Plot/Storyline:

Based on the results of my questionnaire, and also my own personal ideas, I have put together a story-line which, in my opinion, covers many different areas of social realism - domestic issues, broken family dynamics, alcoholism, eating disorders, and elements of peer pressure. I chose to avoid the idea of 'drugs and alcohol', as it is quite a common topic in social realist films; therefore, my production could very easily slip into the 'cliché' category. I have listed numerous topics that I would place my opening sequence under; however, if I could choose to class my opening sequence as one thing, it would probably be 'domestic issues', as each part of the story-line links back to domestic issues in some way.


My plot is centered around three girls called Flo, Amy and Daisy. These girls share a very close friendship, and spend a large majority of their time together; however, there is something else that they all share - a secret.


With Flo being the main character, a huge amount of the film focuses on her - her life, and her secret. Amy and Daisy also play a huge part in the film; however, they're stories aren't focused on in as much depth. Throughout the duration of the film, the girls' lives are focused on separately, starting with Flo, then Amy, then Daisy, then back to Flo, and so on. As I mentioned in the plot synopsis, the girls each have secrets that are starting to take over their lives, so these secrets will be unraveled as the film goes on.


Towards the end of the film, things get considerably worse. As Flo's health deteriorates, she is taken into hospital; however, her friends are still completely and utterly clueless. They start to wonder where Flo has disappeared to, so they decide to take matters into their own hands, putting their own secrets on hold until they figure out the truth about Flo. 


They visit Flo's grandmother, who tells the girls everything - convinced that they were already aware. When the girls tell Flo's grandmother that they never knew, the girls have a serious think about who they are, and what they want to be. They go to see Flo, and are stunned to silence when they see just how ill Flo has become. Their first reaction is anger, as they are confused as to why Flo never told the truth; however, when Flo tells them that she didn't want to hurt them, they take back every ounce of anger they ever felt towards Flo. Suddenly, the three girls confess everything, and after many long hours of tears and upset, they start to act in the way that they love and miss.


The next day, Amy receives a call from Flo's grandmother, asking her and Daisy to get to the Hospital as quickly as they can, saying "she needs to see you". The girls arrive at the Hospital, to see Flo looking even worse than the previous day. She has become frailer, paler, and can hardly find the energy to even say hello. As Daisy starts to cry, Amy tells her that they need to be optimistic, and make the most of their friendship whilst they can. They begin to talk about the old times, and discuss all the things that Flo has ever done to help them. Although the two girls try their hardest to stay happy, they cannot help but shed tears for their dear friend Flo, who is slowly slipping away before their eyes. 


Amy grabs hold of Flo's hand, and says "why did you need to see us today?". To her amazement, Flo manages to reply, and whispers (at a very slow pace) "girls, you just know when it's your time to go. I know today is my day, and I have come to terms with it. I just needed to see you two before I take my trip to the good place. After all, I could never leave my best friends behind without one last handshake". As Flo says this, she holds out her thin, trembling hands to the girls, who gently grab hold of one each, and start their lengthy, immature handshake - something they have been doing for many, many years. Flo smiles, but it is obvious that the handshake has taken every last bit of energy she possessed. Daisy says "here's to Flo", (hence the title of the film) as she places her hand on Flo's. The two girls wipe away the tears, kiss their friend goodbye, and shortly after her Grandmother says her final farewell, Flo passes away.


The film follows the three girls as they fight to keep their individual secrets under wraps. Although it's a case of betrayal and dishonesty, it also proves just how far friends are willing to go to keep their best friends happy. Each of the girls lives are explored in greater depth in the duration of the film, as well as watching Flo's health gradually deteriorate. Will the girls open their hearts to one another and confess what they've been hiding before it's too late? Or will matters be kept behind closed doors?


Opening sequence
My opening sequence isn't going to reveal too much information about the story-line; however, there will be subtle hints for the audience, in order to raise enigma codes. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I will be displaying the titles in a way that is similar to the opening sequence of Napoleon Dynamite (shown on everyday objects e.g. plates of food, phone screens, notepads, etc.), which I think is quite a unique approach to the task.


