A typical convention of an opening sequence is production and distribution logos, these are used so that the company can brand what they produce; these come prior the titles which play throughout the opening sequence. Titles play an important role as they give everyone credit who played an important role in the making of the film (such as the main character). Usually titles come in order of importance starting from the most crucial roles and ending with jobs that require less dedication. Other conventions from opening sequences are establishing shots, clues and a soundtrack, these all combine to establish a mood/theme so the audience can get a feel for the film. Establishing shots and extreme close ups hide the characters identity so the opening sequence leaves the audience guessing and only gives them clues. The soundtrack increases in volume and pace when a climax has been reached which adds suspense and excitement. The last convention is whether the sequence opens as equilibrium (with a mundane start) or disequilibrium (starting with a problem), ‘The Spiderwick Chronicles’ starts as disequilibrium with a rushed and panicked mood. I’ve used titles, copyright free sound and the paramount distribution clip within my opening sequence as well as an establishing shot of a cold, isolated field. My sequence opens with disequilibrium and shows clues that a girl is running away from danger by using dark, dull colours and fast cross cutting. The music was also eerie and sinister. As my chosen genre is thriller my group chose to add mystery to the storyline, especially in the opening sequence. We also included two main characters - the villain and a vunerable young girl.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
I’ve represented young, vulnerable girls who are unaware of the dangers when growing up. We also represented their friendships
within my opening sequence and how important it it. We have included a photo of both the teenage girls
together in the kitchen scene to show their close relationship and their happy
facial expressions highlighting the importance of friendship between young girls.
We also placed the camera behind some branches to give the impression that the villain was hiding. We represented the villain as disturbing but discrete, this describes the typical villian in a thriller because they are not normally revealed until the very end.
We also placed the camera behind some branches to give the impression that the villain was hiding. We represented the villain as disturbing but discrete, this describes the typical villian in a thriller because they are not normally revealed until the very end.
