation and a integration between live film and animation. When making our title sequence we will need to choose which form of title sequence we choose. Another element that will help us choose, will be what is normally used in the Thriller genre. 

Again, in the thriller film 'Psycho' Bass produced a similar title sequence with kinetic typography. However, as this was a thriller film, the sequence is much more jagged and edgy. The lines are fast moving and very sharp. This, alongside the music, makes the titles create a lot of suspense before the film has even started. A vital feature that our sequence will need to include.