TASK EIGHTEEN: Use of opening sequence conventions

We believe that we stuck to the typical opening sequence conventions that we mentioned in task two after analysing different opening sequences of Hollywood blockbusters.


We included our production company logo animation which we put at the start of our opening sequence (which was also used in Forrest Gump for example). Our production logo specifically shows the horror genre which will notify the audience before they watch the sequence that it is going to be horror. As well as allowing them to acknowledge that our group made the project.



Another typical opening sequence convention is title credits. We included ours after the first 20 seconds this is mainly because the beginning is where the most of the fear is created with the fast pace cuts and camera shot. We did not want the audience to get distracted from this and not acknowledge the credits. Therefore we put it during the section where Claire is putting on her shoes as it is not that distracting and key for the audience to miss. The names and roles of our team and the actresses fade in and out.



Although sometimes shown at the end of a film, or right at the beginning, we wanted to show the name of our opening sequence at the end of our opening sequence right after the climax. This is because our production is only an opening sequence and the audience needs to know the name of it so that they look forward to the rest of the film, even though this project only required an opening sequence. We also did this right after the climax of Claire screaming at her brothers dead body to add to the fear and shock that the audience experience. Whilst the title comes up the added dramatic music (typically used in trailers) additionally creates an emphasis on the cliffhanger that the audience are left with.


Throughout our opening sequence we incorporated enigma codes to keep the audience engaged in the plot and the whole sequence. For example, this shot is a high angle shot showing Kate being dragged away. The audience form the start of the opening sequence does not know what or why Kate is running. This creates tension and leaves the audience wanting to find out more.









This is another example of enigma code we used. The enigma code used here is why is Claire picking up a watch and why does she look confused
The second shot reveals to audience that this was Kate's watch and that it has a more meaningful value than just a watch.










We used different music and sound effects throughout at appropriate times. However, most of our opening sequence uses the instrumental track 'Dark Underworld' as non-diegtic music, this was chosen because it creates tension and suits the horror theme created.