How can I make my credits/titles more legit-looking?

B

Boxing Fanatix

Member
I've been using Sony Vegas to create credits and main titles. However, they just don't seem realistic enough. The titles come off with a homemade look that I cannot specify. I'm trying to achieve the look that most Hollywood film credit titles present. When I look at a big budget's film end credits, they come off as smooth and crisp. Are credits supposed to be converted to 24p as well?

If anyone knows what I'm talking about, please help me out. Thanks.
 
You need to have a graphic eye for designing end credits. I find common mistake people do even with amazing films is use generic-looking credits. The credits are an art in itself, they need to match the look and feel of your film. If you don't have an eye for it, ask a graphic designer for their input.

take a look at the credits on my last short: http://aftertherain.moscamedia.com/watch-the-film/
 
I have seen one of my film making friends use "The Art of the Title". I recommend it myself, because it shot out to me when I saw his credits on a sports documentary of a High School game.
 
this really should be stressed, that end credits don't make a film, they are at the very bottom of the list of what's important to the success or failure of a film. opening titles can add an artistic touch, but still, they are completely secondary to whether or not the actual film is good or not. some of the best films ever made have very very simple credits. those credits being simple has had no effect in the greatness of the film. While yes, some well done opening credits can set a proper tone and add to the experience of a film, people are there for the film, not the credits of the film(sad, i know, we technical folk get stiffed, but hey that's showbiz)

that being said, OP if you described just how you've created your titles, perhaps some vegas people can find where you might make some changes
 
we cant tel l i f its the style youre talking about, or if your NLE is rendering them cheap looking? two different things, tho kinda related cause if your using the defaut text effects in your NLE theyll look cheap if you do cornball stuff like add drop shadows and all that.

I say- keep it simple.

I'll be making 70's influenced grindhouse/exploitation horror films so a simple sans serif font will work for me (look up what sans seif means- sans serif fonts look clean and modern and tight).

or get creative use still photos or something do some saul bass influences stuff (dont know who saul bass is - im taking your filmakers card away shame on you)

id stay away form trying to emulate hollywood on low budget--- get creative, man !!!

or do like me watch a crapload of 70s horror flicks and plan on ripping them off

lalalalalala......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyycwz_Msy0
 
imdjay said:
...opening titles can add an artistic touch, but still, they are completely secondary to whether or not the actual film is good or not. some of the best films ever made have very very simple credits. those credits being simple has had no effect in the greatness of the film.
Click to expand...

"Simple" is one thing... inelegant is another.

Simple titles still need class and elegance (or a suitable style for the film that's coming). Type face, letter spacing, size, color, position, animation (if any), and transition are the primary elements for basic titles. It's a simple graphic design problem, with the addition of motion and time.

We see a ton of crap graphic design these days, since "everyone can do it" now. Same thing with titles. Cheesy, clunky titles will clue an audience that they're about to see a non-professional production. if the film is awesome, great - but you've still taken the audience out of the show.

Need good titles? Emulate something you've seen, or find a graphic designer. Tight budget? They don't need to know your NLE or After Effects. Just get them to sit down at your screen and design something. Something classy, beautiful, or grungy and cool - whatever is called for. You are setting the mood and preparing the audience.

There are so many free fonts on the web it's ridiculous, and many of them are really, really nice. Don't just select Times New Roman and start typing... design it.
 
marcoluca said:
You need to have a graphic eye for designing end credits. I find common mistake people do even with amazing films is use generic-looking credits. The credits are an art in itself, they need to match the look and feel of your film. If you don't have an eye for it, ask a graphic designer for their input.

take a look at the credits on my last short: http://aftertherain.moscamedia.com/watch-the-film/
Click to expand...

I am thinking your point is very well made. That will be an award winner for sure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top