American Horror Story: COVENhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmRXT7w2C1s

-Mary Lawson

EditingIn the opening of AHS: Coven a lot of jump cuts are used to raise the tension. For example at 0:49 the music slows and stays on one image then as the music comes into a crescendo a jump shot and close up makes the audience jump.

A grainy filter has also been used to make the colours dull and muted, this makes it more eerie and also adds to the contextual factors of the TV show as AHS Coven features flashbacks from the 1900’s.

The credits flash up on the screen as the music gets louder and then they disappear, the effect of this synchronism between image and audio is that it catches the attention of the audience, making them aware of the information being presented to them.

Camera Shots of mysterious creatures appearing in the forest are mainly wide angle. This adds to the feel of curiosity and the unknown. (0:21)

The close up shots used contrast the wide shots, making the audience take notice and want to see what is being shown to them next. (0:23)

Many of the extreme close ups used are of body parts, rather than faces. This adds to the mystery that the supernatural theme brings, also as it is just an opening for the TV programme it does not want to give away too much away about the plot or cast. (0:54)

SoundNon-diegetic sounds are used within the opening, this means that the source of the sound cannot be seen, in this case it’s background music.

The music fits with jump cuts as every time a new image or credit is shown the music gets louder. (0:15)

The background music is a classical piece which connotes peace and tranquility in usual circumstances, however in this context, when matched with the images it gives an uneasy feel.

Mise-en-sceneIn the opening we can see lots of mythical creatures and wild animals throughout a forest, this adds to the supernatural themes that is aiming to be portrayed. (0:28)

There are also voodoo style activities going on. This shows the audience what they can expect to see throughout the series without giving away the plot. (0:43)