Art of the Title

  • Title Sequences
  • Designers + Studios

American Horror Story: Freak Show (2014)

American Horror Story: Freak Show
The only way to survive in this disgusting godforsaken world is to take control.
—Ethel Darling
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Post
  • More

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.

  • Credits

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

LIKE THIS FEATURE?

Sponsor Logo

KEEP ART OF THE TITLE PUBLISHING GREAT FEATURES. BECOME A PATRON TODAY.

Related

  • American Horror Story

    American Horror Story

    title only

  • Se7en

    Se7en

    interview

  • The Little Shop of Horrors

    The Little Shop of Horrors

    summary

  • Terrified

    Terrified

    summary

  • Too Many Cooks

    Too Many Cooks

    interview

  • ParaNorman

    ParaNorman

    interview

Title sequence

  • Production Studio

    Prologue Films
  • Creative Director

    Kyle Cooper
  • Designer

    Lisa Bolan
  • Art Director/2D Supervisor

    Nadia Tzuo
  • Additional Editor

    Rachel Fowler
  • Category

    TV
  • Styles

    2010s, CGI, main title, stop motion
American Horror Story: Freak Show
  • Creators

    Brad Falchuk
    Ryan Murphy
  • Release Date

    October 8, 2014
  • Aspect Ratio

    1.78:1
  • Network

    FX
  • Country

    USA
  • Language

    English
  • IMDb has full details

Article

  • Writer

    Lola Landekic
  • Published

    September 29, 2015

Subscribe to Art of the Title

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • About
  • News
  • Titles
  • Features
  • Designers
  • Studios
  • Sponsorship

Art of the Title is made with ❤ in Toronto and is supported by readers like you.

© 2007–2025 Art of the Title, LLC. All rights reserved.
Works appearing on Art of the Title are the property of their respective owners.

  • Gold Sponsor

    NOW OPEN! LET’S TALK

  • Silver Sponsor

    NOW OPEN! LET’S TALK