REAL-LIFE SKILLS A film s credits typically list the cast, crew, and production team involved in making the movie. They are usually presented at the beginning and/or end of the film. Opening credits, or title sequences, show the most important people and often highlight the director, writers, producers, and lead actors. Closing credits, also known as end credits, are much longer and provide a more comprehensive list of everyone who contributed, including supporting cast, various crew members (like the director of photography, production designer, 12 editor), and sometimes even special thanks. The order and content of credits can vary, particularly for independent films, and some films may include mid-credits or post-credit scenes that add to the entertainment value. Basically, the credits are the movie s way of thanking its entire team. Film credits have evolved a lot over time, and filmmakers have found many creative ways to present them. While the purpose of opening and closing credits is always to give recognition, the style and format can vary radically. GROUP WORK Follow the instructions. Step 1 Step 4 Split up into groups of three/four students and brainstorm about people involved in making films. Make an analysis of the style of presenting both the opening and closing credits. Step 2 Opening credits or title sequences, can be simple and straightforward, highly artistic and complex, or animated. Closing credits can be standard scrolling credits, usually on a black background and set to the film s soundtrack. Watch some famous movies and identify the genre of opening and closing credits you like most. Step 3 Pick a film you like. Step 5 Identify all the professionals involved in the making of the film and provide a description of each. Step 6 Present the data you have collected to the class in an original way. PEOPLE anD instRUmEnts 265