The Conventions of Film Openings

Introduction of Key Characters:

Film openings tend to introduce the protagonists and gives a hint to what the movie and the character may be about. Here for example in the clip of the opening sequence of Kidulthood, you can see Trevor is looking suspicious as he possesses a gun in the school playground.

Establishes the Genre:

Another aspects of fim openings is it can show the audience the genre of the film and tells them what to expect from the film. In this case the opening scene of Sherlock Holmes gives the indication that Holmes is running away, whilst Watson is loading a gun, this instantly tells that the genre is an action and crime based film.

Set the Scene:
In this clip it show opening sequence of The Hangover, and immediately the scene is set with the preparation of a wedding due to the decor and props.
 

Carrying the Title sequence:

Another convention of film opening is the carrying of the title sequence. In Skyfall the texts of the film are floating in the water, in order to give an effect in the opening of the film.

 

Title of the Film:

The title of the film is a convention used to introduce the film, in this clip the Harry Potter title is shown in the start of the film.

Sets the atmosphere of the mood:
In Dark Knight the atmosphere of the mood is set wiht a blaze in the opening scenes, with a bank robbery taking place, people being killed and disaster being struck. This shows the atmosphere and the emotions are running high straight away.
 

Studio idents at the start:

Studio idents are always introduced before the the film begins to show the creators of the film. In the Simpsons Movie 20th Century Fox is known for the creation of the animated film.