Conventions of an opening sequence

Conventions Of An Opening Sequence

An opening sequence to every film helps create an introduction to the storyline and entices the audience to continue watching. It should also help establish some of the characters and clearly represent the genre it is portraying. It is vital that this scene grabs the audiences attention and keeps them engaged and to do this, film directors and editors can include many different techniques. For example, catchy music along with fast paced action sequences allows the audience to become interested in the film they are watching. Additionally, the opening sequence may give away hints of the storyline itself to show an insight into the narrative.

Firstly, a very common convention of an opening sequence is the institutional logo. These are production companies that put money into the film and therefore their the name is displayed at the beginning for recognition. This way, these companies become more well known and can gain a reputation depending on whether audiences appreciate the films they help to make. Moreover, films with a higher budget sometimes use this logo as another way of reflecting their genre. 

For example, in 'Saw' the institutional logo is Twisted Pictures which has barbed wire rotating around it.  This logo is used to convey the entire meaning of the film and to avoid misrepresenting the image. Therefore, this institutional logo is used to illustrate the horror genre as we associate barbed wire as a dangerous item. Furthermore as we see it stabbing into the words, it emphasises the violence that is going to occur throughout the movie.

Secondly, the title sequence is a key part of an opening sequence. They are often used to showcase the cast of the film which is a useful way of promoting an actor. Subsequently they can develop a positive association within a particular genre or production company. On the other hand title sequences can also pull out important elements of the film to create hints of a narrative and this is normally seen in the thriller genre.

The title sequence to 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' really entices the audience to continue watching by using various techniques. It shows a black liquid running through everyday objects like keyboards and wires, therefore portraying elements of technology for the duration of the film. Similarly, the image of the girl getting tied up really makes the audience feel anxious and creates narrative enigma for the audience wanting to know why. As a result, this creates a really good beginning to the film as it generates many questions running through the audiences mind and makes them want to continue watching so they are able to get the answers. The title sequence also includes short scenes that play in time with the music. By doing so this keeps the audience interested whilst also making it look more professional. Moreover, sparks of fire also appears at moments in the sequence adding more enigma whilst also illustrating a substance that scares audiences as fire has dangerous consequences.

Lastly, the well-known music adds to the sequence as it has this fast paced drive that compliments all the action that is occurring. The song was also re-created especially for this title sequence as this version is sung by a woman subsequently fitting in with the narrative of the film. This song also helps set the mood and atmosphere of the film as it begins very quiet and gradually increases.

   

Another important part of an opening sequence is the credits. They identify the major actors and crew members whereas the closing credits show an extensive list of all the people involved in the making of the film. Normally, the opening credits show their actors in order of descending recognition, which means the more well- known actors names will appear first. Using recognisable actors means the audience are more likely to respond in a more encouraging way for the director and will also make them want to continue watching. Credits may also represent genre, for example if a red font is used this may evoke connotations of blood or danger which signifies the horror/thriller genres. 

The film 'Grease' is famed for its unique and stylistic credits. By using bright vibrant colours and its use of bubble like font it connotes to the audience a fun and up beat genre. Furthermore, this is complimented by the two main cartoon characters for example the boy squirts his hair gel and it spells out the title 'Grease'.

     

Example of a film using these key features

Se7en:  This opening sequence uses a variety of these techniques which therefore creates a distinctive opening sequence. Firstly, the electro sound effects as the background noise for the credits adds impact to the sequence and implies the use of technology in the film whilst also contributing to the thriller/ drama genre. Secondly, these sound effects are very hyperbolic which contrast with the moments of silence to create more effect. The font used is warped and disturbed which once again reflect the genre and connotes a disconnected and unusual narrative. Moreover, we never see the character in the whole sequence adding more suspense. Contributing to this is the sudden extreme close ups which are used creates various enigmas of what's going to happen in the film. The clips used are also very distorted which signifies the thriller genre and audiences may also feel this represents the characters mind and disturbing ideas. Also, as there is no characters this means the whole sequence has no talking which i feel creates a climatic atmosphere and forms a questioning introduction. Overall, this sequence is a fast-paced montage filled with various techniques enticing the audience to continue watching.