The results of my questionnaire clearly concluded that the characters should definitely be introduced in the first two minutes of the film; therefore, I will be doing this, which means that the location won't be a shown in too much detail. Parts of the location will be shown; however, I'd just really like to focus on introducing the three main characters. My opening sequence will show the everyday, morning rituals that the girls carry out before they meet one another for school. It will also invite the audience into the girls' lives, providing information about their home issues, personality, class, etc.

Characters profiles - three main characters:

Recently, I have put a lot of thought towards my initial story-line and character ideas. I have devised  character profiles which I may edit prior to filming, depending on arrangements with my actors, time limits, dates etc.


Megan Polston
I chose my close friend Megan to play Flo, just one of my three characters. Megan has been acting and performing from a very young age, and started attending Sylvia Young Theatre School in London at the age of 12. She regularly participates in shows and productions, and was even selected to perform in 'The Sound of Music' on the west end a few years ago. With this experience, Megan is perfect for my opening sequence, as she will be taking on the role of my main character. Although, they are all shown equally in the opening sequence, the importance of Flo becomes clearer later in the story. Megan is an excellent actress, and is very confident when performing. She is loud and out-going, but will do exactly as I say, as she has been trained to do this for so many years. Overall, it is a privilege to have her performing in my opening sequence.


Character profile - Flo
My main character is Flo who is the oldest of the group, aged 18. Flo lives with her elderly Grandmother, also called Flo, after her mother passed away due to a brain aneurysm when Flo was very young. Flo is classed as the mother of her small group of friends, as she always looks out for the people she loves. She quite often goes out of her way to help others, and forgets about herself, refusing to mention her own problems. Flo has never met her Dad, but doesn't like to think about him, as he failed to attend her Mother's funeral many years ago, which is something that still lingers in Flo's memory. Flo has always been a bright, warm-hearted, healthy girl, with her heart set on becoming a brain specialist in memory of her Mum; however, her future became an uncertain haze when Flo was diagnosed with the same brain condition that killed her Mother all those years ago. She knows that the condition is fatal, but, Flo being Flo, decides to keep her medical condition to herself. She isn't too sure as to how long she has to live, but Flo always manages to keep optimistic, and paint her face with a smile. She loves her best friends too much to hurt them.


Hayley Murrow
I am very glad that Hayley agreed to take part in my opening sequence, as she is also a great actor. Hayley has been acting for a large majority of her life, and has performed in numerous shows and plays with her Theatre company. Hayley studied GCSE drama, and now studies AS Theatre Studies. Hayley will be playing Amy, as I feel that she possesses the skills to take on this serious, depressing role. Hayley is a laid-back, fun person; however, as she has been trained for so many years, she can easily change her personality to suit the part she is given. She does not get embarrassed easily, and she feels happy to act whilst being filmed, which are two huge factors. Hayley is also a very close friend of mine, which is definitely an advantage. She doesn't dress/style her hair in a particular style, which will make it easier to tweak her appearance to suit the role of Amy. 


Character profile - Amy
Amy is also 17, and lives with her Dad, who was widowed when Amy was just 9 years old after Amy's mother was killed in a fatal car accident. They come from a lower class family, who receive benefits and grants from the government. Amy's friends class her as the baby of the group, as she is quite a clumsy, shy character; however, this is all an act. Amy isn't clumsy, nor is she shy. She is simply a vulnerable young girl, who has been suffering abuse for about 6 years, and her shyness is a result of being too afraid to speak up. Amy's abuse started about 2 years after her mother died, as her father had fallen into a state of depression and alcoholism. Whenever Amy tried to help, the situation would get worse, so eventually, she decided to give up and take the abuse - thinking it would help her Dad to relieve some anger. That was 4 years ago, and at the age of 17, Amy still has to put up with the spine-chilling beatings day after day.


Stephanie Clarke
I have asked my sister Stephanie to play the role of Daisy, as I feel that she is a 'blank canvas' - she will wear what I tell her to wear, have her makeup in the way that I desire, and will style her hair accordingly. She also suits the role perfectly, as her appearance is very well groomed, which is obvious when looking at her, and she is also rather slim. As Stephie is my sister, she feels comfortable speaking around me - again, an advantage. She can adjust her personality accordingly, which is exactly what I was originally looking for. She has lived in Bury for a number of years now, and has grown up around girls who are self-conscious, and obsess over their appearance. She has been associated with young females who take their appearance obsession a bit too far, so I think it should be easy for her to fit into this role, and adjust to the characteristics that her role entails. 


