Stranger

Series)

Art of
the
Title
Project

Things (2016 Netflix TV

What are the conventions found in this film opening?

This newly introduced television series entitled Stranger Things doesnt have a very action
pact film opening, but, with the incorporation of non-diegetic sound, laser-like colors, and
moving text, it comes across as very suspenseful and creative.

Cutting- after each scene slowly depicts the formation of a letter and its smooth edges, it
cuts to another scene (where the formation of new letter is begins)
Moderate paced editing- each scene is replaced by another after approximately 6-8
seconds. The viewer learns that each scene is displaying pieces of letters, all while credits
are displayed in front of them
Non-diegetic sound- mysterious and somewhat suspenseful background music plays. It
appears to be repetitious; the kind of music that will constantly replay in ones head.

High/Low key lighting- the background is solid black in color, whilst the moving letters
are a glowing red color (similar to a laser). The laser-like letters give off a high key
lighting aspect and contrast with the dark backdrop.

What do the elements in the opening represent? (Denotation and Connotation)

The blended elements in this opening (sound and moving letters) make it appear as if some sort
of experiment is taking place; the pieces are being put together. In the end of the experiment,
the viewer sees the letters pieced together in the words STRANGER THINGS as the music
becomes very tense, and suddenly dies down after the formation.
In reality, the elements in the opening all function together and lead to the same end result- the
creation of the words STRANGER THINGS.
How is the credits part integrated with moving images?

(Denotation and

Connotation)

The credits are displayed in a grey, bold font. The text is small in comparison to the laser-red
letters displayed in the backdrop, in order to contrast easily. They remain stationary in the middle
of the screen, as other elements move behind it.
Who is the audience for this film opening?

(be specific)

Realistically, the audience can range in age group. The opening doesnt display any images that a
child couldnt see, due to the fact that it is just displaying the formation of two words. The music
may entice anyone who enjoys mystery films.
What genre is the film in? How is this shown?
By only watching the opening of this tv series, it can be concluded that the film may fall under
the genres of thriller and mystery. The dark colors (colors often associated with blood and deathred and black,) along with the suspenseful/mysterious music, contribute to the genre placement.
What features of the film opening will you use/not use in your own?
After watching this 54-second tv series film opening, Ive determined to use its typography style
used in the background for the creation of my own film. The bright red coloring of the letters
catches the attention of the eye, along with its directional and moderately-paced movement
across the screen. I want to try and incorporate more action into my opening, so I will not include
a solid colored backdrop in the film.

The Cabin in the Woods (2011 Movie)

What are the conventions found in this film opening?

The 2011 horror/thriller movie entitled The Cabin in the Woods has an extremely diverse opening due
to the fact that it transitions from a dark and bloody backdrop to the lives of normal, everyday people at
work and at home.

Pan (Camerawork technique)- in the first minute of the film opening, the camera pans in a zigzag motion in a downwards direction; displaying puddles of blood with Hieroglyphic-like murals
painted within.
Dissolve- the credits dissolve screen and reappear in different positions on the screen
Long Take- the first minute of the film opening is one continuous shot, until it jump cuts into
reality
Non-diegetic Sound- in the first minute of the film, cringing and suspenseful music plays in the
background; it appears to involve a violin and some sort of drum beat
Graphic match- the blood puddles link together as the camera pans down the screen

After the opening abruptly transitions from a dark setting (blood puddles and murals) to reality (the
daily lives of coworkers and friends at home,) various conventions are displayed:
Mid-shots, Establishing shots, Shot/reverse shots (conversations between characters,) diegetic and
non-diegetic sounds, and a 21st century costume design (jeans, floral shirts, etc.)

What do the elements in the opening represent?

(Denotation and Connotation)

The first minute of the film is what captures the viewers attention. It makes the film appear as if
it is going include lots of gruesome elements involved with ancient or historic roots to
hieroglyphics. After the scene jump cuts to the vending machine sign that states Enjoy a Cup of
Fresh Coffee, it changes the entire mood of the opening.
The non-diegetic sound (background music) is what really contributes to the transition and
representation of this opening film. In the seconds leading up to the jump cut, the music implies
feelings of anxiousness, as if something drastic is about to happen. The drastic event that
occurs is extremely unexpected by the viewer.
How is the credits part integrated with moving images?

