Film Opening Sequence Codes and Conventions

1. Mina Margo Spasic
AS Level Media Studies
Film Opening Sequence
Codes And Conventions

2. Introduction
• One of my main tasks is to research the film opening sequence codes
and conventions, unlike in the preliminary task, I will be working in a
pair because I prefer being part of a group.
• The film opening sequence serves the purpose of introducing the
audience to the genre, establishing the visual character and the mood
of a film. This is achieved using sound, character introduction, etc. It
is important because it's supposed to grab the viewer's attention
from the very beginning. In addition, I had done a research
about sound, enigma, flashbacks, titles, narration and other codes
and conventions.

3. Elements of a Film Opening Sequence
• Studio
• Titles
• Themes and Topics
• Establishing the Genre
• Character Introduction
• Narration
• Sound
• Enigma
• Credits
• Flashback
• Establishing Shot
• Action & Chase
Scene
• Animation

4. Studio
• Film opening always show the logo of a company to identify who did
the production of a film. Studio identifications can help set up
expectations for an audience about an upcoming film

5. Titles
• The purpose of a title in film is to depict a certain mood and tone. It is
supposed to be readable (clear) and it should be made to attract a
viewer's attention by making a good first impression of the
screenplay. The font and the appearance is supposed to
complementary to the film's genre.

6. Themes and Topics
• In the opening sequence, the theme and the genre will be introduced.
It shows the audience what to expect from the film without giving
away any important details.

7. Establishing the Genre
• Establishing the genre is important in order to attract the target
audience. This is usually done by placing a character in a typical
situation in that specific genre.

8. Character Introduction
• Opening scene usually introduces the audience to the character,
which signifies their importance and status within the film. However,
sometimes the main characters are introduced later on in the film
which creates the atmosphere of mystery and secretiveness around
the character.

9. Sound
• Sound is used to display a range of different emotions and it keeps
the audience's main focus on the film. The sound typically sets the
scene and conveys the genre of the film.
• Sound can be the use of dialogue (speech), ambient sound (
environmental sounds/background noise), sound effects (sounds
made artificially/foley sounds) and/or a soundtrack (recorded sound
element of a film).
• Sound is divided into two categories: Diegetic (belongs to the world of
the film) and Non-Diegetic (no onscreen source).

10. Narration
• Narration (voice-over) is used to provide the audience with additional
information in order for them to get a better understanding of the
plot and characters. It also provides them with some additional
details and makes the film more interesting and engaging.
• It is mostly made to be comprehensive and its purpose is usually to
tell a story in a chronological order.

11. Enigma
• The goal of using enigma codes in film is to captivate the audience
and intrigue them by creating a sense of mysterious tension. This will
leave the audience in anticipation which means that they will
continue watching the film in order to find out what happens next.

12. Credits
• Credits are used to introduce the key production and the main cast. It
also helps the audience to get to know the genre of the film.

13. Flashback
• The purpose of a flashback is to show a certain scene from the past
(memory of a previous event) that is crucial for the plot of the film or
the character's origin. Flashbacks are often used to create enigma.

14. Establishing Shot
• This kind of shot introduces the surrounding, where the film is taking
place, to the audience. It sets the scene and can also show the mood
of the film.

15. Action& Chase Scene
• This kind of scene in the film opening sequence will introduce the
audience to the genre and also to the characters. It will probably
intrigue the audience witch will want to make them carry on
watching.

16. Animation
• Animation is used to add more playful atmosphere to the beginning
of the film. It is used to portray the opening sequence in a creative
and unique way. In addition, it makes a clear difference between the
opening sequence and the film itself.