Conventions of an Opening Sequence

The target audience for Toy Story is 3-18 year olds. I know this because while the setting of many different toys coming alive may seem childish, because of how long this series has been going on, the older viewers are aimed at by the company by taking advantage of their nostalgia.

Video created by Alistair Grimsell

The target audience for Easy A is 15-18 year olds. This is because it centres around a teen high-school girl and the rumours about her. I know this because in the first two minutes of the film a large portion of the setting is established and the main character takes camera centre. From this we can identify the age of the main characters and therefore who the film is aimed at.

I have learnt that in my opening scenes I need to include:

• The setting should be made clear to the audience
• Main characters requires close ups to show their importance
• Some of the themes for the film should be made obvious

Coming of Age Films Timeline

From this task I have learnt that coming of age films throughout history have the following codes and conventions:

• A lesson must be learned, but does not need to be by the main protagonist.
• The main protagonist, whom the film centres must be under, or equal to, 18 years old.
• There doesn't need to be a distinctive antagonist.
• Romance can be prominent but is not a necessary genre.
• The protagonist has, but is not restricted to, two side-kicks that help them out. They can be best friends at the start, or the movie is a bonding experience between them.
• The title is funny and/or quirky.

Film Opening Observations Mind-map

Jersey Boys Fury

I have learnt that opening sequences have the following codes and conventions:

• The title fades into view or is made from part of the scenery.
• The genre is set, along with the general mood of the film.
• In some of the heavier films narration is used to set the plot.
• The date is shown as text on screen as part of the exposition.
• The director as part of the opening credits is always last.
• Names and relationships are established.