What is an opening sequence?

An opening sequence is a short clip which involves titles of the cast and crew and the name of the film. They introduce the audience to the setting, characters, genre(s) and give them an idea as to what events may occur. They usually leave the audience asking questions about the film and immerse them to continue watching it. Some films use text-based openings, some examples are below:

• Edward Scissorhands

From this sequence, the audience are able to tell that this film will be a horror. However the cheerful type music in the background suggests a twist in the genre. The audience can tell it will be a bit quirky as it is directed by Tim Burton and involves Johnny Depp. It shows the audience glimpses of a creepy house so sets the mood as eerie and suggests this is where the film will be set. It does not introduce the audience to any characters and is quite vague on the events that may occur.

• Dead Silence

From this sequence, the audience are able to tell that this film will be a horror. This is shown through lighting and music mainly as it is dark and the music is child-like, which with this lighting creates a creepy atmosphere. This introduces the audience to a ventriloquist character as the drawings suggest and the facts at the beginning of the sequence.

Other films use narrative-based openings which make the audience ask more questions and give them a bit more information in terms of characters, setting and events, some examples are below:

• Forrest Gump

This opening sequence follows the conventions as it uses continuity editing to create narrative and introduces the audience to the setting and character. This is because as the camera follows the feather the audience is shown glimpses of a town and finally resting with the main character. It also suggests a genre due to the happy/relaxed music playing in the background and the prop of the feather.

• Austin Powers

This opening sequence follows the conventions as it uses continuity editing, following the main character and showing the credits of the film. It also presents the audience with setting, genre and character.Setting is introduced as it is described at the start and uses a lot of stereotypical British iconography. From this sequence, the audience can tell it is a comedy from the look of the character, their performance and the music in the background.