The title sequence for Zack Snyder's Dawn of the Dead revolves around the idea of Holy War

as a cause of the film's apocalypse, which is apparent through the use of various tools. Typography The typography for the title sequence is coloured a deep red, similar to that of blood. As well as tying in with the mass use of blood as props and iconography in a zombie film, it also suggests the darker themes that are going to be seen in the feature. This is conventional of most horror films, and is a recognisable feature of the zombie genre. At first the typography is strong, bold and very clean cut. The thick, large writing suggests stronger themes and sharp angles show a matter of fact approach to the happenings, which fits in with the archive footage shown. However, before the titles cut to image, an effect has been used where the titles turn to blood, as if they have been squashed. The obvious denotation is that there is going to plenty of violence ad gore in this film, but it could also be used as a metaphor to show how quickly society has turned from a clean cut, ordered place, to a horrific mess. Movement/Editing Fast cuts are primary used in the editing of the sequence. The speedy, jumpy cuts between shots help to add a sense of disarray and panic, helping the audience to empathise with the feeling of those involved in the epidemic. It pushes the audience to experience what those in the middle of the action experience and helps to engage them. As well as this, it also gives the sense that there will be a lot of action and movement throughout the feature, this is a conventional use of editing for a zombie film. The majority of the shots are close ups. This allows us to see clearly things such as the infected's features, and other mise en scene. As well as this, it also adds a sense of mystery as you are never able to see the full picture. Even when a wider shot is used, it has been edited with distortion. The combination of these things makes it unclear what exactly is going on, but still gives you enough clues to begin to form an idea and capture your interest. This is parallel to how the public are portrayed in the film, as the government try to keep an air of secrecy around the epidemic. Image The title sequence shows a variety of different images, each linking to the epidemic in a different way. The most memorable shot is a repeated close up of someone who has been infected. This shows the audience the effects of the epidemic and quickly makes it evident what genre of film it is, and what kinds of things it's going to contain. There is also a repeated film showing blood cells moving on screen. This gives clues to the audience about plot, suggesting that maybe the infection is transferred through the blood stream and its contamination. Archive

footage of both images of holy war and media interviews are frequently shown across the sequence. The use of archive style footage adds a sense of realism to the film, which makes it much more engaging and also frightening. By showing images of holy war it helps to show the directors intentions of relating holy war to the cause of the outbreak, and hints this to the audience. The particular media footage shows those of status reluctantly giving away information on the outbreak which ties in with the film's themes and is also a relatable subject to audiences, again giving more realism.

Lighting The lighting in the sequence is somewhat dulled which could have been done for various reasons. Firstly, it is conventional for films in the horror genre to use low lighting, as it gives a sense of atmosphere and also heightens the audience's levels of fear. It helps to suggest darker themes, showing the audience that the film isn't going to be a pleasant comedy, but more likely one with ideas and images best kept in the shadows. The lack of light can be used as a metaphor for the lack of hope for the cast in this film; it suggests the infection will spread fast and there is little they can to to escape a dire fate. There is no light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Sound The title sequence uses both diagetic, and non diagetic sound. Vicious growls can be heard from the zombie on screen, making the audience feel more involved and also adding a sense of fear and unpleasantness, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Generally disdainful sounds are used; screams, the sound of blood trickling, and also things such as smashed glass. This shows you the films genres, and helps set the atmosphere for what is going to be a scary and horrifying feature. The dialogue from a media interviewed is overlaid, the information from which tells the audience about the state that the country is in, and also the unknown cause of the epidemic and sense of confusion felt by the public. Part way through a score begins to play, which is what sounds like country music. The lyrics detail the story of someone judging who's to blame, this links in with the idea of the unknown source of the epidemic. The music also helps to gives us clues about the setting of the film, the country music and american accent suggests that the film is set in the USA. Order of Cast/Crew As is conventional with opening titles, Dawn of the Dead's only feature important above the line talent; main crew and cast. The first mention is of Universal pictures and associated companies; Strike Entertainment. The title 'Dawn of The Dead' then appears in the frame's centre,

making it the direct focus. Following this, the main stars names appear in order of status. Mentions of important crew then appear in the subsequent order; casting, music, make-up, costume, co producer, editor, production designer, director of photography, executive producers, screen play, and director.