What is an opening sequence

What is an opening sequence?

An opening sequence is a series of important shots which are put together at the beginning of the film. They are used to introduce the film and to help give a small insight into the film and what it may include and its genre; however not giving all the details away. It may hint to the audience what may happen within the film, what the film could be about, what are the genres of the film and much more.
Wikipedia described and opening sequence as: “A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound. It usually follows but should not be confused with the opening credits, which are generally nothing more than a series of superimposed text.” The opening sequence as Wikipedia described it is used also to show who the main characters of the film are. By introducing the main characters of the film, it can encourage audience to want to carry on watching the film as they may be able to identify with them or relate with the situations they are in. Key production skills are used as well to introduce the film within the opening sequence; these include the title of the film, the main actors and/or actresses names and institutional references. All of these help to introduce and create the mood of the film. For example the colour, font and positioning of the titles can help to show the genre, if it was a thin font with pointed ends, and a red colour it shows the sense of a horror film.
The main idea of an opening sequence is to make the audience want to carry on watching the film. To do this the media industry must use many techniques to make their opening sequence appealing. They should use different types of camera angles, shots and movements to create an engaging opening series of shots to entice the audience and make them wanting to know what will happen. Also use diegetic sound to help the audience to understand what may be going on and non-diegetic sound to help create the atmosphere of the film. Media industries should also use font, colour and positioning of text to engage the audience’s attention. By using all of techniques mentioned, these well you can entice the audience to want to carry on watching the film.