Creators of Main Title ‘Silo,’ ‘Palm Royale,’ and ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ Reflect on the Vanishing Art Form’s Process

The landscape of television main title sequences has undergone a significant transformation over the years, evolving from a starry but brief experience in the 1990s to a more elaborate and visually captivating form in the 2000s. However, the advent of streaming services and the introduction of the “skip intro” button have had a profound impact on this art form.

Patrick Clair, a title sequence designer, reflects on the shift brought about by streaming services competing to offer the best main titles. He notes that the era of extensive and elaborate main titles may be behind us due to the convenience of the “skip intro” button, which allows viewers to bypass the opening sequences.

Despite this, some showrunners still choose to include main titles as a deliberate storytelling device. Apple TV+, for example, continues to produce main titles for its series, reaping recognition with multiple Emmy nominations. Among the nominees for main title design this year are Apple’s “Silo,” “Palm Royale,” and “Lessons in Chemistry,” alongside entries from Netflix, Prime Video, and FX.

Patrick Clair stands out with three nominations in the main title design category this year, emphasizing the importance of main titles as a creative companion to the series’ narrative. For “Silo,” Clair’s team collaborated closely with the show’s creator to craft a visually engaging sequence that reflects the show’s underground world and intricate social dynamics.

The main titles of Apple’s nominated series, such as “Lessons in Chemistry,” demonstrate a creative synergy with the show’s themes and music. Creative directors Hazel Baird and Rob Cawdery drew inspiration from the show’s premise and music, creating a sequence that complements the narrative and time period.

Similarly, Ronnie Koff’s approach to the main titles for “Palm Royale” focuses on thematic relevance and engaging viewers with subtle nods to the show’s storyline. By incorporating story-specific designs and rewarding attentive viewers, Koff aims to keep the art of title sequences alive in an era where the “skip intro” option is prevalent.

In conclusion, while the “skip intro” button may have altered the landscape of main title sequences, the intentional inclusion of engaging and story-driven titles by creators and platforms like Apple TV+ showcases a continued appreciation for this art form in the ever-evolving television industry.