Features of an Opening Sequence

We have chosen to film an Opening Sequence for our Media Coursework; however we understand that these particular types of sequence follow a certain format and contain features which make them distinguishable from other clips from a film. An opening sequence is the building block for the rest of a film and therefore must:

• introduce and establish the main character/s of the film,
• establish the setting for the film; this is done via establishing shots or narrative devices, (e.g. voice over) which also create a direct connection to the audience,
• introduce any themes linked to the ideology of the film as well as demonstrate certain conventions of that genre, which then leads to...
• set up of audience expectations through media language and film style,
• and finally, create a sense of equilibrium (which will be disrupted later) and create enigmas about the initial routine of the characters, in order to keep the viewer interested.