Some key elements of a film opening sequence are establishing Setting – This is a very simple feature which can draw the audience in and give them an insight into where the film is set, and some clues into the plot and narrative of the story. This can be done with an establishing shot – not only will it give the audience view into the setting, it can also provide important context about the characters and further details about the film. Mis-en-scene – A French term which means “place on stage”. This is vital with in a scene, everything captured in a frame is put there for a reason, and used for representing emotion and setting the mood. From an audiences perspective we get a sense of the authenticity and feel for the film, which is what all opening sequences should obtain. This is one of the most important features of the movie which entices us to watch on. The certain costumes of what characters wear could tell the viewer more about the period it was set in, or the beginning of action/ events which are about to take place. Representing Genre- Something so simple, but hard to execute. Without revealing too much during the opening sequence, you still have to establish genre in some way, so the audience know what sort of film they are about to watch. By using genre conventions, they can suggest the narrative and story line and give us an insight for what is to come further into the film. We as an audience decide what type of movie we choose to watch, and if the opening doesn’t give us that, we zone out or choose to stop watching. Cinematography- Nowadays, the way you present the footage is just as important as the content. How it appears visually is very important when creating an opening sequence. By making it aesthetically pleasing we as an audience will become induced into the film because it meets our needs. The majority of viewers choose what genre to watch, already having a basic concept on the narrative and plot – however if the film appears to be ‘low budget’ it almost ruins the whole experience. That is why it is just as vital as all these other features when it comes to filming my own sequence. In conclusion all these elements are key towards the creation of a ‘good’ opening scene. When it comes to the planning and practical work for the course, I will try my best to include all these factors and take them into close consideration. The opening of a film scene has a large influence upon the desired genre of a film. The opening of the film is where key techniques such as iconography are used, this is where certain objects are used to indicate the genre of the film. The purpose of this is to build tension and structure of a film in relation to what genre it is. For example a horror film will use a non-diegetic audio and a high tempo piano audio to build tension and fear. Another purpose for a film opening is to entice the audience into carrying on watching the film. Some conventions of a film openings are flashback- a scene that the narrative back in time usually to a key event for a couple of minutes or the entire opening scene, Planning of landscape/establishing shot- this is used to set the scene and inform the audience where the scene is being taken, Title sequence- All films have title sequences, these show the cast and production team for the film. The titles can be a way of building up suspense, Soundtrack- This is the use of tone, volume and tempo which will generically quiet and slow-paced.
My first genre is Sci-Fi
Visual Elements- While science is a major element of this genre, many movie studios take significant liberties with scientific knowledge. Such liberties can be most readily observed in films that show spacecraft maneuvering in outer space . The vacuum should preclude the transmission of sound or maneuvers employing wings, yet the sound track is filled with inappropriate flying noises and changes in flight path resembling an aircraft banking. The film makers, unfamiliar with the specifics of space travel , focus instead on providing acoustical atmosphere and the more familiar maneuvers of the aircraft.
Similar instances of ignoring science in favor of art can be seen when movies present environmental effects. Entire planets are destroyed in titanic explosions requiring mere seconds, whereas an actual event of this nature would likely take many hours.Auditory Elements- When it comes to world building, most of us think about settings, creatures, and places. When honing in on the creatures aspect of creating with our words, often times we will resort to describing how something looks to the reader, the famous ‘show don’t tell’ ideology. However, sometimes you can really add to a creature by describing the sounds it makes. Think about it. Many people were fascinated by the sounds of a dinosaur, or rather, what they could sound like. But we don’t have to look to the past to find eerie, or positively gorgeous sounds for our fantasy creatures. There are some sounds you might have never heard before that might work for the menagerie of mythical creatures in your world as well. This article is going to explore some of those sounds, and what sort of creature they could possibly be used for.
Character development- Some science fiction authors create richly detailed worlds and universes, where characters are merely present to move the story along. In such stories, the development of the universe in which the story unfolds is the focus.
