Film codes and conventions

Conventions
Many film openings have specific codes and
conventions that synergize with the genre.
Production company logo
Titles
Establishing the genre
Introducing the characters
Sound
Narration
Enigma/mystery

Production company logo

Film openings will always denote logos of the production companies and
occasionally denote the distribution companies logo. The denotation of
logos synergizes with the audiences expectations as it connotes the
budget of the film. The production logo can also connote the genre of
the film as the demographic audience associate certain films with
certain production companies. This further signifies the quality of the
film as a popular logo will connote a high quality movie where as a logo
that is not very popular may not receive such a wide audience.

Titles
The title sequence is designed to give recognition to those involved in the
production of the film. This would also attract a specific audience that are
familiar with the names in the titles, which would widen the target audience.
This can also be used to synergize with the style of film as a director may
frequently cast a particular actor/actress which, can signify the type of film.
The titles may include:
Director(s)
Production company
Producer(s)
Title of film
Editor
Cast (main character/leading roles)

Establishing genre
The audience should be able to denote the genre of
the film through the opening sequence. On a
connotative level the theme can be established
which can foreshadow the events of the film. This
signifies the use of conventions that are expected to
denote the genre throughout the opening scene.
This connotes the genre of the film.

Introducing the characters

During the opening sequence the characters are often introduced
to the audience as they are likely to be the first few characters
denoted. The characters that are denoted are usually the leading
roles which signifies their importance to the audience. This also
connotes that these characters will be denoted throughout the
film which signifies the use of gratifications theory as this will
help to build a relationship with the audience. However in some
films they challenge these conventions by not denoting the
leading characters. This is used to synergize with the genre as it
would create suspicion and mystery which, encourages the
audience to continue watching the rest of the movie.

Sound
The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound can also be used to
establish the genre and set the scene of the movie. Non-diegetic
is the most common as it creates the type of genre present in
the film. When using non-diegetic synchronous and parallel
sound the audience can easily connote the genre. However
when using non-diegetic synchronous and contrapuntal sound,
the audience gain more information about the character. For
example if a man is torturing someone but the audience can
hear up beat non-diegetic music, this could connote the
psychological depth of the character. This signifies that this
character is sinister which establishes the character in the film.
When a film is a part of a franchise than the non-diegetic
soundtrack may be theme music. This helps to connote the
audience expectations of the film which builds up the excitement
to watch the film.

Narration
The narration is information, usually in the form of text, that is
given to the audience so they can understand what is going on. For
example Star Wars denote a narration in text at the beginning of
the films, this clearly denotes the plot and connotes the genre of
the film. However not all films use narration as some want to go
against the normal conventions which connotes confusion and
mystery. When using a narration there may be non-diegetic
voiceover or soundtrack. This gives the audience more information
which makes it easier to denote the plot. It is also used to connote
interest which intrigues and engages the audience.

Enigma/mystery
In the opening scene of films the audience
are likely to decode (Stuart Halls reception
theory) the encoding of an enigma. The use
of enigma keeps the audience interested
with the film. This makes them more likely
to watch the rest of the film to solve the
enigma. This usually connotes the use of a
restricted narrative as this allows the
audience to solve the mystery themselves.