Preliminary Task

This video shows that my group are able to make use of the 180 degree rule, in which we keep the camera position within a 180 degree field.

We also show that we can make use of a match on action, in which we cut from one shot to another shot in order to depict an action taken by the subject in the first shot.

Finally, you can also see how we make full use of shot reverse shot, in which an editing technique in which it continually shows, for example, two people talking to each other, with a shot of one talking then a reverse shot of the other talking. We had to make sure that it tied in with the 180 degree rule so that the audiences sense of location is not messed up.

This scene shows a conversation being held with these 3 camera techniques being fully employed.

Mise-en-scene: pub setting

Due to the fact that the game of darts is traditionally played in a pub by amateur players, the opening scene could start in a pub, which could be the start of a journey for our main character, much like Cliff in the film Blackball. we will ask permission to film in a pub and then proceed to make use of their establishment by setting up the cameras. we will need to film in a pub with a dart board. we could use a panning shot to show the atmosphere within the  pub, then focus on the main character playing darts.

inspiration for my Opening Sequence

My group have decided that we will create an opening sequence to a comedy on darts. This is due to one of the group members being a darts player. We have gained inspiration from the movie BlackBall, which was made in 2003. This film takes a British sport, much like darts, and creates an interesting twist into it. For instance, Paul Kaye plays the main character, who is unorthodox in how he plays bowls. He then slowly becomes accepted and eventually, in the end of the film he becomes the hero of the film.

What makes a good Opening Sequence?

The opening must catch your attention and make you want to watch the rest of the film.

The opening should tell us the genre of the film.

The opening should create an ambience of suspense in order to keep the viewer hooked.

New market in darts films

After much research into the thriller genre of films, i heave found a plethora of thriller films, covering different aspects within the heading of what makes a thriller. This would make our film less unique and furthermore, seen as conforming to the majority of films in the current market of thrillers, as there is little opportunity for diversification. Therefore, after much discussion with my group about the matter, we have decided to create a film relating to darts, which will contain a comedic element in order to entertain the masses. this movie will be unique as there are none like it regarding the theme of darts, so hopefully that will mean that the unique style will attract plenty of viewers.

Thriller sub-genres

Disaster thriller

This sub-genre of thriller usually revolves around a small amount of people's fight for survival against a natural disaster such as a tsunami or earthquake. It can occasionally be a man made disaster such as a nuclear war. These particular films make the viewers wonder what will happen to mankind if these disasters were actually to happen. Occasionally human conflict within the film as a microcosm for the disaster as a whole.

Supernatural thriller

This sub-genre of thriller adds an element of the supernatural into the mix as the antagonist, which presents the characters in which the film is based around a challenge to overcome. A lot of the time, there is a character with supernatural gifts that play the pivotal role in the film as it allows them to overcome the supernatural element.

Conspiracy thriller

This sub genre of thriller usually consists of a hero and a large organization. The hero then usually finds evidence of the organization keeping sinister secrets, such as a number of killings. The hero then strives to bring these lies to the surface and bring down the organization. These films usually play on good versus evil, with good prevailing over the latter.


Crime thriller

The combination of crime and thriller creates a more suspenseful film, with a more gripping account of crimes. These films usually focus on the criminals and can usually start with the end of the story, accounting on how events led up to the point of the crime. Action takes the main stage to the films to grip the audience. 

Task analysis

	Our task is to create a two minute clip for an opening sequence to a movie   It must not re-create another film but must have a storyline and comply to my preliminary task

Step Up Revolution Opening Sequence

This opening sequence is useful in hinting to the audience that the flash-dancing that is taking place is not allowed, as it not only focuses on characters faces looking around in a shifty way, but it also shows the camera hidden in the fruits. as well as this, it reveals to the audience that the film is about street dancers called the mob, due to the spray painted glass having the tag 'the mob' on it and also includes flash mobs. this also further backs up my point that this form of dancing is not allowed in the film, which suggests to the audience a sense of rebelling to society, which could be a theme within  the film. As well as this, it reveals some main characters within the film as they are the first characters who talk together and also dance with the rest of the dancers.  

