Concluding Opening Sequences Work

i) What forms can opening sequences take? Can you list the conventional features of opening sequences?
Opening sequences are the introduction to a film, and used by the director and producers to grab the audiences attention and interest. They are also used as a tool by the audience to recognise whether or not this film appeals to them.
Conventions of an opening sequence include:
- Setting the scene: The scene allows the audience to know where and when the film is going to take place, therefore also introducing the genre as there are particular sets for different genres, for example a high school for a teenage style romcom
- Sound effects and music: This further enhances the genre of the film as, for example, an audience would identify dark, minor sounding music or heavy breathing sound effects with a horror film. This can be used as another tool by the director to create tension or set the mood to draw the audience in
- Introduction to main/significant characters: Typically, an opening sequence would introduce the protaganist and possibly the antagonist as well. This allows the audience to connect with the main characters early on, enhancing the pleasure gained from what happens to them later on, either the protagonist winning or the antagonist being defeated
- Opening equilibrium: This is the culmination of the scene and characters, so it can then be disrupted creating the plot for the rest of the film
- Promise for what is to come: Opening sequences generally include subtle clues as to what storylines or themes are to come, which the director has placed in to make a promise and expectation of the audience of what to expect from the film.
- Credits: The creators/makers of the film can be established. The style they are written in also enhances the genre and style of the film, for example big bubbly pink writing for a romcom; shaking, faded black writing for a horror

ii) What narrative functions of opening sequences can you identify?
- Narrative story refers to all events, grouped to create a narrative sequence
- Opening sequences create audience understanding of events
- Time and space and the way it is shown is a key feature of narrative sequences, and it can be portrayed as compressed, linear or cyclical
- Narrative functions are vastly portrayed through the use of mise-en-scene, camerawork and lighting
- Film narratives are closed, in that they finish within the one viewing, with the exception of a small plot line to be continued through a sequel
- Main characters are conventially shown so that we are able to see individuals in great depth
- An audience is able to identify with characters, both protagonist and antagonists, with different relationships
- Directors can use lighting to help create the audience's opinion of a character, for example bright lighting on the victim in a horror or thriller
iii) What do audiences gain from watching the opening sequence?
- Understanding of the style and (sub) genre of the film and therefore recognise what to expect, what pleasures, and whether or not this film is enjoyable for them
- They can connect with the characters and their situation to then enjoy and anticipate what happens to them later on
- The conventions can be changed in, for example horror films, which can then use this to shock the audience and remove the apparently main character early on. For example, Scream

iv) What do film-makers gain from including an opening sequence?
- Filmmakers use opening sequences in a variety of ways to satisfy audience's expectations gained from the marketing of the film
- Directors can use symbols and clues to entice, confuse and excite the audience
- The audience can be hooked in by introducing the enigmatic plot of the film, making them want to know the answer to the problem or situation
- A filmmaker uses the opening sequence to be the captivating aspect of the film so the viewers are pulled in and want to watch the rest