2. 1)Flashbacks
A scene which takes the narrative back in
time usually to a key event crucial to the
film. Lasting a couple of minutes or
sometimes the whole movie.
Example – Saving Private Ryan
3. 2)Establishing shot/
Panning landscape
A shot and/ or camera movement
displaying the setting of the film, informs
audience where the action is taking place
and perhaps the set time period.
Example – The Dark Knight
4. 3)Narration
A voice over technique used to describe what's
being shown to the audience in a short amount of
time. Usually from one characters perspective, the
audience gains more detail over all.
Example – Hot Fuzz
5. 4)Action scenes
These face paced scenes are guaranteed to catch
an audiences attention. Often containing Car
chases, fights or shoot outs, eg impressive effects…
they give the audience a fair idea on the nature of
the oncoming film.
Example – Casino Royale
6. 5)Title Sequence
All films have title sequences. They tell the
audience who was involved in making of the film
ie director, cast production/editing teams. They
can be used to build suspense and convey genre.
Usually incorporating sound.
Example – Any film
7. 6)Animation
Usually a way of portraying the titles in a more
visually exciting way, most of the time different
from the film itself, incorporates sound/music.
Example - Skyfall
8. 7)Photo Compilation
A Group of photos shown in quick succession of
one another, can be used to portray genre and
pace of film or relationships between characters…
often used in romantic films. Sometimes showing
flashbacks.
Example – Blue Valentine
9. 8)Soundtrack
Where pace, tempo, rhythm and volume are used
in a piece of music to start off the film, generically
will start quiet and slow-paced and speed up as
the opening gets going.
Example – Bridget Jones Diary
10. HOWEVER…
Some directors choose not to conform to the typical
conventions of a film opening perhaps to give off a
mystical atmosphere or an ‘artistic edge’, they often do
this by including a lack of credits, no establishing shot or
not introducing the main characters.
