RESEARCH: How Can A Film Opening Attract An Audience?

CREDITS: 

The order of credits can have a huge impact on increasing audience interest in the film. An audience will be more likely to continue watching a film if the opening credits are presented in a way that targets their personal interests. For example, in Labyrinth, 'Lucasfilm' (the institution) is shown first, followed by the credits 'David Bowie' and 'Jennifer Connelly'. Only after these credits, does the title of the film, Labyrinth, appear on screen. This order is strategic and clever, as the order targets the audience and makes them want to watch the rest of the film. It introduces two main stars, who were extremely well known and popular at the time, and therefore grabs the audiences attention as they will recognise the well known stars, and therefore hold higher expectations for the film. If the first thing an audience member sees is a trustworthy institution (Lucasfilm) and an actor/actress they are familiar with, they are more likely to be interested in what the film is like. In the title sequence of The Stepfather, the title comes before the cast as the film had no major stars in at the time, and therefore had to market itself differently to maintain the audience's interest. 

ESTABLISHING SHOT:

Establishing shots are used at the beginning of films in order to show the audience the basic context around the film. They can tell us as an audience where the film - or at least the beginning of the film- is set, and sometimes what time period the film is set in, too. This gives the audience a basic understanding and contextual information which can help them get the most understanding from when the film begins. The audience will also be able to infer things about the film from an establishing shot. For example, Star Wars uses an establishing shot to introduce the setting (a galaxy far, far away) and sets the tone and genre immediately (sci-fi). This attracts an audience as what they can infer and understand from an establishing shot can greatly influence whether they want to watch the entire film. 

MISE EN SCENE:

The mise en scene is the arrangement of the shot. What props are used? What sound is added? What are the proxemics like? All of these things in the opening shot of a film can draw an audience in. If the title sequence uses props and sounds that intrigue and an audience, they are more likely to enjoy and watch the entire film. For example, an audience who enjoys horror/thriller films will be enticed by props such as knives or halloween masks in an opening sequence.