OPENING FILM

WHAT IS AN OPENING FILM?

An opening film is the method by which films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members utilizing conceptual visuals and sound. It typically includes the text of the opening credits, and helps establish the setting and tone of the program. It may consist of live action, animation, music, still images, and/or graphics.

What makes a good/successful/amazing film opening?

A best opening scene may not be equally interesting as rest of the movie (it may be as interesting or more interesting than thereat of the movie, but doesn't have to be), but it makes rest of the story telling or movie watching more and more easy and meaningful. More importantly, a best opening scene must be an integral part of the movie. It should be so important that without the opening piece, rest of the movie shouldn't be meaningful.

The key is to figure out what not do first. Don't spending the first 10 pages of the script giving the exposition, introducing the characters, setting up moods/themes, etc. Because then you have lost the spectator already by page 10 or any.

I am going to show examples of film opening in different films:

• STAR WARS (Fantasy): The opening in that film threw us into the world. The Star Destroyer coming into endless view in pursuit of the smaller ship! The droids making their escape. The entrance of Darth Vader. His confrontation with the Princess where we learn about the plans. By the time, the droids escape, we know what we are in for and we are engaged.

• RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (Adventure) : The classic opening. We see Indy. Barely hear one word from him and learn next to nothing about his black story. He is a man of action. We learn about him by actions. By the time he escapes from the natives and we open to him wearing glasses and teaching university class, we are hooked.

• THE BIG CHILL (Drama) : Within a couple of minutes, we know what to expect. We open with a couple characters. No details. Just a moment in their life. Then Close´s character is crying after answering the phone. Then we see a body being dresses as we additional quick moments in the lives of our main characters as they react to the news and are on their way to the funeral.