This is taken from John's handout. He takes no responsibility for these tips being right or wrong, but then, there are no rules in moviemaking, only guidelines and personal opinion.

First impressions matter: titles really are the film's packaging to get you interested, so take a bit of trouble and get it right. A logo gives the audience time to settle down and stop talking. A good logo will make them sit up and shut up!

Think about it - select the appropriate type face. Do you want to scroll in, fade in, jump in, rise in, explode in? Decide how to connect it to the film itself. This is where you can make all those transitions come to life and earn their keep.

Avoid Ariel - it's very bland. Everyone uses it because it is at the top of the list and is usually the default type face. There are more interesting ones further down. Make a note of the typeface you use - you can bet your bottom dollar you will want it again in the film and you won't be able to find it!

Don't put a static title on top of a shaky visual - it will make the shake much worse. Use a still frame instead.

Music and sound are just as important on titles as they are in the film itself. One should complement the other. Pay proper attention to both.

Don't scroll a title. Only scroll credits if there is too much to read and the print is too small on the page to read.

Try to think of a title that is intriguing if you can. Don't give up - it will come to you.

Choose colour and size which are clear against the background. You can separate it by putting a black or white border around the print itself or put a coloured rectangle behind it. Don't make a title too small. Be bold. My lettering is usually white perhaps with a black outline. Sometimes a mixture of font and / or colour is OK, but like fancy tgransitions, don't overdo it. Better to keep it simple.

Let them clap. Putting the credits at the end means the end of the film will lack punch and just fizzle out because the audience will not know quite where to applaud. Some say, do titles last, but I prefer first - to put me in the mood. You can always change them later. I put acknowledgements on the end preferably at 'The End', or afterwards.

Put a date on the film. I suggest at the end on 'The End', bottom corner, small. 'The End' should match the titles.  Make sure the end title and music finish together. Don't leave the music in mid..........air.

Cutting titles to the beat of the music can be very effective, but don't become predictable.

Titles do not have to be in the middle of the screen, so long as they are balanced and with space around.

Titles need not go right at the very beginning, but I find dragging titles and credits over a long period irritating.

Consciously look for a shot that will do for the title when you are filming, particularly for the end. Riding into the sunset is such a cliche but they all still do it and it works!

The Universal Counting Leader is added to show the projectionist that the film is in focus and sound levels are OK. It should not be seen by the audience.