Research And Planning - Analysis of Byker Grove Opening Titles 1989

Byker Grove was a children's TV drama that ran from 1989 - 2006 for 18 series on both BBC1 and the CBBC Channel. The show is set in the Byker District of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

These titles are slightly different to the other two I have looked at in that they seem to be aimed at the older teenagers rather than children/young teenagers. This is evidenced by the `Earthy` colour used and the basic structure.

The titles are based around a moving backdrop of Newcastle from the air. Although the camera is high up this is good in that the viewer can gage an impression of where the show is set.
The immediate difference with these titles is that the programmes name is on screen for the entire sequence. This is unusual but it does give the viewer time to read it.

Also the characters are introduced differently. They are seen individually jumping on to the screen, in time with the spoken words. On "Byker" the character appears and then on "Grove" they fade out ,each in silhouette.
The use of silhouette is another unusual technique to use in a children's drama but one I feel that would appeal to the audience watching.

During the titles editing techniques have been used to good effect. The letter `O` flashes and then increases in size at different points during the sequence. This would catch the viewers attention and would strongly appeal to children.
Another technique used is to have different objects go from the top right hand side of the screen across the top and down to the bottom including a shoe, a dog and a boxing glove. This is done through animation.
The opening titles don't have a song attached to it like Tracy Beaker but it does use the repetition of the shows title. This is effective as it is catchy and again, like Tracy Beaker, something that would `stick` in your head as it emphasised throughout the opening sequence.

A similarity between Byker Grove and the other examples I have researched is that all 3 have up beat and quite `funky` music. This would appeal to the intended audiences and make them want to continue watching the programme and is a common convention of children's TV dramas.