Opening Sequence 2

 

Opening Sequence 1

 

What is Genre?

Genre! 

Genre in film are categories that define a movie, based on its narrative elements. Genre is used to categorise films particular audiences may enjoy, as most individuals have a preference of genre in context of film. It is used in other circumstances such as 'Shudder', to help the audiences depict from a selection of films that are of the same genre. The benefits of genre in summary, would be that it enables effortless selling and conveys the general experience of a film to the audience. 

A hybrid genre is a genre that blends elements from two or more different genres, to create a greater appeal to a variety of audiences internationally. A personal favourite film of mine, that is of a hybrid genre is, 'Wild Child'. It is a fusion of comedy, romance and drama. This is profoundly more beneficial, as this film will attract audiences with the preference of romantic comedies, comedies and dramas. Creating a wider appeal enables larger & increasing revenue for the institution profiting off the film, as well as engaging a spectrum of international audiences, furthermore, evoking a substantial increase in revenue. As money will ALWAYS take priority within the film industry. 

Conventions are an element of media highly associated with genre, here are some examples. In a stereotypical horror film, you would be introduced to your archetypal blonde bombshell wearing pink, connoting to femininity killed off immediately within the opening sequence. In a  comedy, you would expect to see A-list celebrities such as Kevin Hart. As you can tell, these are components that we would typically associate with genres of film. 

Research Into a Small Institution

 Belstone!

Belstone Pictures was founded in 2012, an independent British film company. The headquarters is located in Chelsea, UK. The company is owned by Finn Cardigan Bruce. They do not own any other studios. Belstone has been running for 9 years now. 

Belstone's biggest successes consist of the following, Paul Dood's Dead Lunch Break in 2021. Swede Caroline, post-production and Tucked in 2018. Belstone spent £100,000 on Tucked with national distribution due to horizontal integration done by 'Shudder' and it was a success to the extent of a small independently led film company. 

Belstone don't tend to work with the same actors, however after some research I found that an actress that features in a lot of Bruce's film is actress April Pearson, best known for her portrayal of Michelle on 'Skins'. Belstone does work with the same directors. Having conducted research, Belstone do not appear to have anything in pre-production, production or post-production. 

The advantages of a small institution would be an intricate bond with crew and staff working on set, as they spend an increased amount of time together. 

Research Into a Big Institution

Walt Disney!

The 'Walt Disney' company commenced in 1923 in the rear of a small office occupied by Holly-Vermont Realty in Los Angeles. It was there that Walt Disney as well as his brother Roy, produced a series of short-live-action / animated films collectively called the 'Alice Comedies'. 

In 1937, Walt Disney Animation Studios released its first fully animated feature film, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', pioneering a new form of family entertainment. 

Disney is not owned by one singular individual, as it is a publicly traded company. As previously stated, Disney is 'one of the world's largest media conglomerates', they have purchased studios such as the following. ABC, ESPN, Marvel, National Geographic. This could be beneficial to the company as it effortlessly generates revenue that helps the company overall, as money is an inevitable contributing factor to Disney's success. 

Here is an image of all companies owned by Disney: 

The institutions biggest box office successes have been the following. Avatar, at the lifetime gross of 2.8B. Avengers: Endgame, at the lifetime gross of 2.7B and Titanic, at the lifetime gross of 2.2B. The budget of the studios top 3 highest grossing films last year was, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, with a 275M budget. Onward, with a 200M budget and Frozen II, with a 150M budget. You could argue that Disney are using the tent-pole strategy. They were aware that these films would do profoundly well, furthermore investing substantial profits into their production, as they can rely on the considerable revenue they know will be received. 

The advantage of a large institution within the circumstance of Disney, would be production costs being easily manageable. Disney specifically is vertically integrated, as they distribute as well as produce films. Disney can do this, due to their generous funds, furthermore, being at an advantage when speaking of distribution. Disney's revenue primarily generates from the company being a conglomerate, enabling funding for international distribution. 

Drama - 'Call Me by Your Name'

 Drama - 'Call Me by Your Name' 

Today, I'll be elaborating upon the opening sequence of Call Me by Your Name. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, an Italian film director, producer and screenwriter. The production companies for this film include; 'RT Features', 'Lacinefacture' and 'Frenesy Film'. 

How are the audience engaged? 

Audiences are instantaneously informed that it is the summer of 1983. Capturing their attention and therefore engaging them rapidly before the scene has even began. We are then told due to text on the screen, that the film is set 'somewhere in northern Italy'. Establishing the context. There is no soundtrack within this scene, just the diegetic sound effect of the birds faintly chirping within the beautiful appeal of northern Italy. 

