Opening Sequence

An opening sequence is the start of a film or a TV show that gives the audience an introduction to the setting of the film, the characters involved and the key events. A opening sequence often uses continuity editing, without any cuts, to give the audience knowledge about what the film is about, such as the genre of the film, which will make the audience want to watch on. Likewise, it will pose a lot of questions during the opening sequence which will also make the audience want to watch on and find out what happens to them. It often shows the titles of the characters involved and the credits etc.

FIRST EXAMPLE:

One example of a good opening sequence is the film 'Se7en' as it brings the audience in and makes them want to watch on by the use of suspense and the unknown for the actors. By the use of sound, the music used gives the audience a suggestion of the genre thriller/drama, also gives suspense as the music sounds like it is leading up too something, making the audience want to watch on. Also the use of credits and titles used in the opening sequence creates a spooky atmosphere, and might suggest to the audience something that will happen later on in the film. The way the credits appear on the screen also gives the audience an impression of danger, as well as introducing the characters involved and where the film might be set.

SECOND EXAMPLE:
Another example of a good opening sequence is The Original Halloween made in 1978. It uses continuity editing which means there are no cuts. This makes the audience alert throughout and makes them want to watch on because it brings them closer in with the characters. It introduces the upcoming events by the use of sound effects and the way it causes suspense to bring the audience closer to the characters. It makes the audience want to watch on as it allows questions to be asked by the audience, such as, why he killed her? and where did the husband go? etc.

THIRD EXAMPLE:

Lastly, another example of a good opening sequence is the film Clueless. It uses montage editing, which shows a lot of short clips in a short amount of time. It lets the audience see the main characters, main events and introduces them to the setting while putting questions in their ahead as well as making them want to watch on. Also has a catchy song to introduce the show which lets the audience find out what the film is about, such as the genre of the film is a comedy.