1.
Film Opening
Sequence
Codes and
Conventions
1
AS LEVEL
MEDIA
STUDIES
Ayşenur Güney

2.
 The purpose of a film opening sequence
is to introduce the audience to the genre
of the movie and establish the setting,
indicate the mood and visual aspects of
the film, amongst other elements. This
can be done by using certain types of
shots, sounds and soundtracks and
character introduction.It also enables
companies to present their title, key
production and cast.There are many
ways for directors to accomplish such
things from the very start of the film,
which include an establishing shot,
narration and flashbacks. All of these
aspects are used to draw people in and
keep them hooked from the beginning
and also target the fans of the specific
genre. The opening sequence needs to
reflect the films tone and mood as well
as present it in the best light possible
and set the expectations for events that
happen later in it.
2
INTRODUCTION

3.
► StudioThemes and Topics
► Titles
►Establishing
ShotEstablishing the
GenreCharacter
IntroductionCredits
►Action and Chase scene
►AnimationFlashbackSound
►EnigmalNarration
3
ELEMENT
OF A FILM
OPENING
SEQUENCE

4.
► Film openings always
show the logo of a
company, to identify who
did the production of a
film. Studio identifications
can help to set up
expectations for an
audience about an
upcoming film.
4
STUDIO

5.
In the opening sequence
the theme and the genre
will be introduced. It shows
the audience what to
expect from the film
without giving away any
important details.
5
THEMES
AND
TOPICS

6.
►The purpose of a title in
film is to depict a certain
mood and tone. It is
supposed to be readable
(clear) and it should be
made to attract a viewer's
attention by making a good
first impression of the
screenplay. The font and
the appearance is
supposed to
complementary to the
film's genre.
6
TITLES

7.
►This kind of shot
introduces the
surrounding, where film is
taking place, to the
audience. It sets the scene
and can also show the
mood of the film.
7
ESTABLISHING
SHOT

8.
►Establishing the genre is
important in order to
attract the target audience.
This is usually done by
placing a character in a
typical situation in that
specific genre.
8
ESTABLISHING
THE GENRE

9.
Opening scene usually
introduces the audience to
the character, which
signifies their importance
and status within the film.
However sometimes main
characters are introduced
later on in the film which
creates the atmosphere of
mystery and secretness
around the character.
9
CHARACTER
INTRODUCTION

10.
► Credits are used to
introduce key production
and main cast. It also
helps the audience to get
to know the genre of the
film.
10
CREDITS

11.
►This kind of scene in the
film opening sequence will
introduce the audience to
the genre and also to the
characters. It will probably
intrigue the audience and
will make them want to
carry on watching.
11
ACTION
AND CHASE
SCENE

12.
Animation is used to add
more playful atmosphere
to the beginning of the
film. It is used to portray
the opening sequence in a
creative and unique way.
In addition, it makes a
clear difference between
opening sequence and the
film itself.
12
ANIMATION

13.
►The purpose of a
flashback is to show a
certain scene from the past
(memory of a previous
event) that is crucial for
the plot of the film or the
character's origin.
Flashbacks are often used
to create enigma.
13
FLASHBACK

14.
The goal of using enigma
codes in film is to captivate
the audience and intrigue
them by creating a sense
of mysterious tension. This
will leave the audience in
anticipation which means
that they will continue
watching the film in order
to find out what happens
next.
14
ENIGMA

15.
 ►Sound is used to display a range of
different emotions and it keeps the
audience's main focus on the film.
The sound typically sets the scene
and conveys the genre of the film.
 Sound can be the use of dialogue
(speech), ambient sound (
environmental sounds/background
noise), sound effects (sounds made
artificially/foley sounds) and/or a
soundtrack (recorded sound element
of a film).
 Sound is divided into two categories:
Diegetic (belongs to the world of the
film) and Non-Diegetic (no onscreen
source).
15
SOUND

16.
 Narration (voice-over) is
used to provide the
audience with additional
information in order for them
to get a better
understanding of the plot
and characters. It also
provides them with some
additional details and makes
the film more interesting and
engaging. • It is mostly
made to be comprehensive
and its purpose is usually
totell a story in a
chronological order. 16
NARRATION