Character profile - Daisy
Daisy is 17, and lives with her Mum and Dad. She comes from a working class family; however, her family oftenact rather arrogantly, as if they are better than everyone else. Her family dynamics are stable, happy, and the family spend a lot of time together, participating in various educational activities. Her parents are very protectiveover her, and expect her to achieve the same A level results as they did - A, A, A. From the outside, things look fine, but with the pressure of A levels playing on Daisy's mind, as well as the pressure which is constantly laid upon her by her parents, Daisy has chosen something else to focus on - her weight. Daisy sees this new focus as a way to rebel against her parents; however, as her grades, her appearance, and her weight all begin to slip, she begins to fall into a dangerous, unhealthy mind-set.

Audience research - conclusion

Audience research - results and analysis

Questionnaire

Below is the questionnaire that I will be handing out to people over the next couple of days, in order to gather some information about people's knowledge of social realism. My questionnaire will help me come to a final conclusion regarding my target audience, and will hopefully give me some more ideas that will contribute towards my opening sequence. My initial idea was to aim my opening sequence at people my own age, or of a similar age; however, this questionnaire will help me to decide this.


Questionnaire Media Scribd

My chosen genre:

After copious amounts of research into both genres (horror and social realism), and after looking at the pros and cons of these genres, I have finally come to a conclusion. The genre that I am going to focus on is social realism!


I chose to focus on this genre for numerous reasons:

• Social realism films are often shot in mediocre, run-down areas; therefore, my opening sequence can be filmed and produced on a reasonably low budget.
• Social realism deals with issues that effect normal, average people day by day; therefore, I think that my story-line will be quite easy to piece together. Hopefully, this plot can relate to people's lives. 
• In my opinion, everything in horror has already been created, so if I did try to create a horror opening sequence, I fear that it would be extremely cliché.
• Overall, I found that I had more ideas for the social realism genre, rather than the horror genre.

As of yet, I haven't created my final story-line; however, I am very close. I know how I'd like to display my opening titles, but the plot is not completely decided. Next, I need to produce a questionnaire which consists of both open and closed questions about my chosen genre. Once I have collected my results, I hope to put together my final idea, as these results will inform me as to what viewers would like to see in a social realist film.

Below is the opening sequence to "Napoleon Dynamite", a 2004 comedy film. I really like how the opening titles are showcased to the audience, so I am going to base my idea on this; however, instead of using plates of 'fake food', my titles are going to be shown on objects that people use every single day - for example, ketchup on chips, spaghetti hoops on a plate, writing in a school note-pad, typed on a computer, etc. My ideas seem to be endless!

Pros and cons of social realism:

After focusing on the social realism genre in a huge amount of depth, I have composed a list of the pros and cons associated with this genre. I had an idea from the very start of what I wanted to work on, and that idea was social realism! However, creating a list for both genres was a useful thing to do, as it helped me to compare my thoughts, and come to a final conclusion.

Pros

• Finding a location would be quite easy, as some parts of Bury St. Edmunds look rather run down and uncared for - perfect for social realism. Many social realism directors (Shane Meadows in particular) often choose to use parts of the country that look dull and enervated. 
• In my opinion, finding actors would be quite a straight-forward task, as I would like people who can just be themselves, and feel comfortable in front of a camera. In 'A Room For Romeo Brass', directed by Shane Meadows, a lot of the actors improvise their lines! I think this makes the situation seem a lot more realistic, so I could try this technique for certain parts of my opening sequence. 
• As social realism is meant to be realistic, finding costumes should be very simple. If I did choose to create a horror production, I would need to spend money on makeup, costumes, etc; however, I could easily produce a believable social realism opening sequence on a very low budget, as I don't think I'd need to purchase anything out of the ordinary! 
• Social realism deals with issues that people have to face/live with every single day. With this in mind, I think that relating to people's lives would be quite an easy, yet interesting task. With horror, it is hard to scare people successfully; however, with social realism, it should be quite straight-forward to relate to people's own situations successfully. 
• Furthermore, I think that social realism is quite a vague genre when it comes to choosing a storyling, which gives me more room to be creative. Pretty much every aspect of horror has been covered previously by other film directors, so if I created a horror opening sequence, I fear that it would look very cliché. 

