A list of the different conventions we aim to use for our opening sequence.

1. O P E N I N G S E Q U E N C E C O N V E N T I O N S
SJFO PRODUCTIONS

2. Production Logo
The opening sequences to all movies have a
production logo. Thus, to add to the verisimilitude
since it’s a fundamental convention (regardless of
the genre), we will include this in our opening
sequence.

3. MES element of blood
This convention is very often used in
psychological and horror thriller movies since
blood has connotations with danger and death
which is typical more so in a horror than action
thriller. Furthermore it builds on the
characterisation developed of the protagonist (in
this case being the psychopath).

4. Close Ups
The close ups will be part of a bigger
picture/situation. This is a convention used to
invite mystery and suspense which is often used in
this particular genre of films. The fact that the
whole picture is not shown along with the fast
paced editing will disorientate the audience and
leave them asking questions and wanting t know
more of the bigger picture.

5. Vagueness
The use of close ups, previously talked about, will
have vague elements which (as stated before) adds
mystery and suspense to the film allowing the
audience to be intrigued. Furthermore, avoiding
the filming of the protagonists’ face creates
vagueness and causes the audience to ask
questions. As well as this, it adds to the mystery
which is a typical thriller convention

6. Introduction of protagonist
We will use different camera angles and editing
techniques t allow the audience to view the
protagonist and his victim in particular ways. For
example, we will use low angles to depict the
protagonist as highly powerful and superior. We
will also use medium close ups as well as close
ups to represent his victims as isolated and
inferior.

7. Introduction of protagonist
This combined with the connotations of danger
will allow the audience to view the situation as
highly threatening since the protagonist who is
murderous possesses authority and is capable of
harm. This idea will create interest the audience
has in the film.

8. Low-key lighting
We aim to create a scene with low-key lighting
since this is a very effective convention in a
thriller movie that adds to the suspicious and eerie
vibe given off. This is important and prevalent
amongst many different thriller movies regardless
of their genre. Having said that, they are most
popular with horror movies or horror thrillers and
thus we believed this was a highly appropriate
convention to use.

9. Flashbacks
The flashbacks will give an insight into the motive
and reasoning behind the torture and murdering. It
will also add a sense of verisimilitude since the scene
will be highly relatable to the audience since it is a
bullying scene – an experience significantly common.
However there would also be an element of
verisimilitude in the editing technique used for the
flashback scene. The scene will contrast with the rest
of the opening sequence since the present day is set in
the evening and throughput, contains low key lighting.

10. Flashbacks
However this flashback scene, underneath the heavy
editing (to make it seem like a flashback) there will be
natural lighting and a variety of colours. This is
because naturally, when individuals think back to
their childhood, it would be a happy and joyful time.
Thus vibrant colours would be used. This is why we
will have the protagonist (who obviously didn’t have
a happy childhood) wearing dark and dull clothing.

11. Fast-paced editing
Editing will go from fast forwarded/speeding up to
normal or slow motion. This is to disorientate the
audience and make them confused and unaware of
the scene and what is happening. This will leave
them asking questions and intrigued, wanting to
know more.

12. MES element of weapons
We will also use props which connote danger to have
the audience link the protagonist with danger (further
characterisation of protagonist) and have them asking
questions. Props such as knives and guns are often
used to connote danger and therefore we will use as
many of these MES elements as possible to create this
eerie vibe amongst the audience.