RESEARCH - The Structure Of FIlm Openings

There are three prominent types of film openings, most films, including Thrillers will follow one of these three basic structures to introduce the film.

Narrative Opening

When the opening of a film includes titles super imposed or inter-cut in to the scene as if they are a part of the scene. The font style, size, positioning in the frame and the way it is edited in plays a part in creating a certain mood, along side the mise-en-scene of the opening and the sound used.

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Discrete Title Sequence

Sequences that are separately edited so that they stand apart from the story line and action of the film. They may bear some relation to the setting or atmosphere of the entire film, and contain elements from the film which are indicators to the plot, however do not contribute to the story line. 

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Credits over a blank screen

Credits are simply places over a blank screen, they bear no relation to the story line or characters, they are just included to inform us. The narrative opening will then follow.

Stylized editing

The editing is very sophisticated an uses many different media techniques to create a startling opening that will definitely be memorable. It takes a lot of time and effort to create an effectively stylized opening. 

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