A HISTORY OF TITLE SEQUENCES




Titles In Silent Film








Words were essential in films of the silent era. Film titles were used in the first silent films made. letter cards (or inter-titles)were also used at this time. These two methods were used to create context. The lettering artist was the individual who found himself in charge of making these letter cards. The lettering artist worked with the scriptwriter and the director to make a film with good continuity, of which the audience could easily follow. The film's main title however was very different. The reason for this is that it is very difficult to create a new idea, which had not already been copyrighted, and this main sequence helped to show whether or not it was following the law.


Here is the main title from D.W. Griffith’s “Intolerance” (1916). Many directors and viewers of this film believe this to the be the best film of movie of the silent era.


Film titles and letter cards had to provide important information to the viewer. Artist used mono-stroke letter forms, as it was an easy style of font to read for the viewer. One key characteristic of this silent era was the white lettering on the black background. There is no technical film making reasons for this, it merely looks better than black writing on white background.



These are some more film examples of this lettering technique.