opening credits or title (sequence)

Opening credits, also known as the title sequence, is the introduction to the audience about the film and including selected important members of the production. Sometimes the opening credits are superimposed on the action, but often exists as static letters on a solid background. Since the closing or end credits usually list the entire cast and production crew, the opening credits sequence is usually positioned to set the mood of the film and sometimes even lacks any credits except the film's title. Also known as "front credits" or "beginning titles."