By Yousma Khan

1. Codes and Conventions
Made By:
Yousma Khan

2. What is a film opening sequence?
-A film opening sequence is the method by which films or television
programs present their title, key production and cast members, by
making use of sound and conceptual visuals.
-The opening sequence of a film basically captures the entire theme of
the story and its purpose is to entice the audience to carry on watching
the film.
Elements of an opening sequence:
1. Production house title 9.Storyboard
2. Opening sequence/establishing shots 10.Soundtracks
3. 2-3 shots sequence 11.Dialogues
4. Title of the film
5. Credits
6. List of props
7. List of characters
8. Screenplay

3. What are codes and
conventions?Codes:
Are the technical, written and symbolic tools used to construct or
suggest meaning in media forms and products. Media codes
include the use of camera, acting, setting, mise en scene, editing,
lighting, sound, special effects, typography, color, visual
composition, text and graphics.
Conventions:
Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing
something. They are the rules of informing meaning in media
products including story principles, form and structure, generic
structures, character and story arcs, cause and effect, point of
view, the structuring of time, elements of page layout, paper
stock for print, titles and credits sequences, hyperlinking and
mounting and framing of images.

4. SYMBOLIC CODES
Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what
we see. For example, a character's actions show you how
the character is feeling.
-Color: All colors have connotations depending on their
context e.g. white symbolizes good, and black is often used
for evil. E.g. of film, Avatar.
-Clothing: Assists in creating characters and era.
-Setting: Creates a sense of time and place.
-Objects/Props: Used to further the plot or as a symbol for
something.
TECHNOLOGICAL CODES
Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is
used to tell the story in a media text, for example the
camera work in a film.

5. 1.Flashback (Convention)
Is the scene of a film that describes or shows
something that has happened in the past.
For example;
-War Dogs
-Deadpool

6. 2.Planning of establishing shots(code)
This helps notify the audience where the film is
taking place and helps set the scene in a proper
manner.
For example;
-Harry Potter
-Star wars iv: a new hope

7. 3.Narration
Is a technique which helps give the background
information relating to what has been happening
or who the characters are in the film. It is an
effective way of getting the audience involved in
the film.
For example;
-Matilda
-Snow white and the
huntsman: Winter’s War

8. 4.Action scene(convention)
Is a fast paced opening scene in the film attracting the audience
right from the start in order to create interest for them, making
them want to carry on watching the film. Building an interesting
element in the film helps create suspense for the audience. An
action scene in an opening sequence also helps notify the audience
about the genre of the film.
For example;
-Doctor Strange 6 -The Expendables 2

9. 5.Chase Scene(convention)
A chase scene is quite similar to the action scene,
as this also catches the attention of the audience,
creating a suspense element. This scene helps build
a suspense element for the audience to continue
watching the film.
For example;
-Baby Driver -Bullitt

10. 6.Production logos(code)
A production logo is used by movie studios and
television production companies to brand what
they produce and to determine the production
company as well as the distributors of the film or
TV show.
For example;

11. 7.Title Sequence(code)
They are designed to tell the audience the
names of the people and the organizations
involved with the making of the film. For e.g
Batman : The Dark Knight rises.

12. 8.Animation(convention)
Animations involve individual drawings, paintings, or illustrations
which are photographed frame by frame(stop-frame
photography).This technique is used to show the start of a film in a
creative way and visibly show the difference between the film itself
and the opening sequence.
For example;
-Enchanted -Mary Poppins (2019)

13. 9.Compilation of
photographs(convention)
This technique makes use of photographs to
portray the theme of the film to the audience.
For example;
-Skyfall -Memento

14. 10.Narrative Content(convention)
This involves the whens, wheres and
whos of a film opening sequence.
When-when did the event take
place?
Where-the location of the scene
Who-who were the characters in the
scene?

15. Example of narrative content

16. 11.Soundtrack(code)
This involves the use of tone, volume, tempo,
and pitch in a film opening sequence. A
soundtrack helps develop the theme of a film.
For example;
-Raging Bull -The Sound of Music

17. 12.Enigma(code)
Enigma codes are used to help create curiosity in the minds
of the audience. This code helps keep the interest of the
audience, enticing them to continue watching the film. This
helps maintain the attention of the audience right from the
start of the film.
For example;
-Woman in Black -Dead Silence