Conventions Of An Opening Sequence

The opening sequence is an important part to a film, as it almost calms the viewers before watching the film it also introduces the film and must grab the viewers attention in order for them to want to watch the rest of the film.

Conventions include:

• Establishing shot, used to introduce the main setting and features in the film
• Clips are slow paced
• Music is generally fast paced
• Little dialogue is used
• Characters may be introduced
• Titles are shown, including producers and actors names
• For it to be successful the viewer must be hooked into 'hook' the viewer watching the whole film to find out what will happen

Deadwood is a good example of showing the conventions of an opening sequence. I believe it contains all of the conventions needed for it to be a successful opening title sequence. There is an establishing shot which is shown in the third screen shot, it sets a dark eerie atmosphere and will make the audience question why has it been shown and who is there. The clips are at a slow place so that the viewer can take in the setting and familarise themselves with the shots and content. The music is quite fast and upbeat it is almost in contrast to the dark surroundings and actions giving them a positive vibe, which will hook the viewer into watching more as they want to find out why it is like this. There is no dialogue used there is only non-diegetic music. Characters are seen however they are not shown in full view, there are close ups of their body parts or side on views of their face like in the fifth screen shot, this is effective as it doesn't reveal too much causing the audience to want to know more. All of the titles are shown fading in and out at the sides of the shots.