Film codes and conventions

Film codes and conventions

ConventionsMany film openings have specific codes and conventions that synergize with the genre.Production company logoTitlesEstablishing the genreIntroducing the characters SoundNarrationEnigma/mysteryProduction 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.

TitlesThe 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 companyProducer(s)Title of filmEditorCast (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 charactersDuring 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.

SoundThe 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/mysteryIn 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.