THE IMPORTANCE OF A FILM OPENING

By Sophie Dewberry

What is a film opening sequence?■It is the method by which a films credits

production and cast members utilise visuals and sound.

■The opening credits of motion pictures list the most important members of the production and they are either superimposed on a blank screen or over the action. There may or may not be accompanying music.

Why are film opening sequences an important part of the overall film?■ The aim of an opening sequence may be to establish character, setting, genre, mood or

atmosphere. ■ They are important because it is the first impression of the entire film given to the

audience. The sequence is usually a couple of minutes long so if the audience aren't interested in this first moment it will be unlikely that they would want to watch the rest of the film. They have to include the conventions of an average film opening so that the audience can recognise what is happening and make them begin to ask questions.

■ The opening sequence usually includes something with a lot of action or an establishing shot or several key events that have been stitched together. An iconic film which relates to this point is ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ which begins with an establishing shot of the New York skyline and therefore conveys where the film is set.

■ They may subvert the audiences expectations or the generic conventions. There is a level of iconoclastic baggage which leads the audience to expect a certain character from an actor. This could be applied to Jim Carrey who is almost always made to be the wacky, split personality funny guy so he wouldn’t fit a romantic film as the audience are expecting him to be his usual character.

How does a film opening engage and attract it’s target audience? ■ The major stars names suggests quality to the audience and could

also appeal to fan bases. For example, when Brad Pitt’s name appears the audience would think that this is a high quality film because he is an A-list actor and therefore wouldn’t waste his time on something menial.

■ They are instantaneously positioned (interpolated) to like or dislike certain characters.

■ The audience begins to question things related to what is shown – they are building enigma codes which is very engaging as they are working out answers for themselves with the minimal information provided.

■ It could have links to previous films which therefore puts anticipation into the audience and could also mean that there is already a certain amount of tension.

■ The soundtrack includes the use of tone, volume and tempo which will generically start quiet and slow-paced because the climax of the storyline is later on. However this could be subverted as an action film ma have something upbeat to begin with to heighten the audiences mood and prepare them.

What would you expect to see within a film opening?■ Opening credits – these introduce the people who have played a vital part to the production of the film. They can be

shown accompanied by music before we see much happening on screen or the words are linked into the scene. Some directors subvert these conventions and keep the whole reel of credits until the end of the film.

■ Names that will appear are; Distribution company/ Production Company/ Top Billing Actors/ Film Directors/ Film Title/ Executive Producer and other cast.

■ Setting the scene - conveys to the audience where the film is based and what has happened previously f there have been other ones before it. It could show the location, through an establishing shot, or a character which builds enigma codes. If the first shot is of a character or an object it is usually a close up which connotes that it will play a key part in the film.

■ An indication to the genre that is displayed through camera work, colour and lighting, editing and mise-en-scene. The opening could have greater influence on the audience to imply genre as they may already know it from the advertisement.

■ They may often follow a dramatic convention e.g. horror would have a dark setting with eerie shrill music. The point of showing the genre at this moment insinuates what could possibly happen and creates possible suspense and tension.

■ Narration – This is an easy and effective way of getting the audience involved straight away. The technique is used to give background information on what has been happening or who the characters are, giving the audience an insight so the rest of the film make sense. This includes the context (where/when/who) and the pace of the narrative increases as level of engagement increases. It could also break the fourth wall like in Deadpool which insinuates the comedic side of the film.

■ Production Logos - At the start of most films they will always show the production or distribution logos. If the film has a high budget the logo will be adapted to reflect the genre and story line of the film. If it is a well known one the audience could have high expectations.

■ Animation could be used throughout the film or to portray the beginning of the film in a creative way which is visibly different to the rest of what will be watched.

What information does a film opening convey to the audience?■Who has created and made the film, who took part in

production and distribution and who is playing major parts in the film are all shown through the opening credits.

■Conveys which characters are in it, where they are, their relationships with other characters and a little insight to who they are.

■Tells us the genre which therefore gives the audience an idea of what may happen in the rest of the film.