Title Designers (TDs) design the opening titles for films, as well as the captions that appear in the film giving details of time, place etc., and the end cards and moving roller listing all members of cast and crew. Depending on each film's budget, the opening titles may be simple or complex, but must always set the tone and atmosphere of the following feature length film.

TDs spend a great deal of time researching or creating specific fonts which accurately reflect the film's genre or period. They also contribute to decisions about the choice of font colour, and whether to include animation or to shoot an entirely new section of film. TDs are either freelance, working independently in their own Graphics Studios and pitching for work using their show-reels, or are employed by Digital and Optical Effects Companies, working as part of a bigger team. TDs are often required to work long hours and to strict deadlines.

What is the job?
Titles Designers usually start work near the end of the editing process, when they meet with the Director and Editor to discuss the themes and ideas in the film that will influence the creation of the opening titles, graphic captions within the film, the end cards and end roller. TDs must formulate a range of ideas which may include specially designed fonts, animated segments, or live-action sequences that TDs direct involving the cast and crew of the film. If TDs are employed in-house at a Digital and Optical Effects Company, they usually work with Digital Compositors on animated sequences, or if they work independently, they may have sufficient experience and expertise to undertake this work themselves.

Initially TDs may use pen and paper to sketch up ideas, and move on to computers, using graphics software packages, as the work develops. Animatics (preliminary versions in which animated cut-out figures are used instead of live participants and real objects) and/or storyboards are presented to the Director and Editor and, in response to their feedback, TDs continue to work up and refine their ideas until they are approved and the digital artwork files can be composited with the film background.

Typical career routes
Although there is no typical career route for this role, the majority of TDs come from a Graphic Design background. Some start out as junior Graphics Designers working for Advertising Agencies or Design Consultancies and progress to becoming experienced Designers before deciding to work in film. Others may begin as juniors in Digital Special Effects Houses and gain immediate experience of working on film. Creating and compiling a strong portfolio of work is a prerequisite to gaining entry into the graphics area even at a junior level. Titles Designers must also have an impressive show reel of work, accumulated over many years.

Essential knowledge and skills Titles Designers must have a good knowledge of graphics and typography. They should have a good working understanding of computers and graphics software packages. Knowledge of animation techniques, film cameras and digital editing, is also required.
Key Skills include:  

• artistic vision;


• precise attention to detail;


• good presentation skills;


• excellent communication skills;


• ability to work independently and as part of a team;


• ability to work to deadlines;


• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Training and qualifications
Titles Designers are usually Art School graduates who have studied Graphic Design, Film, Photography or Illustration. College courses provide the opportunity to build the strong portfolio of work which is vital in such a highly competitive arena. 

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.

Websites
- BKSTS - The Moving Image Society, organises events, courses, and new equipment demos, and publishes: Cinema Technology, and Image Technology;

- BECTU, the trade union represents Editing & Post Production personnel;

- Shooting People, a forum on filmmaking;

- Font Shop offers useful information for graphic designers, including contemporary fonts
- Design in Motion offers articles and information about motion graphics 

- Shots, a directory of creative people working in advertising which also features useful information about graphics and animation

Publications
- Creative Review is published monthly and features information on graphic design, advertising, new media, photography, illustration, typography ...

- Saul Bass on Titles - DVD (Vital Distribution) available to rent or purchase

- Motion Graphic Design and Fine Art Animation: Principles and Practice (Focal Press) by Jon Krasner

- Type in Motion: Innovation in Digital Graphics (Thames and Hudson) by Jeff Ballantoni & Matt Woolman)

- Type in Motion: No 2 (Thames and Hudson) by Matt Woolman

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Titles Designer

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