CONVENTIONS OF AN

OPENING SEQUENCESBy Danielle Begley

Conventions of an opening sequences

By Danielle Begley

An opening sequence is the method by which film company's and cast members names are shown.

The opening credits of motion pictures list the most important members of the production and everyone involved are seen in the end credits. They are either shown on a blank screen where they are obvious or subtly placed in action.

There may be accompanying music to set the scene or so that the audience can immediately recognise the movies signature tune.

The aim of the opening sequence is to introduce characters, the setting, the genre and the atmosphere.

It is also what people use to see if they want to continue watching the film, therefore, it is important to make it engaging and interesting to watch.

WHAT THE OPENING TITLE

SEQUENCES MEAN..

FILM COMPANIES AND

PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION LOGOS

At the start of the film before any action, they will always show the films production

companies (who made the film) or distribution companies logos (who may or may not of

produced the film). This helps show what type of film it will be.

Focus Features Warner bros.

Columbia

Dream works

Walt Disney Pictures

20th Centaury fox

Universal pictures

Touchstone films

Showing the title of the film helps for the audience to familiarise with it. Also it can incorporate different themes. This is

through the colours used and the way the titles have been shown. For example, having bold sharp text may show how

they film may be quite serious and scary, such as ‘Stranger on the third floor’, as it is black and white, denoting that it

may be scary as of the dark colours used. However, a happy, light hearted movie may have a colourful, fun title.

FILM TITLES AND TYPOGRAPHY

By watching opening credits you can get an idea of who acts in the film. This can help people

decide whether it is a movie they want to watch. Most credits have the supporting actors first and

then write the main characters name saying ‘starring’ or ‘and’…

OPENING CREDITS

Zooey Deschanel- Elf

Angelica Huston- Smash

Roger Moore- James Bond

Dustin Hoffman-

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Catch me if you can- Tom

Hanks

Eddie Murphy- Shrek

Showing a location can help identify where the story is based or where it begins.

LOCATIONS

The ‘Sound of music’

begins with Maria

(Julie Andrews)

singing on a mountain

in Salzburg, Austria.

This bright setting

shows that the movie

is a light hearted,

happy one. It also

shows the place in

which it is set.