2016/01/01 by Valentina Carla Re · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Media Studies and Communication #Media, Gender, and Advertising
paper · doi:10.25969/mediarep/3352
openalex publication_date 2016/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/01
In the contemporary media landscape the opening title sequence continues to provide its traditional, paratextual function by introducing a storyworld, orienting the spectator, and managing expectations. Moreover, it consolidates other functions while nevertheless assuming new ones. As well as branding content, thus expressing its visual identity and putting it in relation to an audience, main titles connect viewers and contribute to creating ‘networked communities’ or ‘brand communities’ based on a shared passion for media content. This article discusses this renewed, double role of main titles – branding content, branding communities – with special regard to the television shows MAD MEN, THE WIRE, GAME OF THRONES, and SUPERNATURAL.