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What is a Film Opening?

Conventions of a Film Opening Sequence :

The purpose of the film opening is to entire the audiences into carrying on watching a film.
A film opening should also establish character and genre. Directors can do this in many ways.

1- Flashback : A scene that the narrative back in time usually to a key event for a couple of minutes or the whole movie.

2- Planing of landscape/establishing shot : This is used to set the scene and inform the audiences where the film is taking pace.

3- Narrations : Easy and effective way of getting the audience involved straight away. Technique used to give background information on what has been happening or who the character's are  giving the audience an insight so the rest of the film make scene.

4- Action scene : A fast paced opening to a film attracts the audiences straight away and will make them want to carry on watching. As well it automatically shows the genre of the film if included in the opening.

5- Chase scene : Similar to the action scene, also catches the audiences attention. It involves them as they will want to see what happen after the chase.

6- Production Logo's : At the start of most films they will always show the production or distribution logo's. If the film has a high budget the logo will be adapted reflect the genre and story line of the film.

7- Title Sequence : All film have title scenes too, these shows the cast and production team of the films. The title can be a way  building up suspense and can show the genre of the film.

8- Animation : To portray the beginning of the film in a creative way and visibly show the difference between the film itself and the opening sequence.

9- Compilation of photographs : For example Blue Valentine which is a romantic film, shows photographs to portray to the audience the theme and the relationship between couple.

10- Narrative content : This include the context (Where/when/who). As well the pace of the narrative increases as level of engagement increases.

11- Soundtracks : This is use of tone, volume, and tempo, which will generically start quiet and slow-paced.

*Some Directors prefer to have an unconventional opening to portray a scene of mystery giving the film and artistic 'edge'.
E.g. Lack credits, Lack of establishing shot, Main character are not introduced.

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