Codes and Conventions of Film OpeningThere are some basic codes and conventions that film openings tend to have. Code and Convetions are followed by the audience to recognise the genre of the film and feel familier with the film. When these codes and conventions are however challenged many directors can be successful in doing that and some may fail tragecally effecting the film to a great extent.

Music and SoundProduction and Distribution IdentsGeneral Codes and Conventions

The narrative is setVoiceovers- if conventional for the genre Titles, Names of Cast and DirectorEstablishing Shots- to set the scene to the audience

The Production and Distribution Ident is crucial in launching the film opening. This is due to the company has a reputation which it has created over the years. If a specific company is producing or distributing the film than this may attract the audience more and spike their interest. This will be due the previous commercial successes it may have given.

Establishing Shots are key in setting the location of the film. This helps the audience know where the film will take place and which will be the prominent location where it is mostly set in. Establishing shots help the audience know where the character lives. The establishing scene from The Other Guys is set in New York. This is recognisable due to the iconic yellow taxis and the rich building connoting a rich infrastructure that can be seen.

Titles, Name of cast and Director are also important in letting the audience know who which characters will be played by which actor. As well that if the actor or director have already built a loyal fan base than the audience are likely to watch the film regardless of what the film is about just by hearing the actors name.

Music and Sound help make the opening sequence sharper and if soundtrack rights are brought to a well known artist this becomes another factor to go and watch the film.

Voiceovers do not need to be a part of all opening sequences however if they are they set the narrative aspect of the film opening or reveal information about the character that sets the film opening.

Narrative again is set by the pace of the film opening, the characters shown etc.

Typical Codes and Conventions shown in Romantic Comedies

Happy and Cheery music is used to connote the romance aspect of the films heavily. Voiceovers are used to introduce protagonist generally always a female oneCodes and Conventions used in Romantic Comedy genres are quite easy to tell apart and are very unique to the genre. They usually set the narrative quite well in the first 2 minutes of the opening.

There can be a flashback used to introduce a relationship or the lifestyle of the female protagonist. The film introduces from the start a female protagonist talking about love either a romantic interest or an ex. They are all generally looking for love. The lighting is usually saturated and bright connoting the happy and cheery tone of the film. Tend to be set in big cities e.g. New York, London, Paris etc.Codes and Conventions of Romantic Comedies

Bridget Jones Diary (2001) and While You Were Sleeping (1995) a great examples of using these codes and conventions in their films. While You Were Sleeping (1995) starts off with a voiceover to introduce the protagonist of the film as well as that happy, cheery music is used in the background. Establishing shots are used at the beginning to set the film in New York. The voiceover introduces her love interest and thats where the two minute opening finishes.

Bridget Jones Diary (2001) is an excellent romantic comedy film opening as it uses many codes and conventions I mentioned. It uses a voiceover to introduce the 30 something Bridget Jones living in London which uses establishing shots. Here I just discuss the brief codes and conventions of the films but they both use them to in order to set the narrative of the film.