Plot introduction- Science fiction story characteristics are defined by a process wherein SF authors seek to extend scientific principles into a scientifically acceptable fictional plot-line. This means that the author must examine past, present and future scientific concepts with regards to a simple question: What If? Great science fiction stories craft the “what if” concept into a believable story-line that enables sci-fi readers an enjoyable journey into a world wherein new science fiction possibilities are depicted as practical science fact. It’s a journey of exploration as well as excitement, experimentation as well sensory experience and educational as well as entertaining. By effectively incorporating believable science fiction story characteristics into a SF “what if” plot-line, a great sci-fi plot expands scientific research and discovery without compromising the fundamentals of great storytelling. How well the science fiction writer integrates sci-fi characteristics into the SF plot-line defines the quality of the story.
Representation- Usually shows a hero defeating some kind of extraterrestrials(aliens) that is being portrayed as the villian trying to invade earth.
My second genre is horror
Visual elements- Most horror films include graphic scenes of intense gore. These elements typically feature violence caused by humans, monsters or supernatural beings. Horror movies typically feature a torture, murder or revenge theme that concludes in visually "horrific" scenes.
Auditory elements- Sound is a vital ingredient in selling the horror of horror films. It can make unbelievable (or hastily made) monsters feel that much more real and sell us on all manner of unthinkable, spine-tingling scenarios. One of the most successful, and the most common, auditory tropes in horror is the use of a loud sound after a prolonged period of silence – the so-called “jump scare.”
Character Development- As for making characters more real: The emotions and reasons behind a character’s actions and interactions lie in the psychology of character development. Give your character a backstory, an outlook on life, a personality type, and a motivator. All these items create a depth that is hard to find in most horror stories.
Plot Introduction - The oldest and strongest human emotion is fear. It is embedded in people since time began. It was fear that
initiated the establishment of faith and religion. It was the fear of unknown and mysterious phenomena, which
people could not explain otherwise than via impersonating a high power, which decides their fates. To every
unexplainable phenomenon they attributed a character, human or inhuman, which they associated with
supernatural skills and invincible power. And since the human imagination knows no limits, a wide scale of
archetypal characters have been created, such as gods, demons, ghosts, spirits, freaks, monsters or villains. Stories
and legends describing their insurmountable power started to spread about them. Despite the fact by the
development of science many so far incomprehensible phenomena have been explained, these archetypes and
legends are still being used in literature and other branches of art. Three genres are based on fear and imagination:
science fiction, fantasy and horror, which together form a so-called fantastic triangle. It is why they so often
overlap and enrich themselves.
Representation- HERO • Very much a male, masculine, alpha male figure. Although they have tended to be female in post-modern films, Non-Believer Portrayed as very cocky and overconfident, Convinces other characters that they’re overreacting and often end up killed first OR faces the reality of the plot. Blonde Female Victim Portrayed as very weak and vulnerable and requires protection and are young and attractive and often blonde. Loved up couple, A relationship between two characters who are all over each other
My third genre is Drama
Visual Elements- Visual Element While the dialog and music are the audible aspects of drama, the visual element deals with the scenes, costumes, and special effects used in it. The visual element of drama, also known as the spectacle, renders a visual appeal to the stage setup. The costumes and makeup must suit the characters.
Auditory Elements- Dialogue is the speeches and words within the play. It represents the substance to which the plot exists, or the means through which the play plot is communicated to the audience. A character’s thoughts have to be communicated to the audience through dialogue. Thus, dialogue is the main means through which the story of the plot or play is delivered. In addition, the exposition of the play is delivered through the dialogue between the characters. The characters normally will be acting according to the dialogue they give, with each word chosen for each character appropriately. Dialogue also serves to determine the play, since, with a tragic play; the dialogue will use a serious tone, while a comic play will use funny words and dialogue to evoke laughter. Thus, each word used by the characters further contributes to the intended effect on the audience as well as delivery of the message.
Character Development- Drama film is a genre that relies on the emotional and relational development of realistic characters. While Drama film relies heavily on this kind of development, dramatic themes play a large role in the plot as well. Often, these dramatic themes are taken from intense, real life issues.
Plot Introduction- Exposition could occur through out the play as more and more is revealed as the play progresses. The conflict is the clashing forces between which characters have to take sides, especially what the protagonist and antagonist differ. The conflict could be between anything such as man vs. animal, nature vs. groups, among other types of conflicts. The climax is the point at which an event has to take one side, usually the most emotionally evoking moment. This shows a turning point of the story and does not necessarily mean the highest point of action problem and having to solve .
Representation- Tension can represent drama, Characters are always faced with problem in dramas and forced to solve it.
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