Conventions of an opening sequence

Here are some of the conventions of an opening sequence that the viewer will most likely always expect:

* It must be exciting
* Be able to draw the viewer in
* Must make the viewer want to see more
* Have good titles
* Establish the setting
* Do not give anything away
* Should be a good amount of time
* Create an atmosphere
* Have a soundtrack that can set the tone
* Make the viewer be curious and have questions
* Let the viewer be able to see the characters visually
* Lead the viewer into the story

Here are some contact sheets
to show the conventions of an opening sequence:
What does a title sequence look like?

I think that 'Dexter' is a very successful opening sequence as it's quite quirky but exciting at the same time. It still uses all the connotations needed for the thriller genre, but adds everyday life activities to engage an audience and keep them interested. Red is a very prominate colour used as it has connotations of pain and death, a message that is trying to be portrayed by the television programme. The main character also looks like an ordinary man living his everyday life, however the use of the camera shots suggest otherwise. In all nine of the shots you are never given and long shot of his entire body, which suggests that he might have something to hide.


This contact sheet is from the film 'The Usual Suspects'. All nine framed shots are pretty similar, with the colour black dominating the background, with a refelection being made onto the river that is also in the foreground. This could suggest that people are leading a double life as they're staring into a reflection that they do not recognise. The use of low key lighting also foreshadows that something bad is about to happen, as dark colours have connotations of negative imagery.