Opening Scene Credits Research

To further our understanding of the relevance of credits, the order that they are in and the visuals that they accompany, we did some research. Here is an example using Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. 

Above: A summary in images of Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (found at artofthetitle.com)

The credits in order:

1. UK Film Council & Aegis Film Fund Present
2. In Association With Rescience Lipsync Productions LLP and Metropolis International Sales
3. A DJ Films and New Boots & Panties Production
4. Andy Serkis
5. Naomie Harris
6. Olivia Williams
7. Bill Milner
8. Toby Jones
9. Tom Hughes
10. Noel Clarke
11. Mackenzie Crook
12. Michael Maloney
13. And Ray Winstone
14. Co Producers   Sarah Arnott   Serena Cullen   Jane Hooks   Charlotte Knight
15. Titles by Peter Blake
16. Make up and Hair Designer   Jacqueline Fowler
17. Costume Designer   Joanna Eatwell
18. Casting Director   Toby Whole CDG
19. Music Supervisor   Ian Neil
20. Composer   Chaz Jankel
21. Production Designer   Richard Bullock
22. Editor   Peter Christelis
23. Directors of Photography   Christopher Ross and Brian Tufano BSC
24. Executive Producer   Kevin Phelan   Peter Hampden
25. Executive Producer   Andy Serkis   Paul Viragh   Ian Neil
26. Executive Producer   Ralph Kamp
27. Executive Producer   Paul Brett   Steve "Harry" Harragan   Tim Smith
28. Written By Paul Viragh
29. Produced by Damian Jones
30. Directed by Mat Whitecross

To summarise, the institutions are all credited first, followed by quite a gap. The main actor (Andy Serkis) is then introduced during a shot of him, followed by the rest of the actors in billing order. The cast are then credited, with the final three credits building up in order of importance. 

Click here to be directed to watch the opening of Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll


Our credits would be very simple, like Donnie Darko or Heathers. We would have fewer titles than Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll, however, similarly, they would be over our shots, not cutaways.