Production Log Week Three

What have you learnt about opening sequences and title devices?

In this week we looked at the credits used and the positioning that they were found in an opening scene. For example we looked at panic room and the way they set out the credits, the typography they used, and where they placed the title. This opening scene uses still images which pan from left to right which include a bold, capitalised white font. The title was then the 9th credit to be shown, the use of credits and shots in the background created a lot of enigma for me as an audience as it set the location but you wonder why its set there and who will be invloved as we are not introudced to any characters. I also created a visual timeline of the opening scene to east is east, it included many credits and many shots which introduced most of the main characters and also set the location and atmosphere. However it still creates enigma as we dont know why the characters start running and why they are walking in a parade around the streets.

How will this inform your production?

From looking at the credits I feel like i now have a better understanding of what credits i should included in the opening and which ones i should leave out as they would be included at the end of a film. I also know where the title should be placed and what i will show in the opening sequence to grab the audiences attention and to make them want to watch the rest of the film. In my opening scene i will use shots to introduce the characters but make sure that the credits wont take away the focus that will be going on in the background by making them too big or positioning them right in the center of the shot.

What methods may you use in the opening and why?

In my opening i would probably use a smash mouth, as this will grab the audiences attention and creates a good atmosphere for the rest of the film. I think openings such as London to Brighton which used this convention made me want to watch the rest of the film and created a lot of mystery and enigma as i was unsure on who the girls were, why they look like theyve been beaten up and why the girl is sitting in the toilet while her mum is out. I think if i used a similiar opening i would be able to encourage my targeted audience to want to watch the rest of the film. I think i would also use subtle credits as if they are too extravagant and over sized it could take away the impact of the smash mouth.