RESEARCH - Conventions of a film opening

One convention of a film opening is music. The type of music that features in the opening film is vital. If a fast paced, exciting song plays in the opening of a movie, it will set an exciting, fun mood. Where as if you was to play a slow, melancholy song, it will set a dark, depressing mood or tone. Therefore music is important in order to establish moods, tones and themes of the film.

Another convention of a film opening is the introduction of main characters. The people that appear in the opening are usually the main protagonists. This is important for the audience to establish the main characters etc. The opening also gives a teaser of what the plot of the film may be, engaging them mentally, providing the audience with a hook, encouraging the audience to continue watching.

The opening of a film establishes the genre in which it belongs to. If the audience see guns, knives and a fight they will establish that the genre is action. It may also set the location in which the film is set.

Another convention that may be included in the opening of a film is a title sequence. This provides the audience with the names of actors, the director/s, the producer/s, casting team etc etc. It is usually ordered in the following; Producers Ident, Distributor Ident, Stars/Cast, Director.