Opening sequences aim to attract audiences and signal the film's genre, themes, and characters. They follow conventions like establishing the genre through visual and auditory cues, introducing main characters, and presenting title credits. Narratives can be woven through two codes - enigma, which creates curiosity through unanswered questions, or action, with a unfolding series of events. Elements like mise-en-scene, sound design, and logos are also used to set expectations and immerse viewers in the story.

2. THE MAIN CONVENTIONS
Opening sequences in films have one central purpose: to attract target audiences and
persuade them to carry on watching the rest of the film. They all follow fundamental
conventions, which I outline below, but each also seeks to be creatively distinctive. Each
aims to signal its genre, and draw attention to its main themes and characters rapidly
and efficiently.
It is important that the opening signals the genre and theme of the film. The genre of
the film is usually quickly established through clear signals such as distinct visual and
sound codes. For example, the opening of a comedy or romcom, such as Mama Mia and
The Notebook, consist of a lighthearted atmosphere mixed with a playful tone, high key
colour lighting and upbeat soundtrack; this generates a feelgood mood preparing the
audience for laughter.
Principle actors feature in title sequences, usually playing the protagonist and/or
antagonist early on to identify key characters. These are often in conjunction with their
name, along with other credits important to the film, such as key creatives, like the
director, director of photography and the film title.

3. Art of the Title is an online publication dedicated to title sequence design,
spanning the film, television, conference and video game industries. The
publication is both an educational and historical resource and a contemporary
publication, focusing on the creative process behind the design of title
sequences.
I recently studied various title sequences using Art Of The Title in order to gain
an improved understanding of codes and conventions. These consisted of The
Last of Us, American Horror Story – The Coven and Counterpart.
I also viewed a number of additional opening film sequences.

5. Roland Barthes developed a concept of narrative being interwoven with one of two
codes: action or enigma. The function of an opening sequence is to capture then retain
audience interest, so that they keep watching to find out what happens. In order to
maintain the audience’s interest in the story, different techniques are used, such as
creating suspense in the narrative by unanswered questions followed by anticipation
of an action's resolution. Barthes called this the enigma code.
Enigmas exist as unexplained plot elements which are manipulated into the story line.
The effect of enigmas result in a desperate need for resolution. The developing
narrative allows for discoveries and questions to be uncovered.
Bu contrast, film narrative expressed through action codes feature events that unfold,
triggering further actions to be taken place. Each development leads to the following
stage of narrative, culminating in the climax.
NARRATIVE CODES

6. ENIGMA
Enigma codes create curiosity, forcing the audience
to question what will happen. They are used
constantly through film opening to hook the
audience and set the rest of the film for answers.
This is effective in hooking audiences into continue
watching the film as they find themselves wanting to
know the answers to these questions proposed
through the opening.
Enigma codes are used in genres such as crime.

7. ACTION

8. ESTABLISHING GENRE
Mise en scène, the setting or surroundings of an
event, plays a major part in the establishment of the
genre. The visual codes involved provide further
understanding of the theme of the film. This includes
scenery, casting, character outfits and props, posture
and gesture, lighting, all of which are essential to the
audience’s perceptive of film genre. Mise en scène
can indicate period in history, mood and tone.
For example, within a horror, the key conventions
presented to the audience might be the use of low
lighting, an unnerving setting and the use of dark
colours. This would foreshadow the unsettling scenes
to come, including violence or terror.

9. SOUND CODES
In opening scenes of films the soundtrack is an important part of creating meaning.
Sound may be diegetic or non-diegetic. Sound codes are important tools in creating
atmosphere, signalling the genre and making the narrative as convincing as possible.
The most common is is non-diegetic, as it assists in setting the scene for the audience,
conveying the type of genre and what to expect in the film. This is commonly done
through music reflecting the mood. For example, slow, sweet and natural music hints
at a romantic film. Some film openings use voice-overs to explain the context and to
introduce theme, character or plot, such as in Gone Girl.
However, some film openings use diegetic sound, sound sourced from the film’s world.
This provides the audience with a greater understanding of the characters. For
example, if a character was heard playing the piano, they would be given musical
characteristics.

10. TITLES
Titles sequences inform the audience about
cast members, creatives and organisations
involved in the making of the film. Title
sequences are important in attracting an
audience and are usually very creative and
striking in their own right. Commonly this
convention is used as a method of attraction
for a film’s audience, for example, as
particular actors are cast with leading roles
to appeal to specific audiences (age, gender,
genre).

11. LOGOS FOR DISTRIBUTORS, STUDIOS &
PRODUCTION COMPANIES
Film openings will always show logos or
identification of the companies
production as well as the distribution
companies involved. These often
provide the audience with insight to the
film, contributing to the expectations.
Often large production companies have
a larger budgets available and it is
expected to be a big budget block
buster film, for example Walt Disney.