ART OF THE TITLE: AMERICAN HORROR STORY

The establishing shot of the opening title sequence depicts the central focus of the series; a shot with presents the main characters who are crucial to the storyline. One singular coloured shot contrasts to the black and white features which are shown throughout the opening. The coloured imaged of deep red used represents the theme of blood, empathising the importance it may place throughout the series. The black and white footage hints that the programme is set in an early historical period. The time period is empathised through the old fashioned drawings which sit behind the credits. The opening title reveals symbolism; fire is presented on noticeable occassions to connote the emotions of destruction or death.

The lighting creates illusions and shadows which is a technique which infers that things are not what they seem. This suggests that the audiences' minds are deceived by the shadowy shapes. The delusions created can highlight the main message behind the series; the idea that we cannot always trust what we see.

Diegetic sound is a fundamental aspect of the opening sequence, the sounds created build upon the hypnotic surroundings of the characters. the astmospheric scenes and sounds, and the ambience become vital to the storyline. Regular hard cuts are used to present the fast pace of the series which hints that the programme includes plenty of jump-scared. The focus is split between the forest and the attic which establishes that these two scenes are crucial to the storyline of the show.