The opening also clearly sets the film up as a dance genre of film, due to the focus on dancing on the opening sequence. the fact that the video camera is shown in the sequence also hints to the audience that the dancers want to portray a message to the wider public, possibly against society. The opening sequence doesn't, however, tell the audience why they start dancing and also leaves the audience with little intelligence on the character background.  also, it reveals to the audience that the film is about street dancers called the mob, due to the spray painted glass having the tag 'the mob' on it and also includes flash mobs. this also further backs up my point that this form of dancing is not allowed Aswell as this, it doesn't let you know where the film is set and only shows a sunny setting.

 This opening sequence could also show a wider range of characters of the film as the last Step up films have generally had a larger range of characters, which is not shown within this Opening sequence, which leaves a lot to do within the Opening. There is also not a lot of special effects used which could otherwise get a viewer more hooked on the film and put them in a good mood before the film was actually finished. This opening makes reference to equality amongst people as all are together dancing as one group. 

Catch Me if You Can Opening Title Sequence

This opening title sequence makes a different approach to an opening sequence, with the use of animation used throughout the sequence, with no appearance of a, actual person. This therefore separates this movie from the crowd of other movies from the outset. As well as this, the animations are based on themes within the film, such as airports and also undercover cops, along with high-heeled women that are toned in order to give the viewer an insight of what is going to happen within the movie. The credits also are related to each clip, and are not an eye sore to the viewer, which would otherwise put the viewer off of the movie before it even starts. The act of a figure being chased and acting covertly also indicates to the viewer another theme within the movie, with the act of a character running from the law prevalent, as well as giving a thrill to the viewer as to whether or not he will be caught. The absence of dialog also allows the viewer to wonder as to what the characters would actually do and say in that situation, which in turn makes the viewer intrigued to watch on. The music is also very suspenseful with the high tones and that in turn relates to the highly suspenseful film. 

Zombieland Opening Sequence

This Opening Sequence gives a slight back story of what happened before the film was set as it tells you how bad things got. As well as this, it also tells you where the film is set right at the start by showing the American flag on the black overturned car. Although Jesse Eisenburg isn't shown in the opening scene, he is narrating, which gives the viewer an inclination to who the main character is. The Opening Sequence also tells the viewer of who died first and tells you the 'fat guys' died first, which therefore suggests that the genre is Comedy, which is supported in the slow motion section where various comedic scenes, such as the father-son three legged race. The Opening sequence also makes use of slow motion in order to let the audience enjoy their comedic undertones fully. The introduction of the rules also act as a unique selling point for the movie, leading to the audience wondering what the other rules not in the Opening Sequence are, leaving them hooked on the movie. The credits are offset from the center, which indicates that producer thought the actual opening is more important than telling you who stars, prioritising the film. However, the Opening Sequence does not reveal any of the vital characters visually, which could be viewed as a bad thing as the rest of the film has much to do to get the viewers to fully understand the film. It doesn't set up any of the vital characters back stories either, which could be seen as an important trait as it not only allows viewers to create a relationship with the characters, but also increases the chances of them viewing the films possible sequels.

Forrest Gump Opening Sequence

Forrest Gump is a 1994 Comedy-Drama film. I believe that this opening scene is simplistic, yet still a strong opening sequence as it sets the scene for the rest of the film. For instance, It shows Tom Hanks as the first actor to be focused on, which suggests that he is the main character. As well as this, it shows Tom Hanks waiting for a bus, which indicates to the audience that he is waiting to go somewhere, which is quite vague, but still sets the scene. This is supported by the fact that he has a present on his case, which supports the point that he is going somewhere to visit someone. As well as this, the music that is used, along with the slow feather being followed in freehand, sets a calm, soothing tone, which therefore Suggests that the film is a Comedy-Drama and not, for example, a Thriller. The way that the credits fade in and out not only backs up the fact that the opening has a soothing tone, but also suggests to the audience a theme of the film, which is loved ones coming in and then fading out of Forrest Gumps life, such as his mother or Jenny. The opening scene doesn't, however, show any other character in the scene, which leaves the viewers unclear of the overall plot of the film or the relationship between characters. As well as this, the scene does not tell the viewers or even give a clue to who Forrest Gump is waiting for. The opening scene also only shows one scene and does not, for example, show any time lapse or different scenes to show different characters, which is why this opening is quite vague.