Opening credits, in a television program or motion picture, are shown at the beginning of a show and list the most important members of the production. They are usually shown as text superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in the show. Some opening credits are built around animation or production numbers of some sort (such as the James Bond films). Opening credits usually mention the major actors, guest stars, producers and director, as opposed to closing credits which lists the entire production crew. In television, the opening credits may be preceded by a short teaser or pre-credits sequence that helps to set the stage for the episode.
In recent years, many major motion pictures have done away with opening credits, with many films, such as Van Helsing and The Mummy Returns, not even displaying the film title until the closing credits begin.
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