(Denotation and

Connotation)

The credits begin to dissolve into the scene every few seconds (after the camera pans from sideto-side showing a blood puddle.) The text is red, so it blends in with the moving background, but
stands out enough to where it is legible.
After the opening transitions into reality, the color and font of the credits remains the same;
implying that the film will still involve horrific/thrilling aspects.
Who is the audience for this film opening?

(be specific)

According to the film opening, the target audience can range from teenagers to any adult who
doesnt mind the site of blood/fire elements. An audience who can handle the sounds of cryptic,
yet intense music and site of blood puddles, can make it through the rest of the opening.
What genre is the film in? How is this shown?
This film most likely falls under the category of a thriller/mystery and horror film. The dark
introduction (first minute) of the opening suggests the movie has horrific elements to it, whilst
the murals painted inside the blood puddles and transition to a scene of normal characters
suggests a thriller/mystery genre. These two genres may combine to form a very complex, yet
entertaining movie.
What features of the film opening will you use/not use in your own?
I aim to feature the action-pact element of this film opening into my own. I like how the film
opening transitions and creates two contrasting moods within a short amount of time.
Unfortunately, Im not fond of the blending color choices in the very first minute of the film
(shades of red, dark orange, and yellow,) and how the credits are difficult to see.

Vantage Point (2008 Movie)

What are the conventions found in this film opening?

This simplistic set-up of the film opening for the movie entitled Vantage Point uses a limited
amount of camera cuts and angles, but highlights graphic design elements and use of sound.

Fade out- after a set of credits has been revealed on the screen, they begin to fade out
from the start to end of the phrase. *As each credit appears, a faded, red circle scans over
the text (as if its a laser pointer on a weapon)
Long shot- a new scene never cuts into play, but the overlapping of different shapes and
opaque images in a sepia tone make it appear as if a new one starts
Graphic match- constant overlapping of triangular shapes and circles revealing images
within (images that send out key messages to viewers)
Zoom & Pan Camerawork- these two techniques work hand-in-hand in the overlapping
shapes to display pictures of police cars, police motorcycles, important U.S. documents,
people, protestors, and anti-USA signs.
Sound- background music is mysterious, yet settles. It implies the feeling that someone
is watching you. It also incorporates the sound of pages flipping.
High/Low key lighting- the shapes are bright in color (sepia tone with black objects) and
stand-out against the solid black backdrop.

What do the elements in the opening represent?

(Denotation and Connotation)

Both denotation and connotation are similar in this context. The opening of this film can make
viewers seem as if someone is being watched; the laser point following the length of the credits,
the added sound of pages turning, and the suspenseful, rhythmic background music. The literal
details of the film opening contribute to its connotation.

How is the credits part integrated with moving images?

(Denotation and

Connotation)

The credits roll into the scene on a solid black backdrop, as shapes overlap on the right and left
sides of the screen. As each credit appears, a faded, red circle scans over the text (as if its a
laser pointer on a weapon.) The moving images in the shapes reflect the laser scanning over the
credits; both appear to be referencing the United States government.
Who is the audience for this film opening?

(be specific)

Due to the evident references to government in this film opening (through the use of images,) it
relates to a more mature audience; a group who can fathom the events going on in the pictures
and think about their relations to the entirety of the movie.
What genre is the film in? How is this shown?
After watching the film opening, I believe that its reasonable to conclude that it may be an
action/thriller film. The images displaying weapons, policemen, busy streets, and the Capitol
Building in Washington D.C. show that it may have to do with the U.S. government. The music
and small details also contribute to this choice in genre.
What features of the film opening will you use/not use in your own?
One aspect of this film opening that stood out to me was the formation and constant overlapping
of shapes. I found it very creative to incorporate pictures from the film at different opacity levels
in the shapes. In opposition to the film opening, I do not plan on using the style of music utilized.