1. Film opening ideas
In this document, I will be giving an example of my initial film opening idea. I will explain the
narrative and what will be in the opening as well as other films that have given influence on
this idea.
The opening will be based on a blood soaked man in the woods standing over a dead body.
The narrative of the film opening
In the beginning of the narrative, opening shots explore the setting being in the woods.
These slow shots will show the dark emptiness and endless trees through the woods to
emphasize the idea of no help and loneliness within the setting. The idea of deserted
locations also gives a sense of mystery. The woods are used to connote iconography to the
horror/thriller genre, as this is a predictable setting. Along with the montage of shots the
music will be used to help create tension and a mysterious effect. The sound of chopping
will be heard to create tension and enigma codes as well as heavy breathing shortly after
this. This will be a sound bridge.
After the establishing shots of the setting, a tracking shot of a trail of blood will be followed.
The trail will lead to a mysterious figure holding a hammer with his back to the camera still
heavily breathing. A low angle shot will be shown at this point. Various other close-up shots
will be shown to establish the character and create tension. Close ups of his hand and
weapon dripping with blood, his muddy boots, the tattoo on his arm, this will then lead to a
POV shot of him staring down at a body. A close up of his face focusing on his eyes will then
be shown which is covered in blood. A POV shot from the body looking up at the figure will
be shown which will be blurry. Then an extreme close up zooming into the killers eye.
The screen will then go black showing a text saying ’24 hours earlier’. Then the sequence
will move on to show two characters journeying up into the woods to go deer hunting with
friends. One of these characters will be revealed as the figure seen earlier.’ As they head
into the woods, the shot will slowly zoom out showing the distance and depth of the woods
that the characters have gone into.
Sound:
The sound will be used to create tension and mystery as sound bridges will be used to
create enigma codes. Slow, dark and intimidating music will be heard throughout the
sequence and will eventually become louder and more climatic.
Lighting:
The sequence would need a lot of low key lighting to show the darkness of the woods and
also the seriousness of the situation. The character will have dark lighting to show the dark
side of his character and hide some of his features to the audience.