Cons

• Although Social realism is quite a vague genre in terms of the story-line, it is also quite a 'detailed' genre when it comes to the dialogue, and information. There is a lot of dialogue and information fitted into the duration of the film; therefore, this genre would require a lot of acting, in order to make my opening sequence effective. 
• With horror, you can usually walk out of the room, come back in a few minutes later, and gather what is going on in the film very quickly; however, with social realism, you really need to focus in order to pick up the key areas of the story-line. My actors would need to be able to speak comfortably and clearly in front of a camera, as well as recite a few lengthy stanzas.

Pros and cons of horror:

After studying the horror genre very closely, I have composed a list of the pros and cons for this particular genre. Prior to composing this list, I had already kind of decided that I wanted to create a social-realism opening sequence; however, I thought that creating a list for the horror genre would be a beneficial thing to do, as it would help me come to a final conclusion as to what genre I will choose.


When working within the horror genre, there are numerous things that I'd need to consider during the filming process. My production could easily go from brilliant to terrible, unless I think about all the pros and cons involved.


Pros

• Creating a horror opening sequence would allow me to focus on a new style, as I've never created a horror production before! It would widen my media knowledge; therefore, I think it could be a very beneficial thing to do.
• Creating a horror opening sequence would involve little acting, as there isn't much dialogue in horror films - the sound is mainly non-diegetic, unless the story-line is very complex.

Cons

• A suitable location for horror would be extremely hard to find, unless I was willing to travel quite far. My opening sequence could very easily become tacky, as I don't live anywhere that is suitable for horror. I live near locations which consist of trees, which could work well with this genre; however, wooded areas are very cliche in horror films. Horror can be a very closed genre, with little room for creativity.
• Finding actors would be a difficult task, as I would need people that would be willing to act seriously whilst being filmed, in order to make my opening sequence more realistic. I have a number of friends who are interested in drama, but using friends could make things even more difficult, as they may mess around, and take advantage of the fact that I'm their friend, rather than their director.
• Suitable costumes for horror may be quite expensive, as I'd need to purchase special cosmetics/items of clothing, in order to make my opening sequence realistic. Halloween was a very good opportunity  to buy things such as fake blood etc, but I was unsure at this time as to which genre I wanted to do.
• Scaring my audience effectively would be very difficult, as (mentioned above) my actors may not act seriously at all times.
• Lighting issues may be a problem (for example, if I wanted to film at night). I'd have to plan my light sources very carefully.

"This Is England" (2006):

"Kidulthood" (2006):

"A Room For Romeo Brass" (1999):

"A room for Romeo Brass", written and directed by Shane Meadows, is a comedy/social realism film that was released in 1999. The film stars Andrew Shim as Romeo Brass, Ben Marshall as Gavin Woolley, and Paddy Considine as Morell, and was nominated in three categories at the 1999 British Independent Film Awards.


Plot
The film is centered around two young boys - Romeo (whose life plays a huge part in the film) and his best friend, Gavin, as they go through a confusing period in their childhood. After saving the two boys from a fight, Morell befriends the young lads, and whilst doing so, he takes a liking to Romeo's older sister, Ladine Brass; however, when Gavin plays a prank on Morell to make him look foolish in front of Ladine, things turn sour for the pair. As a form of revenge, Morell attempts to seperate the two best friends, in order to ensure that he stays close to both Romeo and Ladine. When Ladine then rejects Morell's advances, he becomes increasingly violent towards Romeo and Gavin, leaving it up to Romeo's distant, absentee father, Joe, to save the day.


The opening sequence

The opening sequence starts by showcasing the distributing company, 'Alliance Atlantis'. The title is quick, lasting approximately 8 seconds, and is also quite plain, shown using black, white and red; however the music that is used to accompany the title is loud, and orchestral. This attracts the audience, making them look at the screen, aware that the film is about to begin - an effective feature to start the film.


Enigma codes occur from the very start of the opening sequence, which is another extremely successful feature, as it keeps the audience hooked. They begin to ask questions about certain characters, locations, conversations etc - also known as foreshadowing.

"The Strangers" (2008):

"The Ring" (2002):

"The Ring", directed by Gore Verbinski, is an American remake of the Japanese horror film "Ring" (1996). The film is classed as a 'psychological horror', which was a critical and commercial success.


