Research:What Makes An Effective Opening?

There are two very important areas which should be studied in detail when looks at film openings. Micro and Macro.

Macro include genre features such as; iconogrpahy (props), setting, themes, characters (antagonist and protagonist) and narrative features. A typical starting to a horror film will show the antagonist kill and extra or a montser fodder. The protagonist is usually then introduced to try and 'restore peace' or 'get revenge' on the antagonist. In the opening sequence also needs to have a hook to keep the viewer watching. For exmple, the antagonist may not be introduced until later in the film, so the audience from the start will be interested in how the film will evolve.





The Micro features of the film is the more technical side to the film. For example, these features include; camera angles and editing.





The camera angles and editing can play a big part in ensuring that the film comes aross as a horror. The camera angles can make the footage seem more horrific. E.g. Handheld shots can make the characters seem worried and scared. This could give a sense that the character is in danger. Also fast oaced editing can make the character seem more agitated and add extra action to the film.

To see how these have been used, I have analysed 2 openings to films. I will look at the micro and macro features of these openings.

(link to picture http://screenrant.com/ouija-board-film-brad-fuller-benk-56553/)