The fourth in a long and creepy line of main title sequences, the opener for American Horror Story: Freak Show is also quite possibly the best.
A freakishly functional marriage of stop-motion and CGI, the sequence continues the series’ play with body horror and disfigurement, this time twisting up the tropes with a trip to the big top. The cast of characters includes a three-legged woman, worn old masks, two-headed critters, conjoined skeletons, and clowns (so many clowns), all shambling to the carnival-infused theme by sound designer Cesar Davila-Irizarry and musician Charlie Clouser (formerly of Nine Inch Nails). The sequence is a terrifically evocative opener and a fun romp for veteran fans of the horror genre. It’s also what you’d imagine Tim Burton and Kyle Cooper might dream up if they had a sleepover party and played dolls.
Studio: Prologue
Creative Directors: Ryan Murphy, Kyle Cooper
Designers: Alina Popescu
Art Director/3D Supervisor: Lee Nelson
Art Director/2D Supervisor: Nadia Tzou
Stop Motion Designer: Austin Taylor
Editor: Andrew Young
Additional Editor: Rachel Fowler
Animators: Gary Mau, Bora Jurisic, Byron Slaybaugh, HaYun Moon, Victor Duncan, Andrew Young
Producer: Kate Berry
Associate Producer: Meghan Cirillo
Executive Producer: Alexis Martin Woodall
Music: “American Horror Story” by Cesar Davila-Irizarry and Charlie Clouser