An opening sequence is the footage at the beginning of the film (usually before the real narrative of the film starts). The opening sequence is sometimes compared to the cover of a book. For example it allows the audience to get a taste of what is to come in the film (just the same as a blurb would)During the opening sequence, credits are usually shown along with the producer's name and the title of the film/programme. Another common convention of a opening sequence would be the inclusion of a theme tune.
Not all opening sequences include dialogue, some just contain theme music.
References-
1) http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TitleSequence
2) http://www.screenwriting.info/16.php
Opening sequence analysis:
To gather more information and knowledge about opening sequences and what I will include in my own opening sequence I have researched in detail three different thriller films starting with 'The Shining'. The second and third thriller films I selected are: 'Shutter Island' and 'Law Abiding Citizen'. I have put the information I have gained onto Prezi:
This is the second Prezi I have produced, on 'Shutter Island'; I have included slides on characters, narrative and genre, I have additionally come to a conclusion including what I will use in my own production.
This is the final analysis- 'Law Abiding Citizen', I hope you find it interesting!
Summary of findings-
Carrying out this research has made me aware of how effective an establishing shot in the opening sequence of a film can be. For example it sets the scene and allows the audience to know where the rest of the film may take place, additionally this creates realism for the audience as it shows exactly where the production has been shot (either natural surroundings or a large city) where the majority of the target audience will be able to relate to.
From this research I have also discovered that the introduction of characters is vital. For instance the first impression of a character is usually one that remains with the audience throughout the film; therefore the character needs to be portrayed well. This can be done by using close up shots and a long shot to show the facial features of the character and also the clothes they wear and their body shape.
Title sequence analysis- The Incredibles
I have completed this research task so I gain a greater knowledge of which titles are included in a title sequence so I can then incorporate them into my own production.
What have I learnt from the title sequence analysis?
From analysing the beginning of the film 'The Incredibles' I have now become aware of what titles and ingredients are needed in order to make a good opening title sequence that will grab the intended audience. For example I know that I now need to include the roles of people such as: executive producer, writer, director, film editor, art director and production manager. I additionally realise that I need to include the title of the film at the beginning of the title sequence in order to capture the audience's attention.
I think this information is included at the beginning of a film as it allows the producers (and other titles) to gain credit for the work they have done, additionally titles could be used in order for them to gain recognition which may get them a position in a future movie. Lastly it can indicate to people that the film will be good quality and worth watching, for example if you know that Steven Spielberg has produced the film you expect it to be good as he has a good reputation for producing big budget action movies.
The style of the opening titles very often portrays the genre that the film will be, for example a big bubbly font may suggest that the film will be a animated and for children whereas a striking sharp font may signify horror and darkness.
Analysis of additional title sequences:
I have analysed the opening sequence of the film 'Seven', this has given me a lot of inspiration for my own production as I now have the idea of making the titles shake and look like they have been hand written in order to make the audience think that the character has written them in a time of desperation. This also allows the audience to predict the genre of the film and creates suspense.
Conventions of the thriller genre:
Before creating my video for my AS grade I have researched and come up with the different conventions of the thriller genre. I have done this using 'bubbl' so the information is now laid out neatly in a spider diagram format. I have included :
-typical storylines
-typical characters
-settings
-themes
-use of sound
-use of editing
Here is my spider diagram:
Steve Neale- states that to make a successful genre there must be both repetition and difference
Christian Metz- devised the 4 stages that a successful genre goes through, these are:
1. classical
2. experimental
3. parody
4. deconstruction
The idea that repetition is essential in the production of a new film is supported by the typical conventions associated with each genre, this is supported by the first two stages in Christian Metz's genre development theory (typical conventions). In thrillers it's imperative that some conventions are followed just like Steve Neale suggests . For example thrillers need to be set in the same type of location, e.g. a forest or secluded location. This allows the audience to recognise the genre of the film and it also is incorporating something well liked by the audience. Additionally Steve Neale states that difference is also needed to stabilise a genre. In thrillers this is done by a change in narrative. For instance each thriller film will be made with a slight edge as not to bore its viewers, this also means that the audience will be excited as they won't be expecting the twist/difference. However, like Neale suggests; there must be a difference within genre and this is where Metz's final two stages come in (parody and deconstruction). This is where the 'norms' of genre are changed and the conventions are adapted to engage the audience.