Plot
The film focuses on a mysterious, cursed video-tape, which contains a seemingly random and obscure series of disturbing images. After watching the tape, the viewer receives a phone call, in which a girl's voice announces that the viewer will die in seven days. Two teenage girls, 16-year-old Katie Embry, and 17-year-old Becca Kotler discuss a supposedly cursed videotape while home alone at Katie's house. Katie reveals that, seven days before, she viewed the video tape with a group of friends. The girls laugh it off, but after a series of strange occurrences in the next few minutes, Katie dies mysteriously and horrifically. The film follows Rachel (Katie's auntie, and also a journalist) as she investigates her niece's murder. It is her mission to find out what this cursed tape is all about, and what she can do to save it's future victims...


The opening sequence
The opening sequence starts by showcasing 'Dreamworks', an American film studio which develops, produces, and distributes films, video games and television programming. They display the Dreamworks title in a way which links very nicely with the scary nature of the film. The design of the short clip is the same as it is for any other Dreamworks film; however, the colour and font are designed differently. Very dark hues, such as black, white and grey are used, again, to link with the scary nature of the film. Just before the actual title is shown, a quick image of a ring flickers on the screen, which is a very effective touch.

Katie (left) and Becca (right)

Enigma codes are created from the very start of the film, which is a good convention of horror (in my opinion), as it jumps straight into the story-line, and allows the audience to make assumptions right from the start. One of the first questions raised is "who are these two girls?". First impressions lead you to believe that they are two friends, casually spending some time together. They do not look alike, so you automatically assume that they're not related; however, they are both wearing the same school uniform, so they obviously go to school together. 


Another question raised very early on is "what is on this tape that the girls speak about?". They describe it in quite some detail, which makes the audience eager to view the tape; however, the tape isn't actually shown to the audience until later on in the film, so mentioning it early on is a good way to keep the viewers hooked right until the end. These are two of the main questions, but there are certainly more that I could list - is this mysterious tape actually real? When the TV turns off, what does this have to do with the viewing of the tape? Who is on the phone after you view it? And what is the dark, oozing liquid that seeps out of the doorway? All of these questions are included in the opening sequence, as enigma codes are renowned for keeping audiences hooked. The fact that a horror movie is being discussed within another horror movie leaves the viewers confused, as they are unsure whether to watch the tape in question. This is a very powerful, psychological aspect.


The characters shown in this particular opening sequence don't actually possess a huge role in the film; however, they are a huge addition to the overall story-line. This could be seen as an example of foreshadowing, as you don't find out about these characters in depth until later on in the plot, as the story unravels. As I mentioned previously, I came to the conclusion that these two girls are friends, who attend the same school. Young schoolgirls are quite often used in horror films, as they come across as unwise and vulnerable. Male characters are sometimes used in horror films; however, if they are, they are made to look quite weak, young and foolish. Strong characters that possess a huge amount of wisdom are seldom used, as this would just defeat one of the director's objectives - to kill off the characters. 


The roles of the two girls are represented using a number of techniques - their appearance, costume, and overall, the way they act generally. They are young, moderately attractive, and they seem quite naive about some things (for example, when Katie is talking about waves entering the brain). Both of the girls also come across as quite immature, as they talk about sex-related gossip, which is then followed by a childish pillow-fight. They seem quite dismissive of the whole concept of 'the tape', as they make a joke about it, which could be viewed as an example of dramatic irony - the audience are automatically aware that something terrible will happen to these girls. Their appearance, along with all of their characteristics combine to create two perfect horror film roles.

Location and Mise-en-scene are very important in all opening sequences, as they establish the director's intended mood/feel of the film very early on. Like many other horror films, this is set at night, in a large, scary-looking house. Two girls are home alone in quite a secluded area, which is a very typical convention of horror films. An establishing shot is displayed at the very start of the film, which informs the audience of the girls current location. The girls are then shown sitting in Katie's bedroom, watching TV. I gathered that this was Katie's bedroom, as the furnishings are quite immature i.e. the single bed. The lighting is dim, with a large amount of the light coming from the TV in front of them. I think that this is an effective type of light source for horror, as it sticks to the dull, eery feel. When the girls turn off the TV, the lighting becomes eve darker, and they then go on to discuss the tape. The timing of this was perfect, as the eeriness continues to increase as the story becomes more un-nerving. 

