The document discusses various conventions for opening scenes in films. It explains that the purpose of an opening is to catch the audience's attention and introduce them to the characters and genre. Some common types of openings are establishing shots, which set the location; flashbacks, which provide backstory; narration, which gives context; and action scenes, which aim to hook viewers. Other techniques include opening credits, title sequences, animation, photo compilations, and setting the mood with music.

1. CONVENTIONS OF
OPENING SCENES
Georgia Burfoot

2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE OPENING
OF A FILM?
• The opening of the film is probably one of the most important parts of the film itself
as it has to catch the audience’s attention and entice them into watching the entire
film, which is beneficial to the filming company in order to make money.
• Also, the opening of the film should be able to inform the audience of the genre of
film, and introduces them to the characters, allowing them to become emotionally
attached to them.

3. Aspects of openings:

4. ESTABLISHING THE SHOT
• This type of opening is used to establish the setting of where the film may be taking
place, informing the audience on the setting of the film.
• Depending on the type of area, establishing the setting of the film could give an
insight to the genre of film.

5. FLASH BACKS
• This is where the opening scene is set in a earlier setting to give an insight into the
characters life before a key event in the film.
• The flashback usually goes back to the main characters childhood/adolescence

6. NARRATION
• This is a very effective way of opening a film as it allows the audience to get
involved with the film straight away.
• Usually this type of opening helps to give background information to the audience,
like what has happened so far in order to give the audience the plot of the film,
other main characters.
• This is important as it gives an insight to the film and allows the audience to follow
the story of the film without becoming confused.

7. ACTION SHOT/CHASE SHOT
• Usually a fast paced scene like an action scene is a very effective way of gaining the
audience’s attention very promptly.
• If the scene is very exciting, it will help to hook the audience in so they would give
their full attention to the film.
• Usually, it will make the audience want to discover why the character is being
chased, attaching them to the story.
• It also helps to show the audience the genre of film as, usually, you would associate
a chasing scene with an action film.

8. OPENING CREDITS
• This would usually show the people who have helped to produce the film, along
with the actors names and the characters names whom they have been playing.

9. TITLE SEQUENCE
• This is used to inform the audience what the film is and also who helped to endorse
it.
• Usually, there are logos which show which companies have endorsed the film.
• If the film has a high budget, the logos would usually help to tie in with the genre of
the film.

10. ANIMATION SHOT
• This is used to portray the start of the film in a creative and imaginative way in order
to grab the audiences attention.
• It can also be used to show the contrast between reality and the imagination of the
characters in the film.

11. PHOTO COMPILATION
• It can be used to show memories that had occurred before the time where the film
is set, giving background information to the user.
• It can also be used to present the theme of the film to the audience.

12. SOUNDTRACK/MUSIC OPENING
• The style, tempo, tone and volume of the music that opens the film sets up the
mood for the film and the changes of the music will then affect that mood
throughout the film.