British Social Realism // Production Log Six

What have you learnt about opening sequence devices? 

This week I have learnt about many conventions of an opening sequence and why they are used. Some of the conventions are listed below:

1. Super-Imposed Graphics: 

These are graphics that overlay the film. Films tend not to use full-screen graphics as it is too boring for the audience and wastes time. 

2. Production Company:

This is a company that supply the cameras and crew, and generally fund the film. This is usually shown as a full screen graphic and along with the distributor's logo. 

3. Producers: 

These are the representatives of production company and are responsible for the film's budget. This is shown as a super-imposed graphic with their names. 

4. Director:

They work alongside writer and are the main creative person working on the film. They make the text a motion picture. 

5. Actors: 

The main actors get super-imposed graphics in the opening credits. Occasionally smaller roles are mentioned.

6. Engaging Music: 

This draws the audience in and is usually upbeat. Usually connotes and reflects the film's genre and main themes.

7. Minimal Dialogue: 

The opening sequence is usually used to establish and develop a location and setting for the film.

8. Introduce Themes/Ideology:

The opening sequence usually hints subtly at the themes of a film. A good example of this is "Trainspotting" as it shows clearly that drugs plays a part in the film clearly.

9. Introduce Characters: 

Some films use the opening sequence to introduce the main characters or a protagonist of the story. A good example of this is again the opening to "Trainspotting." 

10. Introduce Setting: 

The opening sequence can be used to establish an era and area. 

11. Non-linear Start: 

This means changing the order of events, for example, the first scene showing something that happens later in the film and then skips back in time. This engages and interests the audience. 

12. Intrigue and Enigma: 

This means that the opening sequence sets up the storyline and creates mysteries and possibilities.

13. Montage:

This means different scenes put together in a sequence together. A good example of this is the opening to "This is England." 

This Is England (2006) — Art of the Title

14. Establishing Shots: 

These types of shots are commonly used in the opening sequence to set the scene and can also establish locations. 

How will this impact your production? & What methods might you use in the opening and why?

This will impact my production as I plan to use many of the conventions listed above to make my opening interesting for the audience, yet conform to the common factors found in opening sequences. I plan to use super-imposed graphics, show all the relevant roles and use engaging music. I think in British Social Realism, it is important to use establishing shots and set the scene as it needs to be filmed in an area that meets the criteria of a typical realist film and helps establish the class of the characters. For example, it could be set in a run-down council estate. I also would like to hint at the themes and ideologies of the film, and through this create enigma amongst the audience. I quite like the idea of a non-linear start as I feel it may suit the previous idea I had for an opening which is a smash mouth opening. This would engage the audience from the very start and throw them straight into the story.