The document discusses the purpose and elements of film opening sequences. It explains that openings are meant to introduce the genre, setting, and mood through techniques like shots, sounds, character introductions, and titles from production companies. Common elements identified are establishing the genre, introducing characters and themes, using narration, animation, sound, credits, flashbacks, and establishing shots to engage audiences and set expectations for the film.

1. F I L M O P E N I N G S E Q U E N C E
A S M E D I A S T U D I E S
C O D E S A N D C O N V E N T I O N S

2. The purpose of a film opening sequence is to introduce the audience to the genre of
the movie and establish the setting, indicate the mood and visual aspects of the
film, and set expectations for possible events.
This is done by using types of shots, sounds and soundtracks and character
introductions as tools to tell the desired story and achieve the wanted effect on the
viewer. Companies to present their title, key production and cast. The establishing
shot, narration and flashbacks are used to draw people in and keep them hooked
from the beginning and also target the fans of the specific genre.

3. C O N V E N T I O N S
The commonly done way of
doing something which is to do
with content, form and style.
For example, filming dialogue
with the shot/ reverse shot
technique.
CODES
Signs which carry meaning.
There are two types of codes,
Technical & Symbolic.
An example of a code that
creates meaning is a knife in a
Horror film.

4. • ELEMENTS OF THE FILM OPENING SEQUENCE (COMPOSITIONAL AND GRAPHICAL
CODES & CONVENTIONS):
• Studio
• Titles
• Themes and topics
• Establishing the genre
• Character introduction
• Narration
• Animation
• Sound
• Enigma
• Credits
• Flashback
• Establishing shot
• Action & chase scene

5. STUDIO
A film opening sequence should always show a
logo of the production company.
There are 5 major studios:
Warner Bros. Pictures
Paramount Pictures
Universal Pictures
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Walt Disney Studios

6. E S T A B L I S H I N G T H E G E N R E
E S T A B L I S H I N G T H E G E N R E O F A F I L M I S U S U A L L Y D O N E B Y P O S I T I O N I N G A
C H A R A C T E R I N A S I T U A T I O N T H A T I S T Y P I C A L F O R T H E G E N R E . T H E I M P O R T A N C E O F
G E N R E A N D E S T A B L I S H I N G I T P R O P E R L Y I S T O T A R G E T A S P E C I F I C A U D I E N C E T H A T
E N J O Y S T H E P R O D U C E D C O N T E N T .
T H E F A M O U S S H O W E R H E L P E D D E F I N E T H E P S Y C H O L O G I C A L T H E S E T W O I M A G E S
R E P R E S E N T H O W G E N R E C O N V E N T I O N S C A N B E P O R T R A Y E D A N D E S T A B L I S H E D .
TITLES
The purpose of a film title is to represent it and depict its mood. It's
usually clear, easily readable and visually appealing so it attracts
possible viewers. Titles often fit the genre of the movie: for example, a
movie for children will have a childish, decorative, soft font, opposed to
a drama or horror, which will have a more serious, sharp looking font.

7. CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
During the opening sequence, main characters can be introduced which signifies
their importance for the plot. However, in some films the main characters aren't
introduced in the opening sequence, which creates the effect of mystery
surrounding the character.
TOPIC/THEME
The topic of the film is introduced in the opening sequence and it is used to give
the audience a sense of what's the film about without giving away details. Along
with that, it introduces the genre of the film.

8. NARRATION
Narration in films is used to make them more interesting and appealing to the
audience. It can also help the audience get a better understanding of the full story,
as it further explains and gives additional information about the plot and
characters. It is an easy way of immediately involving the audience and engaging
them in the story.
SOUNDS
Opening sequences usually contain sounds that will set the scene and help convey
the genre and expectations of the film. which has a source on screen, suck as
footsteps, gunshots etc. these sounds are heard by They are internal sounds of
Non-Diegetic sound - these are the sounds that have been added during the
editing stage, such as the soundtrack and sounds used to create a certain
atmosphere. It makes him more powerful and leaves an impact on the audience.

9. • ENIGMA
• Enigma codes in opening sequences are used to intrigue the audience and create a
sense of mysterious tension. It hooks the audience from the very beginning and
makes them wonder and question what happens later in the film. so they have a
desire to keep watching.
• CREDITS
• Credits are a graphical feature that can be used to depict the genre of the film.
Their main purpose is for the main cast and key production to be introduced.

10. • FLASHBACK
• In some opening sequences, a scene
from the past is shown. That scene is
usually of high importance for the plot
or a characters origin. A Flashback
opening scene from the 2018 Marvel
(Disney) film "Black Panther". It gives
insight of the past and further explains
and develops the plot.
• ESTABLISHING SHOT
• This type of a shot is used to show the
audience where the film is taking
place and set the scene.

11. A N I M A T I O N
This way of making the opening sequence is
used to add an artistic, creative and unique
feel to the movie. It lights up the atmosphere
and can also be used for making the
difference between the opening sequence and
the film itself clear.
• ACTION & CHASE SCENE
• If containing an action or chase scene
in the opening sequence, the film will
start off with a fast pace, establishing
the action genre while intriguing the
audience and making them wonder
about the events that might follow.