AS Media Codes and Conventions

1. {
Summary of Opening
Analysis

2. The main setting that we established through
watching our chosen openings were mainly set in a
house or an isolated area outside. They were also
often filmed At night to create the sense of danger
and fear. This was common for a horror as it
determines the setting straight away and creates
suspense. Similarly in each film the titles, which
appeared as the scene was introduced, were mostly
of a ‘scary’ font.
Common Elements

3. Straight away we see the setting introduced through
a long shot or medium shot depending on where the
opening is set. This indicates where the film will
mostly be set and orientated around in most cases.
Along with the setting, we get introduced to the
characters with in the first few minutes and they are
mostly seen in group friendship.
How/what things are
introduced?

4. Narrative structure

5. Continuous editing could be used to set the scene of
a horror as long scenes of the setting or characters
facial expressions create suspense and a sense of
worry for the audience. This is a typical code for the
horror genre it tell us what we should expect later in
the film. This also sets a fearful mood and makes
you feel on edge as the suspense enforces it. It also
could be linked with a slow pace and slow build up
which is often seen in horrors to produce jump
scares and anticipation.
The use of editing to create
genre/mood/pace

6. The titles in most openings we watched appear slowly
with no sound while the film continues to play in the
background. The openings usually start with the film
institution then fade into the film with titles appearing
with characters, directors, producers and any other key
people involved in the film. This then transitions into
the Film title if it hasn’t done son already.
The font of the titles in horrors is very important. This
is because the font sets the scene for a horror and is a
key code to tell us the genre. Horror fonts are often
distorted, blood dripping letters that provide key
information about what the film is like.
Titles in the opening

7. Non diegetic sound

8. The primary function of an
opening
The primary function of an opening is to create an
introduction to the film and entice the audience to watch
more. This is done with high suspense moments, good action
scenes or characters being introduced well to make the
audience bond with them.

9. The elements we need to
convey the codes and
conventions