Film opening sequence

1. AS Media Studies
Film opening sequence,
codes and conventions
Anastacia Sibikina

2. Introduction
One of the tasks in Media Studies curriculum is to research a film opening
sequence, codes and conventions.
The Codes
Codes represent the underlying systems of signs and symbols which create
meaning. The concept of codes are best divided into two types or categories of
codes which include technical codes and symbolic codes. Technical codes
represent the many ways that equipment is utilized in sharing a story in film. For
example, the technical codes would include camera work, the acting, the setting,
the editing, stage lighting, special effects and graphics, typography and color. As
well as the visual composition. Some codes are both technical and symbolic, such
as music.

3. Introduction
The Conventions
Conventions represent the set of ways or underlying processes of a particular
action that are generally considered accepted or acceptable. For example, when
seeking to answer the question, “What are codes and conventions in film?” We
look further at how conventions in film analysis indicate an established or
acceptable way of doing something. Conventions may include acceptable ways of
understanding something or of presenting something. These generally accepted
“norms” are deeply rooted in our culture and society, with different behaviors or
ideas being “conventional” in different cultures. Conventions are often so deeply
embedded in our everyday life that we don’t even realize their impact or presence
in our lives.

4. Introduction
The Film Opening Sequence
A title sequence (also called an opening sequence or intro) is the method by which
films or television programmes present their title and key production and cast
members, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound (often an opening theme song
with visuals, akin to a brief music video). The first title sequences appeared in
1897 when Thomas Edison put a credit at the start of one of his films to prevent
piracy. Then, in the 1908 film, Bronco Billy, G. M. Anderson became the first actor
to be credited on screen. This recognition started the tradition of giving credit to a
film’s stars.

5. Elements of the film opening sequence
Studio
Titles
Themes and Topics
Establishing the genre
Character introduction
Narration
Sound
Enigma
Credits
Flashback
Establishing shot
Action and chase scene
Animation

6. Studio
A film opening sequence always show a
logo of a company that executed the
production.
There are five major studios:
-Walt Disney Studios
-Warner Brothers
-Paramount
-Universal
-Sony

7. Titles
A movie's title serves to depict and
convey its tone. It typically appeals to
potential viewers since it is
straightforward, simple to read, and
visually appealing. Titles frequently
reflect the movie's genre.
For instance, a children's movie will
have a whimsical, funny, decorative
font, as opposed to a dramatic or
suspenseful thriller, which will have a
more somber, tense font.

8. Establishing the genre
A character is what typically
establishes the genre, since they’re
being placed in certain circumstances
and have to act appropriately. They
behave and act in a curtain way,
allowing the viewers to realize what
kind of movie it will be. Additionally,
some scenes might help to establish a
genre as well. Dark and gloomy scenes,
for example, are common in horrors.

9. Character introduction
The introduction of the key characters
in the continuity sequence and first
scenes establishes their significance in
the story. The absence of the major
characters from the opening sequence
in certain movies, however, could
engage older fans, like if in a new
Marvel move a superhero is not
present, providing suspense and
mystery to the viewers.
Most of the time the topic or theme is
snow through the character, too.
Topics and themes might be explained
by the genre of the movie. For example,
the topic of love is commonly known to
be portrayed in dramas, though horrors
or comedies might use them for a
needed effect they’re trying to create
with it.
Topic/Theme

10. Narration
Narration is a great way to engage the
audience and to explain them what’s
going on on the screen, why it’s
happening and when. It elaborates and
provides more details for the viewers,
especially if something is unclear. It’s
especially visible in The StarWars,
where each movie starts with an
explanation about what had happened
previously.
Sound
Sound effects help to do everything.
They can help to establish the genre,
the theme, the mood of the character,
and more. Sounds are frequently
used in the media, especially in the
continuity sequences.

11. Enigma
In order to fulfill the audience’s need in
engagement, the continuity sequences
often use enigma codes. It helps to set
up the needed mood and atmosphere,
like tensed and eerie, mysterious and
gloomy. It grabs the viewer’s attention
leading them to spawn rhetorical
questions in their heads, making them
more invested into what they’re
watching.
Credits
The credits might be used to establish
the theme or the genre, but most of the
time they’re used to introduce actors
and whoever was working on a movie.
In case of a continuity sequence,
credits most of the time show a
director, and the main actors.

12. Flashbacks
Some opening scenes feature and
show flashbacks. These scenes
typically have a pivotal impact on the
story itself, or a story of a character.
It is also a great way to show the
genre and theme.
Establishing shot
These kind of shots are used to show
the scene and depict the audience the
actions that are happening in the
movie, where they are happening and
when.

13. Chase/Action scenes
The chase/action scenes most of the
time forecast a fast pace of the
opening sequence. They are often used
to grab the viewer’s attention and
usually seen in action movies. The
chase/action scenes might help to
introduce the character, as well as to
establish the genre of the movie.

14. Animation
Animation either shows that the
movie is a cartoon, or is used to
show the unique and original manner
of the movie. It can easily grab the
viewer’s attention and in some
cases, animations and real life
scenes and intertwined throughout
the whole movie, like in Who Framed
Roger the Rabbit.

15. The End