Pacing and timing set the tone for a TV show’s main title. To me, it’s like introducing a guest at a party—nail the rhythm, and you’ve got everyone leaning in, ready for more. The main title has just a few seconds to captivate, communicate tone, and invite the audience into the world of the show. Done right, it builds anticipation and sets the emotional stage for what’s to come.

Having worked on main titles for series and films like The First Lady (Showtime), About Last Night (HBO Max), Why Women Kill (Paramount+), and the blockbuster San Andreas (Warner Bros.), I’ve learned that great pacing doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of deliberate creative decisions, meticulous timing, and thoughtful collaboration between editorial, design, and music teams.

Understanding Pacing and Timing Basics

Pacing refers to how quickly the elements unfold—images, cuts, music cues—while timing is about when exactly they appear or shift. Together, they create rhythm. And rhythm is everything.

For example, with The First Lady, we needed an elegant, emotionally resonant pace that mirrored the gravitas of the series’ subject matter. In contrast, About Last Night called for a sexy, upbeat, and contemporary tempo that reflected the spirit of the show. Each project demanded a unique rhythmic identity—one that speaks to the show's DNA before a single line of dialogue is spoken.

Common Issues That Break the Flow

Even with a solid concept, pacing and timing can go off track. I’ve seen a few recurring issues over the years:

Too fast or too slow pacing – This either overwhelms or underwhelms the viewer.
Abrupt transitions – Visuals and audio that jump too harshly can feel jarring.
Mismatched sound and picture – When music hits don’t align with visual moments, emotional impact is lost.
I’ve had to step in mid-project on high-profile titles like Why Women Kill to realign pacing that initially missed the emotional tone. In most cases, it’s about rethinking the rhythm and bringing visuals and audio back into sync.

My Toolkit for Fixing These Issues

Over the years, I’ve leaned on tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro for frame-accurate timing control. Here’s what I focus on:

Frame-by-frame adjustment – Perfect for tightening moments that feel just a beat too long.
Timeline sync – I make sure every cue lines up with the music bed or emotional beats.
Real-time playback – Watching edits with fresh eyes lets me feel if the rhythm is really hitting.
These aren’t just fixes—they’re storytelling tools. In San Andreas, we had to strike a balance between awe and urgency from the very first frame. These tools helped ensure that every second contributed to that tone.

Tactical Tips That Work

Whether you’re in early concept or final polish, here are a few best practices I return to often:

Storyboard the sequence – Laying it out visually helps avoid pacing missteps.
Edit to rhythm – Even if the show isn’t musical, the main title should have a beat.
Invite outside feedback – A new set of eyes can help spot blind spots.
Iterate and test – Watch it on different screens, in different moods. If the timing holds up, you know you’ve nailed it.
How to Make Your Main Titles Stand Out

Main titles are more than intros—they’re emotional doorways. Here’s how I approach making them unforgettable:

Distinctive visuals – I think about how graphic language, typography, or motion can reinforce the story’s world.
Purposeful audio – Music cues or sonic textures that signal tone and genre from frame one.
Branded consistency – Fonts, colors, and style that align with the broader show identity.
Every project—from a political drama to a pulpy crime thriller—requires a main title that feels as intentional as the pilot script.

Final Thoughts

Main titles are one of my favorite creative challenges. I love the process of distilling a show’s voice into a tight, captivating intro that moves viewers emotionally. If you’re developing a series or film and want your title sequence to land with real impact, I’d be happy to collaborate or share insights.

Let’s make sure the first thing your audience sees is something they’ll never forget.