Introductary Task

Lydia Eudall

Pretty Little Liars – Opening Scene

In the beginning of this specific clip, lighting has been used from behind all four of the characters, instead of in front. This helps the background of these characters be brighter and also helps show the props, in this case, soil and small trees. We could also infer from this that something may happen, to lead these characters to a more dark or a more dull environment, to what they were before, by having their back to a bright layout and facing a dark item, in this case, a coffin is used, to help imply what kind of show this is about and gives a rough idea of what might happen as the series go on. The camera angle is a medium shot, showing all four of the characters and their body language to define the situation all four of the characters are in.

Marlene King-Sara Shepard

Divergent - Opening Scene

In the opening scene of Divergent, The background image shows what looks like a wealthy city, with skyscrapers and tall business buildings. Closer to the camera, the view looks like its been filmed through the gap of the bridge, focusing on the opposite side of the bridge. The director could have done this to try and get the audience to feel as though they are within the crowd and in their situation. Also in this camera shot shows a mass of people, most of them heading in the same direction which could imply that either something happened for the public to either walk away from or walk towards. The people in this shot are also wearing more the same colour palette clothing, apart from one whose in blue, this could mean that the story is based around the person in blue and wants the viewers to focus on this specific person and the difference between the two different types of clothing. Neil Burger

As the clip goes on, more people have been introduced, all wearing the same colour again, but in a darker colour palette, this could mean that they have been or will be involved with something that may or have happened or they could be involved on the same team. You can tell this from the contrast between colours, from going from a bright colour selection to a dark colour selection also identifies the two different kinds of people involved. The items of clothing that the public are wearing now show black, formal clothes e.g. black trousers and black jackets, straight away you can infer that the people wearing the black clothing are either working for someone or working as a team to find someone or to solve something. Also you could infer from this the different social class throughout the whole film, just in the first 20 seconds.

Twilight Saga- Breaking Dawn Part 2 – Opening Scene

In this opening scene, the director has used a variety of different connotations to express what is going on within the film and the previous 4. By using a forest in the background image suggests that some of the scenes in the film, will be based in or around this environment. By using the colour change in the text, white to red, white is associated with purity and red is associated with blood, this also confirms that something will or is in the process of happening to someone or something, in this case Bella Swan turning from a human to a vampire. The camera angle is an areal shot, overlooking the forest within the film set. The mist shows an airy feeling which represents something evil present and a dark atmosphere also the use of mist can be a symbol of loss and confusion.

Chris Weitz and Catherine Hardwicke

Towards the end of this opening scene, the director uses a representation of a variety of red objects, turning to frost, using the colour correlation to what’s happening in the film. The director has done this to show various meanings, such as using red to represent blood but also seduction and white to show, purity and humanity. The camera shot shows close up of the items turning from red to white, this helps the viewers focus on just this specific image. Special Effects could be used within this opening clip from changing the bright, red objects or white, frosted like objects.

The Golden Compass - Opening Scene

Chris Weitz has used this specific camera angle at the start of The Golden Compass to help the viewers feel like the camera is their eyes. In this camera shot, you can see a certain range of colour palettes; dark colours i.e. blacks, and a use of yellows, for both the buildings and the lights in the buildings. Using a variety of the colour yellow, helps the image seem more old and more worn out, like the shape of the building itself, suggests that it is a ballroom or a location to have formal meals. Also by the lighting through every archway, shows that there is some sort of life/event happening.

Chris Weitz

In this scene, the director has categorized the girls from the boys, by doing this he has shown all the boys in the opposite camera angle to the girl, implying that some form of chace has taken place and that one girl has been ganged up on, this also implies that an argument or heated conversation is taking place. The clothing from this scene shows that both genders are from the same social background and also shows that the film has been set in a specific era. The angle that the camera has been pointed at is over the girls shoulders, this gives us two impressions; the first one getting the viewers to feel like they are involved with this clip and the second, to show what the girl is seeing and what she is facing, how all the boys are stood, they are not in a line, their just stood randomly showing that they are all uncomfortable with the situation but are facing it anyway maybe due to the fear of the ring leader.

Red Riding Hood 2011 – Opening Scene

At the beginning of this clip, Catherine Hardwicke shows her name at the start so people are aware that this film is by her and so people can relate that the Twilight Saga was directed by her. Also to imply that if you like Hardwicke’s previous work, then you are guaranteed to like the film showing. The camera shot, shows the birds eye view of the main setting in this film, that the viewers would be seeing a lot. This scene is outside which shows natural light and the light coming from the snow, which gives a more realistic feeling.

Catherine Hardwicke