The key conventions found within an opening sequence of a film.

1. Key
Conventions
Opening Sequence

2. Introduction

Within opening sequences there are a number
of key conventions that are applied in order to
both entice the audience, as well as to set up
and establish the scene, through the use of
settings and characters.

3. Title sequences
Informing the audience of the featuring
actors as well as the director and producers
involved in the production of the media
text. This is important as this helps to entice
the audience into committing to the film, as
if a famous actor or director's name were to
appear, this would most likely convince the
audience to watch the film, as they may be
a fan of their work, and are convinced of
the overall quality of the film.

4. For example…
 This can be seen within the opening for the thriller
'What Lies beneath' (2000) as the title sequence is a
largely dominant feature. this has the effect of
showing off the well known actors within the film such
as Harrison Ford, therefore appealing to the
audience and creating a rather obscure, enigmatic
opening with only the sound and credits to guide the
narrative, before moving on to the main piece.

5. Settings
 This is often a single or series of
establishing shots of the settings, which is
important in setting up the narrative as
the audience are informed of the
location. As well as portraying the chosen
genre.

6. For example…
 within 'The Shining' (1980) opening sequence a series
of establishing shots are used, these shots are revealed
to be large, looming and dominating mountains,
which connote the thriller genre well through the use
of a rather eerie and isolating setting. This idea of
setting up the narrative links to the Set-up stage within
Syd Field's Four Act Theory, revealing the similarities of
film to that of production.

7. Characters
 The introduction of characters is also
important, as this allows for the set-up of
the narrative and may also entice the
audience into watching the film as they
are provided with a visual source of
information as to who the characters are,
raising curiosity within the audience as to
their purpose and what their actions will
surmount to as the story unfolds.

8. For example…
 This can be seen within the opening for 'The Village' (2004) as
small clips of each of the characters are revealed, creating
enigma through the brief encounter as well as highlighting their
significance to the narrative. Also this allows for the
identification of the setting as well, as from the mise en scene
of the characters it can be denoted by the audience that the
film is set within the past, connoting the link to historic themes
that can be seen throughout the film.

9. Production Logo
 This often features before the opening scene has
commenced, informing the audience of the
production company behind the film. this helps to
both entice the audience as a well known company
may convince the viewer of the quality of the film as
well as helping to advertise the company, making
sure that their name can be easily associated with
their films in order to gain a clear reputation revolving
around the media they produce.

10. For example…
 An example of this can be seen within
'The Shining' " (1980), were the Warner
Brothers logo appears before the opening
sequence reveals the narrative.

11. Soundtrack
 This consists of non-diegetic sound often in
the form of theme music, this helps to
create a certain atmosphere as well as
set up the narrative and themes within the
text, which are decoded by the
audience.

12. For example…
 Such soundtracks can be found within the
opening of 'The Sixth Sense' (1999), where
the use of eerie music connotes the dark
and supernatural themes within the film as
well as connoting the thriller genre by
rising tension within the audience.