Why Your Short Film Needs a Title

Put your title at the front of your film

Here at Animation Apprentice our students make a lot of short films, many of which go on to win festival awards.  Yet one simple element is surprisingly often missing: an opening title.  

While some experimental pieces intentionally dive straight into the action, most short films benefit from displaying their title right at the beginning.  Here’s why your title should be at the start of your film. 

Set the Tone 

Start with a title

A title card acts as a handshake with your audience.  In just a few seconds, it signals the genre, mood, and ambition of the piece, and adds a sense of anticipation. 

You can also add the production company which made the film (don't worry if it's not a real company, it might be one day), and the Escape Studios logo, if the film was made at Escape. 

Professional Polish

Festivals, distributors, and online platforms notice the difference between amateur and professional work.  An opening title instantly makes your film feel more complete and considered.  

It shows you’ve thought about the entire viewing experience, not just the story itself.  The greatest short films - from Pixar’s early experiments to award-winning festival darlings - almost always open with their title.

Respect for the Craft

Filmmaking is collaborative. An opening title gives proper credit to the work before the story begins. It also creates a natural breathing moment—allowing the audience to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead.

The Counterargument  (and Why It Usually Doesn’t Hold) 

Some filmmakers argue that skipping the title keeps the momentum raw and immersive. That can work for very specific experimental or hyper-stylized pieces. But for the vast majority of narrative, documentary, comedy, or horror shorts, a clean opening title strengthens rather than weakens the film.

A great short film deserves a great introduction. Start with your title.

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