Opening sequence elements and conventions

The opening sequences of films have many different roles for the audience. The opening sequence is an important part of the film, if not the most important part. The opening sequence is the first part of the film the audience sees. This means that it needs to make sure that it grabs the audience to make them want to watch on, if it doesn’t do this, then the opening sequence hasn’t done it’s job and it’s not effective. An opening sequence also has many things, which need to me added into it to make sure that it completes its job and role.

Titles are always needed in an opening sequence – These make the audience know exactly who is playing which character within the film. It also gives credit to the actors at the beginning of the film as well as the end.

Music is a key part in the opening sequence – the music grips the audience and makes all of the different parts to the opening sequence effective. Music helps to make the film to seem real and can play on different emotions to gain a different reaction for each part of the production within the audience.

The beginning of the story to the film or a flashback – these are often parts to an opening sequence, this tells the story and sets the scene for the rest of the film. Opening sequences are important to make sure that the audience knows what’s going on and to make sure that they understand something, which has maybe happened in the past, which will be relevant to the film and its storyline.