NTU Motion Graphics Brief 2025/26

Title Sequence Design

Context

The streaming wars have created a new golden era of title sequences. From prestige dramas to true-crime documentaries, contemporary opening titles are no longer filler - they are branding tools, narrative devices, and emotional hooks. In the first few seconds of a show, a title sequence must capture attention, establish tone, plant thematic seeds, and prepare the audience for the world they’re entering.


Great title design sits at the intersection of storytelling, motion, sound, typography and atmosphere. This brief asks you to step into that space.

Brief

Design and produce a 30-second title sequence for a film, TV series, documentary or streaming show of your choosing - real or imagined.

Your piece should:

  • Establish the tone, world and atmosphere of the show.

  • Convey the essence of the narrative, genre and central characters.

  • Hint at themes, motifs or plot points without giving the story away.

  • Use music or audio of your choosing to support pacing and emotion.

  • Include cast credits or other relevant on-screen information typical of title sequences.

  • Conclude with the final reveal of the show’s title.

You may work with existing media from the show (stills, footage, logos) or create all visuals from scratch - illustration, typography, filmed material, 3D, collage, anything goes.

Consider

  • Attention economy: How do you hook a viewer in seconds?

  • Stylistic cohesion: How does your title sequence reflect the world of the show?

  • Narrative suggestion: What clues, symbols or visual metaphors can you plant?

  • Typographic performance: How do the credits move, appear and behave?

  • Sound: How does your chosen audio shape pacing, transitions and emotional cues?

  • Craft: A title sequence is a designed experience — pay attention to composition, rhythm, timing, and detail.

Deliverables

  • 1 × 30s title sequence (16:9 or 1:1 safe area within 16:9)

  • Export suitable for online sharing (H.264 recommended)

  • A short 1–3 slide rationale outlining:

  • Your chosen show

  • Concept and visual approach

  • How your motion, sound and typography support the narrative