Opening sequence coventions

WHAT ARE THE CONVENTIONS OF

A TITLE SEQUENCE

Harry Smith

Titles Titles are needed in an opening sequence as they

explain to the viewer what they are watching, who is starring in it and who made it.

Titles can be used in a variety of ways, then can be played over the video or can be played over a black screen. This sometimes depends on the genre of the film as they both give different effects.

Narrative

An opening sequence can sometimes contain a narrative explaining the events on screen, or telling the characters thoughts and emotions. However it doesn’t give away too much as they like to keep the viewer guessing.

Cinematography In a thriller opening sequence lots of close

ups are used, this is used to try and conceal the identity of the character and make the audience ask questions like who is he/she?

In an opening sequence for a Rom-Com the types of shots are different, long shots and mid shots are used more, this is so the audience can see what’s happening and who the main characters are.

Both these shots show the character, however conceal their identity by not showing much of them

This shows the main character to the audience, this is different to a thriller.

Music

The music used in an opening sequence of a thriller is very slow paced and somber. However, sometimes the music will gain pace to help create a sense of urgency and panic for the audience.

The music in a Rom-Com is more upbeat, however in Bridget Jones’ Diary for example, the music used in the opening sequence reflects the mood of the main character which is depressed and lonely.

Editing

The editing used in a thriller usually starts with slow cuts to help establish the setting, however they get quicker and quicker as the sequence goes on, this is to create a sense of panic as it foreshadows that something bad is going to happen.

The editing in a Rom-Com is of a normal pace as it isn’t trying to put across a sense of urgency.

Genre

The genre is presented in the opening sequence through the lighting, sound, camera shots/angles and editing.

These all help to create a mood and atmosphere that represents what’s happening on-screen, whether it be misery, panic, love or terrified.