Analysis of the Title Sequence of "The Sleepover Club"
The theme tune for The Sleepover Club is insanely catchy and upbeat, appealing to it's target audience of young teenage girls with lyrics they can relate to such as "hanging around is just no fun when you're alone". The lyrics introduce both the story and characters, connecting directly with the audience as they are invited to "come on and sleepover". The audience also feel they can relate to the characters as they share the same teenage struggles and are reassured with the words "no matter what we're going through, together we can find our way home".
The first shot we see is of the girls hugging and laughing, instantly establishing them as a happy, friendly group. This is followed by a shot of the boys, representing the level of importance to teenage girls; friends first, boys second. We are introduced to the individuals as characters not actors; with only their character names shown. Unlike adults, the younger audience do not watch a programme due to it's cast and so the actors' names are of no importance. Introducing the girls with just their character names also maintains the sense of reality in the programme, meaning the audience can easily relate to it. The font used is a typical girl's handwriting which gives a more personal feel and therefore gives the audience a stronger connection with each character.
Costume is used to portray the individual characters' personality; like Kenny, for example, who is shown wearing baggy, boyish clothes.The background and font colour also help establish the characters' personalities; changing with each new name. Frankie's background is purple, a colour associated with royalty and in this case symbolises her leadership of the group as the end group shot is also purple, suggesting her influence is most dominant. Pink is used to portray Fliss's stereotypically girly demeanor. Kenny is shown with a red background which is reflective of her sporty, energetic attitude. The colour to represent Lyndz is green because of her care for the environment, love of the outdoors and horseriding. Rosie has an optimistic, positive outlook and this is suggested with the use of orange.
The opening sequence ends with another group shot which fades to the title in pink with a heart motif (a classic girly doodle) on the lyrics "Sleepover!" to make the programme title memorable to the audience and therefore recognisable for any future merchandise (eg. DVD, magazine).
Analysis of the Title Sequence of "Lizzie McGuire"
In this opening sequence the background is white with crisp, brightly coloured lines of varying widths constantly moving. This movement creates excitement and gives a sense of the characters being fun and energetic. This coordinates with the footage of the main characters running around and throwing balls; being lively and fun. Split Screen is used to show different shots of the characters and the multiple views on one screen only emphasise the level of action and energetic fun.
Unlike 'The Story of Tracy Beaker' and 'The Sleepover Club', Lizzie McGuire introduces the people as actors rather than with their character names. This is mainly due to it's target audience being slightly elder teenagers compared to the others. These names are shown in order of importance; with Hilary Duff first. The first and last character seen is Lizzie, both with midshots, therefore establishing her as the main character. She is attractive, young and happy, engaging the audience and immediately becoming likeable. Her costume is youthful, fun and brightly coloured which further portrays Lizzie as a character the audience like and feel comfortable with.
Again, the theme tune is reflective of the overall theme of the programme. Similar to most older children's dramas, this theme tune talks of typical teenage struggle which the audience can relate to and connect with. For example, the lyrics "sometimes we make it, sometimes we fake it, we get one step closer each and every day, we'll figure it out on the way" make the audience feel trusting of the characters and gain comfort from the programme. Although aimed at the slightly elder audience, Lizzie McGuire maintains the childish feel with her thoughts channeled through her cartoon self who is briefly shown as the last character in the sequence. This is similar to 'The Story of Tracy Beaker' which also has elements of cartoon amongst the reality.
This opening sequence also helps to introduce the relationships between the characters. By throwing the ball to one another, Lizzie, Miranda and Gordo show a connection and a sense of teamwork. A graphic match of the ball is used to create the illusion of the characters throwing the ball between shots. Matt is clearly established as the annoying younger brother, with Lizzie teasing him, later the trio of friends chasing him for the ball and Matt then chasing them with a huge ball. We see her mum running physical rings around Lizzie, suggesting she can metaphorically and therefore is the one whom Lizzie respects and listens to, with a close relationship. The title shot is a group shot of the main characters together with Lizzie in the centre as the programme revolves around her.
Analysis of the Title Sequence of "The Story of Tracy Beaker"
This opening sequence is full of energy and has constant movement. With bright colours and bold shapes, it gains the viewers attention and appeals to it's young target audience perfectly. The mix of real life pictures superimposed against a cartoon background suggests the years between childhood and adulthood, torn between the two, the children of which are the target audience. The main characters are introduced to us in order of importance, with Tracy starting and ending the sequence to emphasise her main role in the programme. The other four characters shown are all placed on the screen, suggesting that they are not important enough to have their own shot. No actual footage is used but a flipbook effect of various photos to create a sense of movement. This jerky movement adds to the childish energy which is apparent throughout. The poses of the characters are fun, with silly faces and over exaggerated expressions.
The theme tune for the programme is catchy and with a female vocalist, appealing to the primarily female audience. The lyrics introduce Tracy's determined, ambitious nature and her as a dreamer. The major storyline of Tracy's longing for her mother is also introduced and emphasised with the lyrics "believe me now, I will win someday" with heart motifs. The title is in a bright childish font which is suitable for the target audience and is reflective of the fun, exciting nature of the programme. No names of the actors are mentioned because children so young generally aren't interested in the actors and without this knowledge, it makes the characters more real and therefore easier to relate to. The only text featured excluding the title is the author and illustrator of the original Tracy Beaker books who fans will be familiar with and so be further enclined to watch the show.
