For our coursework we were tasked with creating an opening sequence to a new film lasting approximately two minutes. Before we even considered filming or planning the film, we needed to research opening sequences in order to identify the typical conventions within them. In almost every opening sequence there is a visual reference made to the production and distribution company, so they can gain publicity from the film that they have obviously produced/distributed. Additionally, there is also often an establishing shot which gives the audience a clear view of the location that the film takes place in so they can build up a picture of what will occur throughout the film. As well as this, we also see the use of titles very frequently, which are used so as the crew and cast members can have their contribution to the film shown so they can gain some recognition for their part in the production. Titles generally start with the stars, and then the less known actors, and then once it shows the crew members, it starts with the less important contributors and ends with the important ones like the director. Furthermore there are also many shot types, but in particular close ups are used to provoke the audience into asking questions about specific objects. We used this in our opening sequence by having close ups of various objects such as a Doctor Who 'Dalek' figure, which connotes a geeky theme which relates tot he character.After carrying out this research into opening sequences, we decided to go with the genre of sci-fi thriller focusing around computers, technology and more specifically 'hacking'. We called our film 'L337', as it is a gaming term and appeals to technology savvy audiences who are our target audience.
In terms of shot types, as aforementioned close ups are used to provoke a response from the audience and get them asking questions as to what relevance specific objects have to the story line as a whole, and what they could indicate is going to happen. In the film 'The Matrix' they use various close ups of computer equipment which helps the audience to identify the genre of the film and what they should expect later in the film, such as close ups of the computer mouse/keyboard which indicates that technology plays a strong part in the film. Additionally, low-key lighting is also used a lot to keep the dark, mysterious/anonymous feel to it. We used this in our film in order to promote the anonymity of the characters, and keep an eerie feel to it as the entire film is based around tense criminal activity (hacking).
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
In our opening sequence we chose to go with just one character, who is a male and in terms of the 'geeky' theme, the character doesn't exactly fill the typical criteria. We did this personally to create a contrast within the genre, and make a point of anonymity, that anybody can be a hacker or commit a crime when they're hidden/anonymous. The character is also wearing dark clothes to stick to the thriller convention, and to highlight the fact that he is a criminal and a shady character. However in the opening sequence the character is originally shown to be innocent, and we later find out he is forced to commit the hacking crime. With this, we chose to show only his face and his hands (typing) in order to let the audience build up a picture of the character, and to be able to relate to what is happening to him, as it could happen to anybody. This is typical of a film like this, as the main character who is in a dilemma is often developed in order to get the audience behind him and supporting him on his journey.When we framed our shots we made sure that we never uncovered more than one part of the characters features so that we could keep some anonymity about him, we also used lots of close ups so that we see specific features which need to be shown. For example, we have close ups of the character typing very fast, and lots of lines of code appearing on the screen which shows he is computer savvy. Conversely, we also used low angle shots in order to show his vulnerability once he falls into a dilemma which contrasts with the initial shots.
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