Session 1

Film OpeningsSession 1

What’s the story?

Sunday, 22 November 15

Investigating Form

• What is the function of film title sequence?

• What are the macro conventions of film title?


Saul BassMaster of the title sequence


Before Bass:nearly all the credits were at

the start!


and the end was. . .

THE END!


after Saul Bass?

• the conventions changed

• title graphics are now an integral part of setting the audiences expectations.

• and . . . he made titles stylish!


Saul Bass showreel


Form

• Typically 2-4 minutes long

• At the start or after pre-title sequence

• Stand alone or integrated into an establishing sequence


Exceptions prove the rules

• No titles • Titles 20 minutes into the film


Main task:

the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes.


Research!

• start general (macro)

• then home in on the specifics (micro)

• make it focussed and relevant


Task A: The general! Macro Conventions


You need this:


Macro Features

• genre

• narrative (plot)

• character

• themes

• atmosphere


Film 1:Fill in the first column

Text

Aim for 100%


Form



• Stand alone or over a sequence


Macro Features

• genre


• character

• themes

• atmosphere


What did you score?


Film 1: What did you score?

Text20%0%20%35%25%

Napoleon


Film 2: Fill in the second column


Form





Macro Features

• genre


• character

• themes

• atmosphere


What did you score?



Text20%5%20%30%25%

Casino Royle


Film 3: Fill in the third column


Form





Macro Features

• genre


• character

• themes

• atmosphere



Text20%0%20%30%30%

Wedding Singer


Themes

95


Atmosphere

80


Genre

60


Character

60


Narrative (plot)

5


Introducing lots of complex narrative!

COMON MISTAKE !


Title sequence macro conventions:

• introduce THEMES

• create ATMOSPHERE

• establish GENRE

• set up a CHARACTER


Task B: The pitch!


Plitch ideas:


Exceptions to the rule!


Session 1

Education

Transcript of Session 1