Production Log 6 - Opening Sequences

Production Log 6 - Opening Sequences

Screenshot from the Opening of Trainspotting

This week we studied the use of camera/editing conventions and the use of conventions in an opening sequence of a film. In a opening for a film we learned that there is very limited audio in one at all times, first of all I think this was a good point to start on because it helps separate the opening from the rest of the film and makes a clear split between them, furthermore it stops the opening from spoiling too much of the plot and leaves the story up to interpretation, keeping the audience drawn towards the film for longer. Other things that we have learned about opening sequences is that they normally involve a lot of cuts and very few dissolves/fades as well as montages to create an intense opening. The camera is also moving most of the time in an opening for a British Social Realist film giving the impression that something is always happening in the film.

Opening from London to Brighton, showing poverty as a
main theme of the movie.

In addition to these conventions we also know that the opening sequence has to represent and introduce the themes of the film, the setting through establishing shots and the main characters in the film, however whilst doing this must not give away too much of the story so that it leaves the story unclear. The opening sequence is meant to get the audience to ask questions about why certain things happen in the opening as it gets the audience more  involved with the story. From studying opening sequences I am able to use these conventions in the production of my opening sequence, I may chose to use the convention of non-linear story in combination with the smash mouth opening to create a very dramatic, fast paced opening to the film with no clear narrative. I will also use the other conventions to help make the general story of the film understandable but without making it too obvious and spoiling the actual plot of the film.