The opening sequence of a film introduces the audience to the main characters, sets the scene and establishes the mood through music. It captures the audience's attention and allows them to get a sense of the genre and central conflict or problem within the first few minutes. Setting the scene provides clues about where the main story will take place, while introducing characters helps the audience identify with and relate to the protagonist and antagonist. Establishing the central problem or 'equilibrium' gives the audience a glimpse of what will drive the narrative forward. Music plays an important role in reinforcing the mood and evoking emotions from the audience.

1. Lauren Mills
AS Media
Convections of an opening sequence:
The opening sequence of a film is similar to a basic introduction to the film which allows the
directors involved to venture and capture the audience’s attention almost as soon as the sequence
starts, as the start of the film is not revealed and an unspoiled chance to provide the audience with
time to interpret whether they will like the film or not.
The opening sequence:
 Setting the scene
 Introductions to the main character
 Music
 Equilibrium
Introduction to the main character:
To allow the audiences watching to be able to recongise or/and identify the characters before the
film has initially started the protagonist and antagonist characters would be captured in the opening
scene. Leading to the audience conducting a feeling of the film prior to it beginning.
Setting the Scene:
By setting the scene within the opening sequence you prodive the targetted audience with the main
locations of where the film will be set and where the main plot lines will take place. The locat ion will
also enable the audience to have an insight into the genre of the film. For example; a shown diagram
of a haunted house in the opening sequecne is likely to be targetted within the horror genre.
Equilibrium:
The equilibrium is where an individual or group will show the problem within the story, this will be
just a glimpse and maintain an impact as it forewarns of what will make the films containment flow.
Majority of films always entail of a problem in the story, as this is the backbone of making the film
and will be used to help unfold and create interest. An example of this is in the traditional romance
movies the Equilibrium is sustained until the end where justice will be apparent and love will
overcome all.
Music:
Music will set the mood of the film of accompany the mood which is created by the main characters
within. Music contains the power over the audience as it can evoke feelings and reactions as it
engages the audience within the film. For example; in a horror film if suspenseful music i s played on
a scary scene the audiecne will link the flow of the music to the incoming action therefore being
wery of the result.