In simple terms, the best way to think about these are the following (Copple, 2024):
“Opening credits. In modern films, the opening credits typically run through the key creative forces behind a project, such as the production company, executive producers, the director, the lead actors, and the show creator, if applicable.”
“Closing credits. Closing credits are more comprehensive and may include all the individual crew members.”
So, essentially, all the creatives are listed up front. Detailed credits of everyone associated with the film are included in the closing. I learned that the reason that credits are so important is because there are so many people that are involved in making a film that work solely behind the scenes. They need to be acknowledged because it is their livelihood too and they need to be acknowledged and formally tied to the project. Production companies are contractually required to do this, which makes sense.
Not only does our opening have to convey some essential information to the audience about the film they are about to watch, but we have to also include credits. We have to pack quite a punch in just two short minutes.
It becomes clear that our credits should also fit into our overall theme and tone of the movie. Some examples of how other movies have done this are represented here:
Copple (2024) goes on to list the typical order of opening credits (keep in mind that some films include all, some or none of these – so we have some creative license as to how we want to approach these):
1. Production company (distributor)
2. Production company (producer)
3. Film title
4. Lead cast
5. Supporting cast
6. Casting director
7. Music composer
8. Costume designer
9. Associate producers
10. Editors
11. Production designer
12. Director of Photography
13. Executive producer
14. Producer
15. Writers
16. Director
In our case, many of these won’t apply since Alessandra and I are in charge of everything. Maybe we can credit someone else if they help us film or the Starbucks barista that will make our coffee. I think you will see our names pop up quite a bit.