Horror opening sequence conventions

1. Horror Opening Sequence
Conventions
Jesse Hammond

2. The Purpose of an Opening Sequence
The start (opening) of a film must engage the audience and
captivate them so that they want to carry on watching. The
opening gives hints towards the narrative of the film so that the
audience watch to find out more. Giving away a hint of what
the film intales intrigues the audience.

3. Film institutions
One of the first thing an audience sees within an opening
sequence is the film institution’s logo. This tells the audience
which company produced the film, it is common to see more
than one company (using two institutions spread the cost).
Depending on the genre some institutions edit their logo to
reflect the genre.

4. Micro features
The use of cinematography is a great tool to convey moods and
atmospheres, the most commonly used shot within opening
sequences are establishing shots as they set the setting for the
audience. Key characters are normally introduced to allow the
audience to understand their importance within the film and to
gain knowledge of their personality. Another early introduction
is the main settings within the film, allowing the audience to
follow through the film without getting confused. Themes are
also hinted at to allow the audience to guess the plot, and
engage them so that they carry on watching.

5. Opening credits
During the opening sequence credits appear that include the
most important people involved within the film which include;
directors, writers, camera men, and key actors in order of
appearance (some films may include more or less people). The
actual film title is normally one of the last things to be seen
within the opening sequence as it has been built up to it. The
title normally connotations to the audience so that their
imagination runs wild, trying to guess what the film is about.
The title is always in the style and theme of the film’s genre
normally through font, size and colour.

6. Genre
Opening sequences establish the genre or any subgenres
instantly through conventions commonly known and
recognised. Most common conventions used are low lighting,
male antagonist, isolated locations, and creepy music.

7. Music
Music is a very strong convention used within opening
sequences, it easily reflects themes and genres. The music can
captivate the audience making them more interested so they
carry on watching. Music can also build tension, by building
pace or convey a mood to set the opening scene, the music used
is mostly always non-diegetic to unease an audience especially
within horror opening sequences. The opening credits are also
presented during the music.

8. Narrative
The narratives within opening sequences usually follow the
beginning of Todorov’s theory, with an equilibrium.
Occasionally a voiceover is used in many films to introduce the
narrative always descriptive and helps the audience to engage in
the plot and grow to like or dislike characters. Most opening
sequences have a non-linear structure to entice audiences,
making them want to find out more.