Conventions of an Opening Sequence

My opening sequence analysis:


Credit to Callie Edwards:


Learning Comment:
From completing my analysis on The Breakfast Club opening sequence and learning ‘Forrest Gump’ opening scene, I have learnt a lot about producing my own sequence. I’ve learnt how much of the narrative should be revealed to the audience to get their interest without giving away the plot and how revealing a main characters and their backgrounds does this well. I have also learnt how to capture the audience within the short opening sequence to keep them interested and make them want to watch the rest of the film as well as gaining the interest of secondary audiences.

Audience Research

Learning Comment:
Through our audience research we found out a lot about our target audiences interests, likes and dislikes. Focusing on our target age range (13-19) and gender we learnt about what they like in coming of age films so we knew what aspects to incorporate in our opening scene. Through our survey we learnt what genre of film they are interested and what kind of narrative intrigues them. From researching what coming of age films our interviewees had already seen and their favourite coming of age film, we were able to analyse the type of film it was, and patterns within the films which commonly occurred, for example unique, different narratives and a mature and serious plot. We also found what our target audience likes and dislikes about coming of age films so we know what to incorporate and avoid in the production of our opening sequence. We found that they can be too similar to each other, cheesy and that humour takes away the real aspect of the film. Many of our target market said that they were enjoyed relatable and insightful. this was backed with our findings of films seen and favourites which proved to be popular with a serious theme and a dramatic narrative.

Title Research

Title Research from 13241324

Learning Comment:
Completing this task I have learnt a lot about how titles have been shown on previous opening sequences and have learnt vital information for the credits on my opening sequence. I noticed in my research that a general order has been made for credits, which the majority of films have stuck by. I’ve also found out how important it is to consider to base my style of credits on my target audience as well as the genre and narrative of the film as the titles are one of the first things the audience will see and therefore will leave a lasting impression on them.

Analyse Previous Students Work

As the sequence begins the tense silence the dramatic heartbeat instantly grabs the audience’s attention as the point of view camera angle makes us immediately sympathise with the character. The out of focus shot and the high key lighting deepens out empathy as the scene is made to be more realistic. The aspect of sadness is increases with the characters grieving friends although the bright colour and lighting contrasts with these emotions. The disheartening choice of music already makes the audience feel an element of sadness, both revealing the genre of the film and allowing us to identify with the main character’s emotions. As the characters are being introduced the viewers, we immediately see their characteristics through their costume, movements and facial expressions. Props such as cigarettes give the audience a further insight into the three characters’ backgrounds and their current attitudes as we slowly begin to commiserate further with the main character and feel her emotions as she is shown to us as innocent yet intimidated. This is very appropriate material for their target audience as man it’s aimed at teenagers, many of which will be able to relate to the isolated, secluded feeling. A wider range of camera angles could’ve been used in order to increase the ability level of camera work and improve the overall editing. The narrative was shown to the audience however not much was revelled not capturing the audience’s full attention but still leaving them wanting to know more. The sound was a good quality which is important as it is one of the main features used to move the audience. At the end the title of the film was shown as ‘Karma’ one of the superior reveals of the plot, although no other titles or credits were shown.

Learning Comment
From watching and analysing various film opening sequences, I have learnt various techniques. During the credits I have noticed that the institution is shown at the beginning and the director is at the ending. I have also noticed that the opening sequence reveals particular elements about the narrative without exposing the plot. The opening sequence also often sets the scene of the film and introduces the main character and reveals elements of their personalities.

Analyse Previous Students Work

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Immediately from the first shot of the opening sequence the genre of the film is indicated to us. The dark, low key lighting and the sans-sheriff serious font suggest to us that it is a horror film. The titles are skilfully incorporated to blend with the scene in order not to distract the viewer from the building tense atmosphere, although the shot could be kept for longer to allow the viewers to read it clearly.  We are immediately shown the main character and are indicated aspects of his background and characteristics through features of mise on scene such as costume and props. As the next two characters enter the sequence we are immediately shown the individualities through their suits and determined facial expressions. As the opening sequence progresses, the gloomy atmosphere is kept through a dreary colour scheme even as the scenes are given high key lighting as the main character is outdoors. As we learn that the two men are chasing the main character we are given a further insight to the narrative and genres of action and adventure are revealed. The point of view shot builds tension for the viewers as have the same perspective as the main character, feeling the pressure more intensely and adds to a wider variety of camera angles. The increase in volume and tempo of the music builds the tensity as the character meet and the action on screen increases simultaneously. The low key lighting adds mystery as movements rapidly increase gaining the audiences full attention. The sequence overall sequence gives a good insight into the narrative without giving away the plot. Although the narrative is not relatable to their teenage target audience it is a genre the majority of their target market finds interesting and commonly watches.

Learning Comment
From watching and analysing various film opening sequences, I have learnt various techniques. During the credits I have noticed that the institution is shown at the beginning and the director is at the ending. I have also noticed that the opening sequence reveals particular elements about the narrative without exposing the plot. The opening sequence also often sets the scene of the film and introduces the main character and reveals elements of their personalities.