RESEARCH - Conventions of film openings

Although different films may have different genres many films go by the same structure when creating an opening for the film.

SETTING THE MOOD
Most films will create the mood for the film so that the viewer has an idea of what the film is going to be about or based on. The idea is the hint at this but not to give too much away about the actual film.

SOUND
In class we looked at the opening for the shining. The music used in the opening helped to indicate that the film may be a scary film or a thriller and it helped to build tension. This was done by using slow music and having sudden sounds which may surprise the viewer on put them on edge. However if the film hap a happier tone the music used may have been more upbeat or relaxing so that the viewer felt comfortable and not on edge.

SPECIAL EFFECTS
The opening of the film my use special effects to provoke a certain reaction from viewers. This can be done by using different transitions between shots. For example there may be quick transitions from one shot to another to make the viewer jump.

TITLE SEQUENCE
The title sequence usually has a certain structure and order to what names are shown on screen first. Films usually show the producers ident first for example MGM have the roaring lion before their films start. This is usually followed by the director, then the names of the most known/ important stars, then the name of the film and then followed by the other members of the cast.