Social realism films and mainstream films have some differences in their opening credit sequences. Social realism films usually include production logos and references to funding during the credits, while mainstream films include actors' names. Both genres typically include music or sound in the openings. Social realism films tend to have simpler titles displayed over static or moving images, while mainstream films have title effects. The order of credits in social realism openings is production logos, funding references, then music or sound before the first shot of the film.

1. PRESENTATION ON KEY
ELEMENTS OF OPENING FILM
SEQUENCE
BEN BISHOP

2. ACCEPTED CONVENTIONS FOR
MAINSTREAM OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCES.
• Mainstream films usually have long introductions which usually
last around 2/3 minutes. During this time the film title is
shown, along with some actors names who took part in the
production. Production logos appear most times but can also
be reserved and displayed at the end of the film; and finally
sound. In most mainstream films a piece of music from the film
soundtrack is played. However these conventions are either
altered or removed throughout social realism films.

3. CONVENTIONS FOR SOCIAL REALISM
OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCES.
• During title sequences, most social realism films contain their
productions logos along with a reference to its funding. Social
realist films also usually play sound during their introductions,
this is usually either background sound, such as cars rushing
past, or a piece of the film soundtrack. The volume of the
sound is kept low unless the sound is of significance. Most
social realist films also have simple titles to them; meaning
their title is displayed over the top of either a moving or static
image. Then image displayed is the simple title shown at the
start of Fish Tank, a social realism film.

4. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ABOVE
TWO SETS OF CONVENTIONS.
Social realism films Mainstream films
Soundtrack or sound played in
introduction
Soundtrack or sound played in
introduction
Production titles Production titles
Reference to funding Actors names
Simple title Title of film is displayed with effects
Long shots Cuts between shots are swift and short

5. THE CATEGORY OF OPENING
CREDIT/TITLES

6. THE ORDER OF OPENING TITLES.

7. THE STRUCTURE OF THE OPENING
• Production logos are shown first
• Next is a reference to the film funding (if it has been given funding
from a big company such as the national lottery)
• After (or during these titles) music/ sound may be played in the
background. This could either be part of the film soundtrack or just
diegetic music, being heard by both audience and film characters.
• Following swiftly after this we receive our first shot of the movie; this
can be any type of shot but it is the first moment where we are
introduced into the action.

8. THE SHAPE OF THE OPENING

9. KEY INFORMATION COMMUNICATED TO
THE VIEWER.
• The genre of film can occasionally be portrayed to the viewer. This
can be done through unique techniques and by excelling in all other
aspects of the film introduction sequence. The director may choose
to overlay music or sound during the sequence; the music used can
make a big difference. You wouldn’t use a fast paced positive song
during a horror film introduction. Music makes a big impact on how
the film is analysed and viewed by its audience. The production titles
can also have small effects added to them, for example the 20th
centaury fox. The bar at the side shows the progression of their logo
throughout time.