References:
www.filmsite.org
www.imdb.com
Analysis of 3 thriller films-
In order to find out more information on thriller genre, I have researched the key conventions and theories related to 3 thriller films, these are: Jaws, The Hunger Games and Taken.
Analysis of the thriller 'Jaws'
Analysis of the thriller 'The Hunger Games'
Analysis of the thriller 'Taken'
Summary of findings-
After taking more time to research into the thriller genre, I would now change some of the 'typical conventions' that I included in the spider diagram at the start of the research. For example I have now realised that I based most of those conventions on the sub-genre thriller-horror. Now that I have thought about thriller films as a whole I know that the settings can be very different. For instance an action thriller is likely to be set in a city centre or a busy popular place in order to create a sense of realism. This is also a good setting for car chases as it makes everything more dangerous. From the research into setting I now think I will try to film my video in a similar location so the audience are aware of what genre of film I am producing.
Additionally I am now aware that the characters I originally said would only apply to a horror. From my research I have now discovered that the main characters include: the protagonist, the antagonist and often a 'damsell in distress' who usually is in need of saving.
I believe that thriller films follow Met'z theory of 'deconstruction'. For instance the thriller genre typically incorporates more than one genre together. An example of this would be an 'action thriller' or a 'horror thriller'. This also follows Neale's theory as it allows the genre to 'differ' so the audience stay hooked and interested in the genre.
History of the Thriller Genre-
In this task I had to research into the history of the thriller genre, once I had collected the information I needed to put it into a time line so it would be easy to follow. On the time line I have also included when the film was made, who made it and what the storyline is. I additionally have applied Met'z theory to the majority of films throughout my time line.
http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/185663/The-History-of-the-Thriller-Genre/#vars!date=1925-08-08_09:00:26!
I have learnt a lot from this task; for example I now feel confident when applying Met'z theory to already existing films. This task has also allowed me to think about Met'z theory in more depth and it has made me think about how I may include it in my own production.
This task has helped me to see the variation between thriller films and the advances they have made throughout time.
Film Institutions-
To gain some more in depth knowledge on film institutions I have researched into the thriller genre for the years 2012 and 2013. I have gained knowledge on how many thriller films are released per year, who watches them and how successful/profitable they are.
Summary of Findings-
This research has been really helpful as it has taught me about how many shares each genre of film has in the market. It has additionally taught me about how much each genre is worth per year. I have noticed that there has been a large difference between 2012 and 2013 as the shares of the market have changed which surprised me as I didn't realise that there would be such a dramatic change. I have also learnt that statistics prove that men are more likely to watch a thriller film than a woman. This will influence who my target audience will be in my own production as I will need to aim it at the audience who are most likely to watch and enjoy my production.
The Film Industry
In order to have a clear understanding of the film industry I have produced a Slideshare with research into 3 different film studios: Paramount, Warner Brothers and Lionsgate.
Summary of findings-
This research has been very useful as it has allowed me to see which film studios I would aim for if I was to produce a full length thriller. It has also allowed me to investigate into the advantages and disadvantages of large and small film studios as far as control, funding and distribution are concerned.
Film Funding-
When thinking about producing a new film it is very important that you think of where your finances will come from. This research outlines the 8 main ways of gaining funding including who they are, what their motives are, why they would want to fund a film and which type of film they would fund.
Summary of Findings-
From this research I now know that I would firstly try to gain funding from private individuals such as my friends and family as I would not have to pay interest and they would want me to succeed so are likely to support me. Secondly I would apply for funding from the local councils as they like to support local film makers and as my film would be produced in the local area it may show many different things surrounding the area. My third choice would be charities, this is because they like to support film makers with new and original ideas.
From this research I have learnt that you need to be realistic when applying for funding as large film institutions will not fund a small production that is unlikely to make a large profit.
If I were to apply for funding I now know that I would need to go to private individuals first.
BBFC guidelines research-
In this task I will be summarising the guidelines for a 15 and 18 rated film. In this Prezi I will also include why this information would be helpful when identifying a target audience. Lastly I will state how I personally may use it.
