What is an opening sequence?

A opening sequence usually includes Structure, Presentation of titles, Order and importance of titles, Narrative structure, Genre codes, Conventions and Purpose. The structure is the use of frames that bring the scene together, it allows the audience to visualisation the order of the story. The presentation of titles should be eye catching so the audience acknowledge the cast and credit their hard work. However usually something else will be happening in the background to keep the credits interesting. The order of the titles shows the importance. As the main director is displayed first with the writer, then the headlining actors and then the likes of the co-producers. This shows the audience who has more power over the film and who has pre-sold the audience. In an opening sequence usually we see the stasis of where the film is set, what era and what genre. The trigger usually happens after; so not a lot is given away in the opening sequence it is merely an introduction. Usually we are able to

decipher the genre within the first 10 seconds of the opening, the genre codes allow us to do this. For example a comedy would make you laugh, or it would have a comedic tone. This is a juxtaposition to The Dark Knight Rises; as the codes build suspense and thrills the audience. The conventions and purpose of a opening sequence should include the title of the production, important cast and some sort of interlude which interacts with the audience.