From Saul Bass to participatory culture: Opening title sequences in contemporary TV series

Autore: Re Valentina

Tipologia Prodotto: Articolo in rivista

Titolo della Rivista: Necsus. European Journal of Media Studies

Numero; Volume: Spring 2016 “Small data”

Numero prima e ultima pagina: online open access

Codice ISSN: 2213-0217

Anno di Pubblicazione: 2016

Link: https://necsus-ejms.org/saul-bass-participatory-culture-opening-title-sequences-contemporary-tv-series/

Abstract:

In the contemporary media landscape the opening title sequence continues to provide its traditional, paratextual function by introducing a storyworld, orienting the spectator, and managing expectations. Moreover, it consolidates other functions while nevertheless assuming new ones. As well as branding content, thus expressing its visual identity and putting it in relation to an audience, main titles connect viewers and contribute to creating ‘networked communities’ or ‘brand communities’ based on a shared passion for media content. This article discusses this renewed, double role of main titles – branding content, branding communities – with special regard to the television shows Mad Men, The Wire, Game of Thrones, and Supernatural.

Keywords: Fan Works – Main Titles – Paratexts – Participatory Culture – Small Data – Television – Television Series