(Notice the rain in the right hand corner)

When the girls leave the bedroom, the lighting becomes a lot darker. This is another typical convention of horror - having no light sources on in the surroundings. Again, the lighting from the TV is a huge addition to the lighting in the scene, but I think the director has done this for a reason - perhaps, to show how significant the TV is to the story-line? Another important feature of the mise-en-scene is the fact that it is raining outside. This is a example of pathetic fallacy, as people associate rain with gloom and dreariness.


The use of editing and camera techniques in this opening sequence definitely add to the scariness of this film.   In my opinion, the camera angles applied to this film are some of the most effective camera angles I've ever seen, simply because there is such a wide variety. Slow close-ups shots are used, in order to clearly show the character's reaction/emotion. They are also used to lure the audience in, as (in my opinion) they make you feel as if you are actually being reeled into the story! This technique is used from 1:20 - 1:46, as Becca is telling Katie all about the tape. Still close-up shots are also used a lot, to show the emotion on the girls' face's. Along with these close-ups, shot/reverse shots are used, to focus on the conversations between the characters in close detail. Also, there are a few examples of fast close-ups, to focus on significant things that are put in place to really scare the audience (for example, when the camera zooms in on the clock, and it is exactly 10:00).

There were two particular camera angles that really stood out to me when I watched this opening sequence for the first time. At 4:41, a close-up shot is used as Katie opens the fridge. The audience automatically flinch at the sight of this, as they expect something to scare them once she shuts the fridge door. This builds suspense massively, which is another good way to keep viewers hooked. The second camera technique that stood out to me was at 6:00, when Katie sees something in the TV. Using the TV as a way to reflect what is behind her is a very powerful editing/camera technique, as it allows the viewer to see the scenario from a different angle. In continues to increase the suspense levels, as the audience want to know what it was that Katie saw.


The sound used in this opening sequence is all diegetic, as there is no music to accompany the situation. The use of silence is a very powerful technique when the characters aren't speaking, as it leads the audience to believe that something terrifying is about to happen. The sequence opens with the sound of rain pouring outside; however, it swiftly moves on to the young girls having a conversation. Overall, there isn't much to say about the sound, as when the character's aren't speaking, it is either completely silent, or the sound of breathing fills the space. Simple, but very effective indeed.


Unlike "IT", titles are not displayed in this opening sequence, in order to keep the audience hooked to the action. Titles often distract you from what is going on, so this is a really useful technique.


In conclusion, I feel that this film is aimed at people over the age of 15. Although it doesn't contain adult features (very inappropriate language, murder, etc) it does contain some things that may play with your mind psychologically...it certainly played with mine! I really liked the subtlety of this opening sequence; therefore, I will keep many of the conventions that I listed in mind.


Below is the opening sequence to "The Ring"
(0:00 - 7:31)

Stephen King's "IT" (1990):

"IT", by Stephen King, was originally a novel, written in 1986; however, it was then turned into a horror TV mini-series in 1990. Although it was aired in America as a two part mini-series, it is often classed as a horror film. It scared audiences worldwide, and still continues to do so.


Plot
In 1960, a group seven school-friends (who are bullied by another group of children) are also being tormented by something a lot more menacing, and life-threatening. The story revolves around an evil figure, simply referred to as "IT" - a corrupt demon, also know as "Pennywise the Dancing Clown", who has the ability to transform into the prey's worst phobia, feed on their fear, and kill them. After defeating the demonic clown as youngsters, "IT" resurfaces 30 years later, leading the group of seven to get rid of it once more as adults. They must work together to fight the wicked clown that haunted them as children.


The opening sequence
The opening titles presents a series of photographs, whilst playing an eery, orchestral accompaniment. Unless the viewer already knows the story, these photographs may seem extremely puzzling. This is an example of enigma codes - who is being shown in the photographs? Also, why are these photographs being displayed at the very start of the film? The director has chosen to show these images to the audience before the audience actually know anything about the story-line, which is a typical convention of horror films -  foreshadowing. It leaves the viewers confused, and eager to find out more information; therefore, they have been hooked, which is one of the initial aims of every film director, I'm sure. 


