Key Conventions

The key conventions of an opening sequences include... 

• The production company 
• The producers 
• Actors names 
• Introduction into the background or life of the main character
• Introduction of how the character came to be where they are
• Sets the time and place of the film
• Introduces the genre of the film
• Introduces any enigmas
• Non diegetic music
• Narrator

What is the point of an opening sequence?

The opening sequence of a film is used to establish many things. It publicises the main credits such as the production company,producer, director and main actors/actresses. It sets the narrative of the film which gives the audience and insight as to what the film is about. It sets the demeanor of the characters and the allows us understand  which role they play within the film. It secures the periodic time as to when the film was set, and also the setting and genre of the production. Setting/costumes/lighting all give us a indication as to what kind of genre the film is. There may also be flashbacks which allow the audience to understand a little history about the characters past before  which may be important into understanding the rest of the film. Both diegetic and non diegetic music can be used this helps identify genre and grabs our attention to the opening sequence showing the film is beginning. There could be an over voice narrating the scenes which is evident in the film 'Kick Ass'. The opening sequence could also start patterns in the types of editing and way of filming will continue throughout. Finally the mis-en scen incorporated with all the other commodities allows the film to really draw in our intrigue and attention.

I looked at a range of film openings such as: Brick, London to Brighton, Shifty and Kick Ass and found they included many key conventions.