Opening Sequence Research Year 12 Media

1. Conventions of a Film
Opening Sequence
By Angharad Wilkins

2. The purpose of a film opening
is to entice the audience into
carrying on watching a film.
A film opening should also
establish characters and
genre. Directors can do this
in many ways.

3. 1) Flashback
A scene that the narrative back
in time usually to a key event
for a couple of minutes or the
whole movie.

4. 2) Planning of
landscape/establishing shot.
This is used to set the scene and
inform the audience where the film
is taking place.

5. 3) Narrations
Easy and effective way of getting
the audience involved straight
away. Technique used to give
background information on what
has been happening or who the
characters are, giving the audience
an insight so the rest of the film
make sense.

6. 4) Action scene
A fast paced opening to a film
attracts the audience straight away
and will make them want to carry on
watching. As well it automatically
shows the genre of the film if
included in the opening.

7. 5) Chase scene
Similar to the action scene, also
catches the audiences attention. It
involves them as they will want to
see what happens after the chase.

8. 6) Production Logo's
At the start of most films they will
always show the production or
distribution logos. If the film has a
high budget the logo will be
adapted to reflect the genre and
story line of the film.

9. 7) Title sequence
All films have title scenes too, these
show the cast and production team
for the films. The titles can be a way
of building up suspense and can
show the genre of the film.

10. 8) Animation
To portray the beginning of the film
in a creative way and visibly show
the difference between the film itself
and the opening sequence. e.g.
Juno

11. 9) Compilation of photographs
For example Blue Valentine which
is a romantic film, shows
photographs to portray to the
audience the theme and the
relationship between the couple.

12. 10) Narrative content
This includes the context
(Where/when/who). As well the
pace of the narrative increases as
level of engagement increases

13. 12) Soundtrack
This is the use of tone, volume, and
tempo, which will generically start
quiet and slow-paced.

14. Some directors prefer to have an
unconventional opening to portray a
sense of mystery or giving the film an
artistic 'edge'.
E.g. Lack of credits, Lack of establishing
shot, Main characters are not
introduced.