Opening Shots

Task: Create an effective opening shot using the dialogue "Sometimes I am scared of the beast within me".

Our opening shot was directed using a handheld digital camera to show a character curled up in a corner then slowly zooming into their face so they are looking directly at the lens to create fear and tension within the audience as the character is looking directly at them.


An effective opening shot does the following things to attract audience and keep them focused:

-Engages the audience: The opening shot is often compared to making an impression for the first time. This is because if the audience are not engaged, they will struggle to focus on the rest of the film.
-Establishing time and place: Filmmakers need to ensure they are shooting the opening shot in a setting and at a time relevant to the rest of the movie. For example, a film set in America the opening shot usually is shot in cities of America, if not, audiences will get confused and won't understand the film.
-Combining sounds and images to create meanings: Filmmakers should combine sounds and images together to create meanings. For example, a voice over. In romance films filmmakers may have a voice over of a character talking while showing them during their daily life. This gives viewers the idea of who the character is and a bit about them.
-Using enigmas: The use of enigmas hook the viewer. Many film makers use enigmas to create a sense of mystery within the audience leaving them intrigued to find out what is yet to happen within the film. 
-Use of mise-en-scene: The use of props, costume and makeup creates a deeper meaning within the scene to foreshadow events within the film.