Summary of Findings-This task has taught me the different elements of both 15 and 18 certificate films. It has made me aware of what is allowed in an 18 but is forbidden in a 15. This has helped me as I think about my production as it's shown me what I need to be careful of. I plan for my production to have a target audience of 16-25, this means that I need to make sure strong language and violence are restricted so the content is more appropriate for young adults/teenagers.
My audience profile-
I have carried out this research task so I have a clear idea of who I will aim my AS opening sequence towards. In this audience profile I have included sub-sections such as: psychographic grouping, demographic grouping and socio-economic grouping.
Summary of findings-
From conducting this task I now know exactly who to aim my text at. Finding out the interests and media preferences of this age group (16-25) has meant that I need to include something within my opening sequence that appeals to this age range and will make them engage with the characters. For example I may include a magazine or television programme that they may recognise and enjoy. This would additionally create a sense of realism which is also a typical convention of the thriller genre.
My audience feedback-
I have conducted this piece of research including 9 different questions in order to help me learn what my target audience want and like about thriller films and their own opinions of our opening sequence idea.
Summary of finding-
From carrying out this primary research I now have a clear idea of what our target audience want and like about our opening sequence idea.
Two things this task has been extremely useful for is the information on what improvements could be made to our idea and how well our characters fit the target audience.
Firstly, we explained to our target audience that we intend to feature a young girl between the age of 4 and 9 as the little girl who is kidnapped from her loving family. Thomas suggested that using a very young child may make the audience feel uncomfortable as they may be 'horrified'. This may therefore detract our target audience from wanting to watch our film; this means we may have to consider in depth the age of the child that we intend to use in our production.
Also the question on improvements was very helpful as this has allowed me to know that we need to show the characters in detail. For instance even though it is an opening sequence the audience need to be able to engage (Tom said, 'so the audience can play the hero). In order to do this well, the audience need to have been able to see a lot of each character so they can empathise or develop a strong distaste for that particular character.
Overall I believe that this has been one of the most helpful tasks carried out within the research section. It has given me an insight into what I must consider before producing the opening sequence so I provide my target audience with the best thriller possible!
Techniques I like-
I have completed this research task so I can outline my favourite techniques I have learnt from carrying out the previous exercises.
The first technique I like and intend to use in my own production is the lighting technique of film noir. I like the look of film noir as it can foreshadow the narrative and build tension for the audience without words. In my own production I intend on using this effect (possibly when the young girl is being kidnapped) as it may allow the audience to engage with the thriller genre and will create tension and suspension. In my prelim production we attempted to produce a film noir scene (in the restaurant), we did this by turning off all artificial lights in the room except from one table lamp that was positioned behind a blind; this was additionally filmed in the evening so there was no natural light either. In my opening sequence I may try to create this effect myself by either using the lamp or a candle. Another way that I could create this effect would be editing the footage on premier post-production.
Below is a link to a clip from The Blade Runner Trailer as it is a good demonstration of a film noir sequence:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXFqPzAFv8o
The second technique I like, and would like to include is the use of titles. From carrying out in depth research into title sequences I now feel confident in including them into my production. I like titles within an opening sequence as it can portray the genre of the text to the audience through the use of font. The shape and size of the font can influence the audience's perception of the genre, for example if the font was swirly the audience may infer from this that the film is a romantic comedy. When I incorporate this feature I shall select a font that is sharp and angular which will therefore result in my target audience knowing the genre is thriller.
Below is a link to the opening title sequence for Skyfall; this title sequence includes titles such as: co-producers, sound recordist, script supervisor and second unit assistant director.
http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/skyfall/
Since completing the 'techniques that I like' section I have come across a new editing technique that will hopefully look great in our opening sequence production. It is the use of 'leave colour' on Premiere. It is really effective as it allows the footage to hold one colour only with the rest of the footage being black and white. This technique will make our opening sequence unique which will hopefully allow us to gain more viewers, additionally using just one colour will allow the audience to notice one specific character and will hopefully portray the character as weak and vulnerable.
The link below is from the film 'Schindler's list' as this is a great example of how this technique is used.
This technique is particularly obvious at 1 minute 47 seconds in the clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1VL-y9JHuI
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