2. Introduction
My most recent task next to creating a preliminary task as well as some
others,was researching a film opening sequence.codes and conventions.On
this task I’m working on my own,it’s much easier to be independent because
i’m the only one with power in decision making and with a full control in
project making process.
The purpose of a film opening sequence is to introduce the audience to the
genre of the movie as well as establish the setting and indicate the mood and
visual aspects of the film amongst other elements.This can be done by using
certain types of shots,sounds and soundtracks and character introduction.
3. This enables companies ro present their company name,key production and
cast.There are many ways for directors to accomplish such things from the
very beginning as well as target the fans of a specific genre.
The opening sequence needs to reflect the first tone and mood as well as
present it in the best possible light and even set the expectations for events
that happen later in the movie.
4. Elements of the film opening sequence
Live action Studio
Animation Flashback
Titles Narration
Themes and Topics Images
Establishing shot Camera angles
Non-diagetic sound (Music) Establishing the
genre
Charachter introduction Style and Tone
6. Titles
A film title is a name given to a movie or film that typically
reflects its story.The title can refer to the opening credits of
the movie.The titles are shown at a very beginning and list the
most important members of the production.Usually shown on
a blank screen.Titles are shown in different fonts it depends
on genres of the movie.For children’s movies the title will have
a decorative and colourful font,for horros it will have more
visible font usually in red color,etc.
8. Studio
A film opening sequence always show a logo of a company that
executed the production.A film studio is a major entertainment
company that makes films.
Today,The Big Five major distribution companies are:
• Universal Pictures
• Paramount Pictures
• Warner Bros
• Walt Disney Studios
• Sony Pictures
10. Live action
A live action involves real people or animals,as opposed to
animation or computer-generated effects.Live-action include
scripted narratives,interview case studies,product demos and live
tutorials.
Here is the contrast between an actual live opening sequence and
an animated one:
Live-Jurassic Park (1993) ~
https://youtu.be/qz5JmgLQEzs?si=U9eJW79kpUgAc91g
Animated-The Lion King (1994)~
https://youtu.be/Zn_qirpdBag?feature=shared
12. Establishing the genre
Genres may be determined by literary technique,tone,content,or
even length.A charachter will typically be placed in a
circumstance that is typical of the genre to establish the film’s
genre.Targeting a particular audience that enjoys the created
material is why genre is crucial,and how to establish it properly
is important.
Here is the example of the establishing the genre in the opening
sequence,movie “Back to the future”~
https://youtu.be/3isQI0nXQRE?si=5blTmuLycSJ-u3Fu
14. Charachter introduction
The introduction of the main characters at the opening scene
establishes their importance to the story.When the director
wants to have a mysterious effect on the story he doesn’t
involve main charachter into the opening scene.The best
character introduction tend to include both a sense of what
you see (the charachter’s physical appearance) and an
intriguing tidbit about their personality and/or situation.
The example from the opening sequence of the James Bond
movie: https://youtu.be/JwcMIhDcX3Q?si=BaN3q-Ufrc2TEglq
16. Themes and Topics
The opening sequence gives the movie’s subject which is
meant to give viewers a geneal idea of the movie’s plot.The
theme is the central idea or message that movie wants to
convey.In the opening sequence the theme can be hinted at
through visual elements,dialogue or symbolism.While the
topic refers to the specific subject or situation being explored
in the film.In the opening sequence,the topic can be
introduced through specific events or situations that set the
stage for the rest of the story.
17. The movie “Up” (2009) is a great example for themes and
topics in the opening sequence.
Theme : Love,loss and the passage of time.
Topic: The importance of cherishing relationships and
memories.
https://youtu.be/XO77YuyMOek?si=73rkD9BSeWje1vRQ
18. Images
The Opening Image in the opening sequence is a thematic or
grabbing visual image,scene,or short sequence which sets the
tone of your movie.It often serves as the “before” pictures of
your hero (or world) that will transform throughout the
story.Images in an opening sequence play a crucial role in
establishing the tone,mood and the context of the film.
The great example of the images in the opening sequence is
the movie “Catch me if you can” (2002)~
https://youtu.be/aN715Rp4L74?si=K4GZV-yl6n8rQQEK
20. Establishing shot
An establishing shot in an opening sequence of a film play a
crucial role in setting the context for the story.This is usually a
wide shot that shows the location or environment where the
action is taking place.
22. Non diagetic sound (Music)
Music in a film opening sequence plays a vital role in shaping
the audience’s experience and setting the tone for the entire
movie.
Key functions of Music:
• Establishing Mood
• Enhancing Visuals
• Creating Anticipation
23. A movie “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014) has a music in its
opening sequence the song is “Come and get your love” by
Redbone.
https://youtu.be/cbAfhBNQ2qU?si=QAJukLEGWLGtNrDG
24. Animation
Animation in an opening sequence can be a powerful storytelling
tool that sets the stage for the entire film.
Important aspects of using animation:
• Visual Style
• Establishing Tone
• World-Building
• Symbolism and Metaphor
• Engagement
25. An example of the movie with the animated opening
sequence is the series “Pink Panther” (1963).
Here is the link for it:
https://youtu.be/R4amWTwO1GM?si=e3TET0MNIEg3KHz_
26. Flashbacks
Flasbacks in the opening sequence can be a compelling
narrative technique that provides context and depth to the
story.
Key points about their use:
• Setting up Backstory
• Emotional Impact
• Creating Intrigue
27. A great example of a movie that uses flashback in its opening
sequence is “The Godfather Part II” (1974) directed by Francis
Ford Coppola.
Click here:
https://youtu.be/33dFnGIvj_I?si=t96oypw-PpiAMo5o
28. Narration
Narration in the opening sequence can serve several
important functions that enhances storytelling
experience.Film use narration to captivate viewers and make
them more engaging.It is very smart method that
immediately engross and include the audience in the story.
An example is “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)~
https://youtu.be/MCmWfb7bfxQ?si=kngxc2ADe-MymDFP
30. Camera angles
Camera angles in the opening sequence of a movie play a
crucial role in shaping the audience’s perception and setting
the tone for the film.
• Establishing Shot
• Close-Up
• Medium Shot
• High Angle
• Low angle
31. “The Dark Knight” (2008) movie opening sequence is a great
example of a few camera angles shown.It showed tracking
shots,close-ups and high-angle shots.
https://youtu.be/xLcHPsWK5xg?si=ux4eQEov6fYVyM26
32. Style and Tone
Style and Tone in an opening sequence are essential for
capturing the audience’s attention and setting the mood for
the film.
Key points:
• Visual Style
• Music and Sound design
• Pacing
33. The example of the opening sequence which has a lot of
styles and tones is from the movie “Drive” (2011)
Style:minimalistic,with a neon-noir aesthetic
Tone:tense and atmospheric,emphasizing precision and
control.
https://youtu.be/d_WdKrUGkEo?si=lqXSUQ_MzYdE67u5