The Importance Of Film Opening Sequences

The Importance of Film Opening Sequences

The opening sequence is a generic convention used within both film and TV which shows they have some what large importance wihtin media.

1. The opening sequence gives the audience an idea of which instition is behind the movie.

This therefore makes the audience expect certain codes and conventions used by the instition and creates a sence of familarity therefore giving them a chance to openly introduce themselves to the film instead of taking a biased view. They create these opening sequences to wiht a unique and easily memorable soundtrack with a shot fo the logo therefore making it very memorable for the audience. For example: Disney's opening sequence "Cinderella's Castle" This is a sequence that is very merable due to the iconic logo used and the building which is clearly a castle, thus then giving the audience a sense of familarity and therefore making the audience feel welcome to the new film.

2. Introduce the audience to the actors/actresses starring in the Film/TV show.

This technics is used to sell the film to the audience as it makes the audience assoscitate the A-list celebrities with other succseful films therefore giving the audience an idea of the popularity of the movie. Like in Oz The Great and Powerful we are shonw a sequence of the actors name in the setting of the film therefore giving the audience an idea of were and when this sequence was set and selling the actor to help the audience see the film is a more positive perspective. 

3. The opening sequence can provide historical events of the film and vital context that the audiences needs.

This can help set the scene fo the audience and give them information that they wouldn't have otherwise. However this can remove any enigma code that would perivous be there. With the title sequence of Star Wars it imediatly prsentes use with what we should expect wiht the use of a sci-fi lexis used within the sequence and gving us the information we need as an audience to become prepared of the film.

4. They can introduce the audience to key characters in the Film.

Having key characters in the opening sequence show thier importance as a character and whether the audience should aprouch them positivly or negativly. It can also make the characters very recognisable. For example in the Film Cloud With a Chance of Meatballs we are shown in the opening sequence Finn (the main character) and his Mum. When we then move to the main part of the film we notice that his Mum is missing therefore telling us that she may have died. This show the importance of characters and if we did not have this opening sequence we as an audience would be confused.