Conventions of Film Openings

The purpose of a film opening is to entice the audience into watching the film. It should also introduce the characters, set the scene and give information. This can be done with things such as:

• Flashbacks: A convention I find particularly interesting. A flashback to a significant event that may be refered back to later on in the film. It may be confusing to the audience at first as they have no other knowledge of the film, but it will make sense later on in the film. Flashbacks often hook the audience as they want to know exactly what the event was, why it is significant, and how it ties in with the rest of the story.
• Planning of landscape: A good way to set the scene and introduce the audience to the film and where it is set. It may make the viewer feel as if they are almost part of the film, because they have and insight into exactly where it is set
• A narration: An effective way to introduce the characters and storyline quickly. It entices the audience because once they get a snippet of what the film is about, and once they feel they know a bit about the characters, they will usually want to continue watching the film.
• Action/chase scene: This is a good way to start the film if you want a fast-paced opening that throws the audience straight into the story and the action it entails. It will hook the audience into the film as they're witnessing action/drama right from the start, and won't get bored.
• Production company logo: At the start of most films there will usually be the logo of the production company that produced the film. If the film has a high enough budget or is a franchise film, the logo may be adapted to reflect the theme of the film.
• Title sequence: Title sequences are important conventions of film openings. They can be simple, with just titles appearing in plain text on the screen, or they can be very creatively done with animation used.

Production company logo opening for The Matrix: