Opening Sequences

Questions:
i) What forms can opening sequences take? Can you list the conventional features of opening sequences?
- Introduction of a character- the protagonist or antagonist
- Establishing shot of the setting
- Opening credits – producers, directors, leading actors

ii) What narrative functions of opening sequences can you identify?
- Introduces the main character
- Introduces a setting and situation
- Establishes an equilibrium
- Hints the disruption of the equilibrium
- presents a problem that will need to be solved throughout the rest of the film

iii)What do audiences gain from watching the opening sequence?
- introduction to the film’s characters and the story that may develop
- connection with the characters
- idea of a genre and therefore an idea of what may happen in the rest of the film
- find out whether or not they will want to watch the rest of the film
- there may be questions raised in the opening sequence that the audience will want answered, to do so they will watch the rest of the film

iv) What do film-makers gain from including an opening sequence?
- set up the foundation for the rest of the storyline to develop
- capture the audience’s attention and make them want to watch the rest of the film
- needed to put the rest of the film in a context so that people will understand the significance of what happens