8. Research into FILM OPENING CONVENTIONS

Read and watch the resources for Types and conventions of film openings below in this post.

Write a post with a mindmap that summarises all the conventions and types of film openings in general. You can use Popplet app or any other platform you wish.

- Based on this research, is there a type of opening you think you would like to create this year?

- Can you name at least 3 differences between a film opening and a Tv Series opening?

Film Opening

def.

A title sequence (also called an opening sequence, intro or film opening) is the method by which films or television programmes present their title and key production and cast members, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound.

Types of Film Openings & Conventions:

Definition:

In a motion picture, television program or video game, the opening credits or opening titles 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. There may or may not be accompanying music. When opening credits are built into a separate sequence of their own, the correct term is title sequence (such as the familiar James Bond and Pink Panther title sequences).

A title sequence (also called an opening sequence or intro) is the method by which films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound. It typically includes (or begins) the text of the opening credits, and helps establish the setting and tone of the program. It may consist of live action, animation, music, still images, and/or graphics.

RESEARCH CONVENTIONS of FILM OPENINGS:

Watch this short youtube video presenting the main types of film openings that exist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dejR8KRiWR0

Then, look on www.artofthetitle.com and pick one opening that you like. Identify what type of film opening it is and what elements it contains (usually in this order):

• studio logo/name, vanity card*-There may be a vanity card which is an animation sequence of the studio name and logo, used to brand the what they produce ,

• production's company and director's name: "in association with" or "A (studio name) production." "a film by (name)" "a (name) film"

• Starring principal actors and Film title (reversible=could be the other way around)

• Other featuring actors and Casting/by - casting director

• Music - composed/original score by

• Production Designer - set, costumes, hair, makeup, sound recording, visual effects

• Editor,

• Director of Photography

• Producer/produced by/executive producer/co-producer - Often next-to-last opening credit, just before the director

• Based on - book/play/tv series/film. Written by

• Director

Look also for:

• themes,

• issues,

• references to plot/story,

• setting location

• emphasis on characters/production company

(*A production logo, vanity card, vanity plate, or vanity logo is a logo used by movie studios and television production companies to brand what they produce and to determine the production company and the distributor of a television show or film.)

Key terms: Opening sequence• Title sequence• Teaser• Billing – top billing• Titles/Credits• Film title• Film credit• Opening credits• End credits

Film Terms Glossary: https://www.filmsite.org/filmterms.html

+++Bonus - explore all these resources below to have a better understanding of film openings:

• http://nofilmschool.com/2012/04/movie-movie-art-title-design

• http://nofilmschool.com/2013/03/opening-titles-film-before-the-film

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZhFtd1QZWc

• https://film.avclub.com/bold-type-13-opening-credits-sequences-better-than-the-1798234895

• https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/10/the-art-of-the-film-title-throughout-cinema-history/

• https://www.blenderguru.com/tutorials/how-to-create-a-professional-logo-animation