Conventions of a film: opening sequence

Importance of film openings

It sets the scene and shows the viewer where the film is based It tells the viewer roughly what is going on in the film and what has

happened in the build up of the film

Conventions of film openingFlashback; an interrupted scene or point that takes the narrative back in time from the present point on order to provide context to the current events of a narrative.

Establishing shot; usually the first shot of a new scene, designed to show the audience where the action is taking place. It is usually a very wide shot or extreme wide shot.

Narrations; the use of a written or spoken commentary to convey a story to an audience. Uses a set of techniques through which the creator of the story presents their story.

Action scene; a division of an act in a play during which the action takes place in a single place without a break in time.

Chase scene; An action sequence, often featuring stunts, which centres on a pursuit.

Title sequence; Title sequence; the method by which films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, applying abstract visuals and sound.

Animation; Animation is where a series of still images are linked together as part of a timed sequence. This makes the image appear to move.

Soundtrack; the music that is played during a film or television programme, or a CD of this music.