Talking Titles

OCR Media Studies Main Task

Video:• Main task: Create the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to

last a maximum of two minutes.

Note: All video and audio material must be original, produced by the candidate(s), with the exception of music or audio effects from a copyright-free source.

OCR Media Studies Main Task

Film Openings:

What is a Film Opening?

Why is a film opening so important?

OCR Media Studies Main Task

Film Openings:

The purpose of a film opening is to entice the audience into carrying on watching a film. A film opening should also establish characters and genre.

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:• A film opening should grab your attention from the opening frame, • The opening should tell us the genre of the film & the setting or location • The opening may tell us one of the storylines of the movie to keep the viewers watching and to give the audience a taster of the narrative. • The opening should include many different techniques, from catchy

music to fast paced editing. • The most important element to a good opening is the element of

suspense

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Types of film opening. Flashback• A scene that the narrative back in time usually to a

key event for a couple of minutes or the whole movie.

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Types of film opening. Planning of landscape/establishing shot. This is used to set the scene and inform the audience where the film is taking place..

Example: the Shining

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Types of film opening.Narrations Easy and effective way of getting the audience involved straight away. Technique used to give background information on what has been happening or who the characters are, giving the audience an insight so the rest of the film make sense.

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Types of film opening.Action scene A fast paced opening to a film attracts the audience straight away and will make them want to carry on watching. As well it automatically shows the genre of the film if included in the opening.

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Types of film opening.Chase scene Similar to the action scene, also catches the audiences attention. It involves them as they will want to see what happens after the chase.

Example: Fast and Furious 6

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Requirements.Production Logos

At the start of most films they will always show the production or distribution logos. If the film has a high budget the logo will be adapted to reflect the genre and story line of the film.

OCR Media Studies Main TaskProduction Logos

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Requirements.Title sequence

All films have title scenes too, these show the cast and production team for the films. The titles can be a way of building up suspense and can show the genre of the film.

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Seven Title sequence

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Requirements.

Narrative content

This includes the context (Where/when/who). As well the pace of the narrative increases as level of engagement increases

Example Sin City (2005) Example Sherlock Holmes (A Game of Shadows)

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Requirements.

Some directors prefer to have an unconventional opening to portray a sense of mystery or giving the film an artistic edge.E.g. Lack of credits, Lack of establishing shot, Main characters are not introduced.

OCR Media Studies Main Task

Examples

Kill Bill (Vol. 1)

James Bond Quantum of Solace

Legend

Black Swan

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Requirements.

Soundtrack

This is the use of tone, volume, and tempo, which will generically start quiet and slow-paced.

OCR Media Studies Main Task (Video option)

• Prepare a detailed textual analysis on your chosen film opening

OCR Media Studies Main TaskFilm Openings:

Other examples Birdman Star Wars - Opening Scene (1977)PsychoThe MatrixShaun of the DeadDawn of the DeadTrainspottingBridesmaids?Bad teacherPretty Woman

ScreamGetting That GirlThe Good the Bad and the UglyReservoir DogsQuantum of SolaceThe Woman in Black Dumb and Dumber