1. W E D N E S D A Y
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 –
T I T L E
S E Q U E N C E
• Within the title sequence of the netflix sci-fi drama 'Wednesday'
(released in 2023 as a updated modern version of Tim Burtons
'The Adams Family'), the establishing shot which is followed by
the zoom out, provides the audience with a sense of place and
direction, and so by the camera moving away from the gates to
reveal Wednesday's iconic pigtails, the idea of impending danger
and a need to escape is identified to outline the upcoming events if
the drama. Furthermore, the low-key lighting works alongside
the establishing shot and camera movement to increase the
dramatics and darkness of the shot in order to set an uneasy tone,
which reflects the drama as a whole. By using the establishing
shot first, the audience are then able to identify the key locations
of the drama. The title sequence works to subtly outline key
locations, characters and ideologies of which are later conveyed in
both the pilot opening scenes and the drama further on to support
continuity.
• In addition, the title sequence features multiple locations and
props, such as graveyards and abandoned staircases all of which
are clearly identifiable with the gothic sci-fi genre and assist in
setting the atmosphere for the rest of the drama, considering that
not only the first pilot episode contains the sequence but is
also further featured in every additional episode and so acts as a
reminder and a refresher of the mood and genre of the following
drama. In addition to this, each shot used zooms out of itself into
a fade which then becomes the next shot, highlighting continuity
through a dragging movement which the camera then ends up
zooming out of Wednesday's eyes. This further represents her as
the main character and allows the audience to establish the
connection straight away, as well as gather the notion that there is
a supernatural and gothic element about her – supported by
the extreme close up shot at the very end of the title sequence of
which ties each scene of the sequence together cohesively.
• It's also notable that the title sequence is placed after the opening
sequence, allowing a hook intro the show before its cut for the
titles.
• The credits consist of featuring the names of the production
company, who's starred, further actors, guest stars, credits to the
music artists, who the films characters are based from and who
made the original characters and the creator of 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 E Q U E N C E
• The drama opens with multiple establishing panning shots to provide a sense
of location for the audience. The shots feature ordinary, recognizable high school
corridors and students of which then highly juxtapose the manor of Wednesday –
highlighted and supported by the over the shoulder shot of her walking through
the corridors, with the rest of the students blurred. This represents the idea that
Wednesday is different to other around her, and so supported by
the mise en scene, promoted the sci-fi gothic genre. Following this a classic cut
is used to feature an extreme close up of Wednesday's eyes moving side to side
to represent her uncomfortable nature and difference to the rest of those around
her, this is then additionally followed by classic cuts to students walking around
her in slow motion, which then represents how others view her and establishes
the nature of her character.
• The opening sequence also features multiple fast paced cuts, which had been
edited with a purple contrast over the top to represent and symbolise
Wednesday's visions and therefore strongly represent her supernatural abilities.
• The opening scene then closes before the title sequence begins with a low angle
shot of Wednesday holding up bags of piranhas, this therefore represents her
power and ability over the other students and highlights her in a position of
authority and control, this is then reinforced by the over the shoulder shot
and low key lighting creating a silhouette.
4. U S E O F S O U N D –
T I T L E
S E Q U E N C E
• The title sequence features non diegetic yet
synchronous music of which is recognizable through
intertextual links with the original 'Adams Family' and
so represents the traditional gothic sci-fi genre, through
the use of the organ and piano. The sound mirrors
the representations of the title sequence and so works
to increase the tension after the opening scene of which
are left on a hook.
5. 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
• As the first scene opens, its supported through
the non-diegetic, asynchronous music of the
traditional 'Adams Family' soundtrack, of which
provides intertextual links and references Tim
Burton's original production, as the sound
contrasts with the setting of the
opening scene. This is then added to by the
addition of the diegetic and exaggerated
laughter and footsteps, which juxtapose each
other. This represents Wednesday as an
outsider from those around her as her own
footsteps echo over the other student's laughter.
Following this, a non-diegetic voiceover is
added representing Wednesday's
inner commentary. However, the opening scenes
feature synchronous sound in order to allow for
continuity, such as school bells, and allows for
the sound to support the scene when establishing
a location. At the end of the opening
sequence, a-synchronous, opera
music is added over the top of the scene to add
a sense of chaos and confusion over the scene
and mirror the rebellious and bizarre nature of
Wednesday.
6. M E S E N S C E N E - T I T L E
S E Q U E N C E
• Within the title sequence the use of mISE en scene supports the genre of the drama. Wednesday's costume represents her as an
outsider, yet when in comparison to the gothic and gloomy setting, it becomes clear that she has supernatural elements as she is
featured in the 'Nevermore' uniform. In addition to this, the use of props such as the disembodied hand conforms to the eerie setting of
the staircase, all of which mirror the continued theme of gothic horror. In addition the use of the serif font on the 'Wednesday' title
represents the traditional and iconic writing of that which would be found on historical graveyards and Cemetaries – therefore supporting
the genre of the production.
7. 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
• Within the opening sequence, the use of Wednesday's costume within mise
en scene contrasts effectively with the costumes of the surrounding teenagers
in the corridor to highlight Wednesday's lack of conformity toward
normal stereotypes and therefore represents the idea that she has irregular
qualities. In turn, audiences are then able to identify with either representation.
In addition, the location being set in the school for the opening scenes
highlights her lack of belonging as she dramatically stands out both through her
characters obvious uncomfortableness, and her use of costume. Its notable to
mention that Wednesday's costume and make up mirror the likes of Tim
Burton's original 'The Adams Family', representing her as stern and
also allowing audience to make a connection between the intertextual links.
• In addition to this, the use of the apple as a prop in Pugsley's mouth, represents
his animalistic treatment and henceforth conveys how they are family are seen
as outsiders due to their supernatural, eerie tendencies, allowing an audience to
grasp how other characters within the drama view them.
