1. S T R A N G E R
T H I N G S
C O N V E N T I O N S A N D
C O N T E N T
B Y F R E Y A F
2. U S E O F C A M E R A A N D
E D I T I N G U S E O F
C A M E R A A N D E D I T I N G
- T I T L E S E Q U E N C E
• Within the title sequence for 'Stranger Things,' created by the Duffer
Brothers, the use of multiple close-up shots of different segments of
the letters that are used in the title, mirrors the likes of a puzzle as
they come together, and henceforth reference the genre of the series,
of which is a 90s science fiction of which the characters solve their
mysteries. This therefore represents and mirrors the genre as it
allows the audience to grasp the idea of mystery and tension which
is further mirrored in the earlier opening scenes. In addition the letters
overlap and fade into each other of which also represents the idea of
illusions, supported by the drop shadow on the serif font adding a
glow against the solid black background. In addition to this, the
shots are supported by non-diegetic, synchronous music.
• The credits further feature how the series is a Netflix original,
identifying the actors, co and executive producers and who created
the series.
3. U S E O F C A M E R A A N D E D I T I N G
– O P E N I N G S C E N E S
• The opening scene of the episode begins with an establishing shot as the camera tilts down to reveal an unknown building, allowing the
audience to grasp a sense of location, this is then supported by the low-key lighting adding a sense of suspicion to mirror impending drama.
In addition to this, followed by the fast-paced classic cut, repeated long shots and extreme close-up shots are altered as they depict an
eerie empty corridor, or which represents danger and fear – as the episode opens with this is hints to the audience at the forthcoming action
and allows a hook. Henceforth, the episode then cuts to what's recognisable as the main characters as names are introduced through an
individual close up shot each with blurred backgrounds to add focus to their role and allow the audience to grasp recognition of each
character's importance within the scenes presence. In addition to this, a high angle shot is used featuring all of the boys searching on the
floor of which represents friendship and a bond to the audience and represents how this will feature within the episode. Furthermore, the
camera tilts downward along with an establishing shot featuring the boys riding through woods on their bikes, of which the camera
then zooms into a close up shot of a danger sign, reinforcing and representing the idea of doom
4. U S E O F S O U N D –
O P E N I N G S E Q U E N C E S
• As the opening scene begins, diegetic echoes of lights
rattling is used along with synchronous exaggerated
sounds of alarms ringing alongside footsteps pounding on
the floor is used to represent panic and danger, as the thud
of the footsteps represents the scientists beating heart as he
runs. This is established straight away to heighten the
intensity of the opening scenes and provide an insight into
mystery, as the reason for the scientists running is never
solved before the opening credits. Furthermore, as the
characters begin to leave the house, which represents
safety and comfort, non-diegetic music begins to
overlay with the diegetic narrative voices to represent and
imply impending danger and create tension, this then further
becomes louder and more apparent as the boy's venture
further out into the woods and become more alone,
highlighting isolation and pre-empting danger.
5. M I S E E N S C E N E – O P E N I N G
S E Q U E N C E S
• As a whole within the opening scenes, the production features three main settings, the first being the abandoned lab
(of which is then recognised as a location of mystery and doom toward the audience), the second being the house
(represented as a place of security and confidence) and the third being the open roads in the woods (clearly
represented as an eerie danger) all of which allow the audience to grasp a sense of location. It becomes
evident through the use of costume that the first character featured could possibly be represented as a scientist and
so means that the audience are immediately able to connect that the scientist juxtaposes with the
regular stereotypical costume of the later featured boys. Furthermore, the use of the games board and bikes
as props represents the characters youth and innocence, which then increases the intensity of the impending
danger that’s hinted.
