Task 4: Purpose of Title Sequences

What is the purpose of a title sequence and film opening?

The purpose of a film opening has 3 purposes

•  Sets the mood for the entire film
•  To draw in the audience to continue watching 
•  State the ownership of the film and show whose in it

The common conventions of a film opening

• Characters 

In most opening sequences it gives us an idea of who is the main character and other characters that are featured. Most film openings have either a close up or medium long shot of the main character to show us that is the main star. One film that took a different approach is 'Hostage' which didn't show us the main character but instead showed us a character that has something to do with the main character. This is an example of an implied reference.

• Title of film 

The title of films in opening sequences are usually shown 30 seconds into the film. They are usually subtle and easy to read and it is shown seamlessly. It is usually bright and easy to read from the background so the audience can easily read it which usually lasts for roughly 5 seconds.

• Indent 

One thing that nearly every film has in common is the film institution which shows us who owns the film. This is usually the first thing the audience see's by doing this will help with the film company for example; if someone enjoys the movie they will research there company to look at there other films. On the other hand skyfall did not have an indent this is because the film is very well known and it is always the same company that makes the film so there is no need. 

• Credits 

Opening credits are shown at the very beginning and list the most important members of the production. They are now usually shown as text superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in the show with non-diegetic music.

• Sets a theme and atmosphere 

The film openings set the mood and atmosphere in many ways. They way which most films create a atmosphere and set a theme is by using non-diegetic music. In most films the choice of non-diegetic helps add more emotion and feeling and it contrasts with the film genre. An example of a film that used non-diegetic music is Juno; the music played in the film was a eccentric folk song. The lyrics in the song related to them film which talked about a young girls relationship and about love.

Skyfall used synergy which is the interaction or cooperation of two or more organisations  substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. In skyfall they used one of Adele's songs which was played throughout the opening. This has dual benefits for the artist and the film. The song used created a dramatic atmosphere.

I think the opening to Forest Gump was particularly good because it did the three things which a film opening should do which is

1.  Sets the mood for the entire film
2.  To draw in the audience to continue watching 
3.  State the ownership of the film and show whose in it

In the beginning of Forest Gump it showed us the ident which showed the audience who owns the film and has full rights of it. Then what we see is is a feather which is floating around at this stage there is non-diegetic music which is calm and subtle, i think it was very good because as the feather was moving around the audience gets to see the surroundings and location of the film and sets the tone of the film. As the feather is floating around the city we see the opening credits to which shows us the important people in the production and film. Later on we see the title 'Forest Gump' which is shown seamlessly. Then after a few seconds of floating the feather ends its journey and fall on to someones pair of trainers which we find out is the main character. we get a good look at what the main character is wearing which is a suit and has a small compact suitcase which the audience will think he is from the army because this is wear this skill is used. Next we see him put the feather in a book and then it goes on to the next scene.