We are introduced to two initial characters, a boy who appears to be dressing himself and a girl. They appear comfortable around each other. The dynamic of their relationship, may intrigue audiences helping engage them further. 

We are then introduced to two new characters, the man wearing the blue t-shirt costume introduces himself as 'Oliver' with use of diegetic dialogue. We understand that the first male character introduced's name is Elio. As the woman who joins the man on the right, shouts his name. We can understand that they are a family. The audience are engaged in the apprehension of new introductions. 

Elio and Oliver are then introduced, the audience remains engaged considering what the dynamic of their relationship will be. Elio then shows Oliver up to where he'll be staying. Oliver takes a much needed rest after travelling, therefore easy to assume that the family are allowing him to stay for unknown reasons as of now. 

It is clearly later in the day, due to the lighting change. The atmosphere seems more moody, due to the cool tones exhibited through the window. Furthermore, engaging audiences within the aspects of ambience. Then, we hear the pleonastic sound effect of the bell. Informing Elio that it is time for the family meal, which he attends.

What tone / genre is set? 

The tone appears vibrant, as the colour palette within this opening sequence exudes an array of positive colours. Such as yellows, connoting to happiness and bliss. Then greens, connoting to nature in its purest form. These colours help set the tone of vibrancy, this also helps adhere to the summer atmosphere director Guadagnino is trying to implement. Which he's done successfully. It isn't apparent that the genre is drama yet, however this genre may distinguished further on within the movie. 

Setting / Where & When? 

It is clear due to the text, that the film is set 'somewhere in northern Italy' and within the 'summer of 1983'. 

What do you think the narrative will be?

I think the narrative will be about exploring the beauty of nature and northern Italy, featuring a gorgeous holiday with many events and circumstances that arise. Following conventions of a standard drama film / movie. 

What is the dynamic of the characters in this sequence? 

It is hard to gage a sense of dynamic within this opening sequence, but we can see that the first two characters introduced are fairly close with each other. We can tell that Elio and his parents have a normal relationship, as they parent him via calling his name. We cannot tell the relationship between Elio and Oliver as of now. 

The opening sequence itself) 

Action - 'Red Notice'

Action - 'Red Notice' 

Today, I'll be elaborating upon the opening sequence of Red Notice. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, an American film director, film producer, screenwriter and actor. The production companies for this film includes, 'Seven Bucks Productions', 'Flynn Picture Company' and 'Bad Version'. 

How are the audience engaged? 

The audience are immediately engaged, via the non-diegetic soundtrack that exudes a fast pace score
that helps draw attention to the screen. We are then told the opening sequence is set in Rome. 

The camera then follows the action, cars appear to be racing towards the 'Castel Sant'Angelo' a famous Italian landmark which is a museum. We also hear the diegetic ambient sound of traffic, with cars honking & sirens blasting. Furthermore, adding to the prevalent chaotic ambience and atmosphere and engaging the audience.

We are then introduced to our first character. The crowd behind him uses the diegetic dialogue of whispers, this helps audiences detect that this is a character of higher relevancy and importance within the film. The cliche of tracking a character as they exit the car was used here, following popular conventions helps audiences feel a sense of familiarity and therefore engaging them. The non-diegetic soundtrack also decreases in volume as he exits the vehicle, highlighting his importance once again. 

We then acknowledge through utilisation of diegetic dialogue that he is a profiler, who specialises in art crime. Furthermore, adding to his importance and engaging audiences within the mystery of this character. We hear that a popular art thief, Nolan Booth is intending on stealing on of Cleopatra's eggs. A highly valuable and historic art piece worth trillions. Audiences are fully engaged, as they learn of the mission at stake. 

What tone / genre is set?  

The tone of chaos is prevalent within this opening sequence. The entire sequence starts with hand-held & there are rarely many cuts. The shot durations are long lasting and the hand-held pans at a fast pace. Furthermore, adhering to the tone of chaos. The genre of action is blatantly recognisable, through use of diegetic dialogue stating words such 'thief' and 'FBI', we can tell this isn't the children's network. 

Setting / Where & When? 

The use of diegetic dialogue that appears completely colloquial, suggests a modern-day context. The landmarks exhibited are historical and therefore, old. However the context which within their set, is modern due to this language. 

What do you think the narrative will be? 

I assume the narrative will consist of, the profiler trying his hardest to track down Nolan Booth. Possibly offering him a deal if he does him some favours? Following conventions of other action movies, I think that would be safe to assume. 

What is the dynamic between the characters in this sequence? 

I think the profiler and the police officer woman have a close relationship, as their diegetic dialogue within conversational context toward each other was pleasant and flowing easily. 

The opening sequence itself)