FilmOpeningSequenceaslevelmediastudies.pptx

Film opening sequence

1. AS Media Studies Film opening sequence, codes and conventions Anastacia Sibikina

2. Introduction One of the tasks in Media Studies curriculum is to research a film opening sequence, codes and conventions. The Codes Codes represent the underlying systems of signs and symbols which create meaning. The concept of codes are best divided into two types or categories of codes which include technical codes and symbolic codes. Technical codes represent the many ways that equipment is utilized in sharing a story in film. For example, the technical codes would include camera work, the acting, the setting, the editing, stage lighting, special effects and graphics, typography and color. As well as the visual composition. Some codes are both technical and symbolic, such as music.

3. Introduction The Conventions Conventions represent the set of ways or underlying processes of a particular action that are generally considered accepted or acceptable. For example, when seeking to answer the question, “What are codes and conventions in film?” We look further at how conventions in film analysis indicate an established or acceptable way of doing something. Conventions may include acceptable ways of understanding something or of presenting something. These generally accepted “norms” are deeply rooted in our culture and society, with different behaviors or ideas being “conventional” in different cultures. Conventions are often so deeply embedded in our everyday life that we don’t even realize their impact or presence in our lives.

4. Introduction The Film Opening Sequence A title sequence (also called an opening sequence or intro) is the method by which films or television programmes present their title and key production and cast members, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound (often an opening theme song with visuals, akin to a brief music video). The first title sequences appeared in 1897 when Thomas Edison put a credit at the start of one of his films to prevent piracy. Then, in the 1908 film, Bronco Billy , G. M. Anderson became the first actor to be credited on screen. This recognition started the tradition of giving credit to a film’s stars.

5. Elements of the film opening sequence Studio Titles Themes and Topics Establishing the genre Character introduction Narration Sound Enigma Credits Flashback Establishing shot Action and chase scene Animation

6. Studio A film opening sequence always show a logo of a company that executed the production. There are five major studios: -Walt Disney Studios -Warner Brothers -Paramount -Universal -Sony

7. Titles A movie's title serves to depict and convey its tone. It typically appeals to potential viewers since it is straightforward, simple to read, and visually appealing. Titles frequently reflect the movie's genre. For instance, a children's movie will have a whimsical, funny, decorative font, as opposed to a dramatic or suspenseful thriller, which will have a more somber, tense font.

8. Establishing the genre A character is what typically establishes the genre, since they’re being placed in certain circumstances and have to act appropriately. They behave and act in a curtain way, allowing the viewers to realize what kind of movie it will be. Additionally, some scenes might help to establish a genre as well. Dark and gloomy scenes, for example, are common in horrors.

9. Character introduction The introduction of the key characters in the continuity sequence and first scenes establishes their significance in the story. The absence of the major characters from the opening sequence in certain movies, however, could engage older fans, like if in a new Marvel move a superhero is not present, providing suspense and mystery to the viewers. Most of the time the topic or theme is snow through the character, too. Topics and themes might be explained by the genre of the movie. For example, the topic of love is commonly known to be portrayed in dramas, though horrors or comedies might use them for a needed effect they’re trying to create with it. Topic/Theme

10. Narration Narration is a great way to engage the audience and to explain them what’s going on on the screen, why it’s happening and when. It elaborates and provides more details for the viewers, especially if something is unclear. It’s especially visible in The StarWars, where each movie starts with an explanation about what had happened previously . Sound Sound effects help to do everything. They can help to establish the genre, the theme, the mood of the character, and more. Sounds are frequently used in the media, especially in the continuity sequences.

11. Enigma In order to fulfill the audience’s need in engagement, the continuity sequences often use enigma codes. It helps to set up the needed mood and atmosphere, like tensed and eerie, mysterious and gloomy. It grabs the viewer’s attention leading them to spawn rhetorical questions in their heads, making them more invested into what they’re watching. Credits The credits might be used to establish the theme or the genre, but most of the time they’re used to introduce actors and whoever was working on a movie. In case of a continuity sequence, credits most of the time show a director, and the main actors.

12. Flashbacks Some opening scenes feature and show flashbacks. These scenes typically have a pivotal impact on the story itself, or a story of a character. It is also a great way to show the genre and theme. Establishing shot These kind of shots are used to show the scene and depict the audience the actions that are happening in the movie, where they are happening and when.

13. Chase/Action scenes The chase/action scenes most of the time forecast a fast pace of the opening sequence. They are often used to grab the viewer’s attention and usually seen in action movies. The chase/action scenes might help to introduce the character, as well as to establish the genre of the movie.

14. Animation Animation either shows that the movie is a cartoon, or is used to show the unique and original manner of the movie. It can easily grab the viewer’s attention and in some cases, animations and real life scenes and intertwined throughout the whole movie, like in Who Framed Roger the Rabbit.

15. The End