PowerPoint Presentation

Grace WalkerConventions of Opening Sequences

PurposeThe purpose of a film opening both hooks the audience to make them carry on watching the film as well as establishing the genre and characters.

FlashbackThis is a scene where the narrative goes back in time to a key event which will become relevant later in the film.An example of this is the film Goodfellas

Planning of landscape/establishing shotThis informs the audience of where the film is taking place as well as setting the scene.An example of this Lord of the Rings

NarrationsHelps the audience to understand the film by giving insights as well as providing background information on the characters and plot. This effectively gets the audience involved in the film.This is used in the opening of HOT FUZZ

Action SceneThis fast paced opening hooks the audience straight away as well as establishing the genre of the film.An example of this is the film JCVD

Chase SceneSimilarly to the action scene, the chase scene also captures the audiences attention as it involves them straight away.This was in the opening to Casino Royale

Production LogosThey appear at the start of most films however if the film has a high budget, the logo may be altered to represent the genre or plot of the film.For example the Warner Bros. Logo in Harry Potter

Title SequenceCan build suspense to show the films genre.Often includes:DirectorProducerExecutive ProducerTop Billing actorsMovie Title

AnimationA way of differentiating between the film and the opening sequence creatively.This is used in the film Juno

Compilation of PhotographsPortrays the theme of the film to the audience.For example Blue Valentine

SoundtrackMost film openings contain a soundtrack which often starts quiet and slow-paced which builds, preparing the audience for something which is about to happen. To do this, the soundtrack uses tone, volume and tempo.An example of this is in the film seven