Character is very important in opening sequences, as it give viewers more information about the film.  The opening sequence also shows a young girl (Laurie-Ann) being murdered - one of a string of murders. The plot then unravels, and the story behind "IT" is slowly revealed. Although Laurie-Ann is shown prior to all of the other characters, she isn't necessarily the main character in the film, which is another example of foreshadowing. Young children (especially females) are often used in horror films , as they may come across as more "vulnerable" to the audience. The role of Laurie-Ann is represented to viewers using a number of methods - costume, appearance, and overall, her general characteristics. She makes her appearance in the film as she rides along happily on a tricycle, singing "the itsy bitsy spider" aloud. Her hair is blonde, short, and is styled in a very cliche, high plait. Even this small feature contributes to the perception that the audience receive of Laurie-Ann. She is wearing a blue hooded jumper, light pink trousers, and floral velcro shoes. Her clothing, combined with her hairstyle, her chosen transport and her song choice all establish who she is, and what she is like - she is obviously a young child, who seems very innocent and pure. Of course, her blue eyes and freckles support all of my previous points.

Shortly after Laurie-Ann is introduced to the audience, the role of the clown is introduced. The clown contrasts hugely to the young female character, for a number of reasons - he is older, and overall, his appearance is extremely different to the appearance of Laurie-Ann. Although his bright, welcoming appearance may seem attractive to children at first, as he is smiling, the next shots show the clown staring at young Laurie-Ann in a very menacing, evil way; therefore, confirming all suspicions we previously had. 


Location and Mise-en-scene are very important in all films, as they often establish the director's intended mood/feel of the film. Unlike many other horror films, this is set in the daytime; however, there is a storm, which results in the light seeming slightly dull and dreary. Storms are a great convention of the horror genre, as they make the audience believe that something terrible is about to happen. Notice that the number of horror films set in a sunny, bright atmosphere is near to none. This film is set in the town of Derry, which appears to be quite run-down and old looking.  This is shown through the photographs. The run-down look of the town really contributes to the depressing, dreary effect this location has on the audience - it makes them feel sad rather than happy, which could be seen as an example of pathetic fallacy, as the viewers associate a sad mood with the town.

The use of editing in this opening sequence (although it is subtle) is very effective. The black and white photographs shown at the very start fade in and out of each other, to create a more mysterious, chilling effect. Although this technique isn't very complex, it still has an effective impact on the audience. 


Another successful technique is used at approximately 1:17. A black and white image is displayed, and as the camera zooms in on this image, it fades to 'real life'. This is a very smooth transition, which allows directors/editors to move from one time period to another very easily. This is a technique that I have used previously in some of my work, as it recreates the scenario shown in the photograph. 


Once the opening sequence changes to focus on 'real life', rather than the past, a lot of establishing shots are used, as this technique really sets the scene for the audience. It allows the viewers to find out more information about the location and mise-en-scene, without too much information being revealed early on. Rather than continuing the 'fade' effects, the shots now cut from one to another without any particular transition. In my opinion, this keeps the audience hooked on what they're meant to be seeing, rather than being distracted by the editing techniques. 

Close-up shots are very effective in opening sequences, as they really allow the audience to focus on certain emotions, or significant clues that could link to the plot. For example, at 2:21, a close-up shot is used to show Laurie-Ann picking up her doll. This, again, creates an enigma code. Why is the doll being focused on? This could be seen as a significant moment in the story, as it is hinting that something linked to this event may occur later on. An example of close-ups being used to show facial expressions/emotions is at 2:34, when a close-up on Laurie-Ann's face is used. Laurie-Ann looks frightened and confused, which is made very clear to the audience; therefore, this shot-type has been successful. Close-ups really allow you to gather some information about what is happening, and how the characters may be feeling.


When the clown appears, the sudden cuts to and from the shots are very effective. Also, the clown's face is hidden by the laundry; however, each time the laundry blows in the wind, his face is revealed. This is very frightening, as it creates a jumpy effect. The lead up to Laurie-Ann's murder is shown through the eyes of the clown, in a slow-motion shot. This shows the scenario from the clown's point of view, which is a technique I am definitely going to take in mind. Also, the slow-motion allows the audience to really focus on Laurie-Ann's facial expression - the sudden change from happy, to terrified.


The sound used in this opening sequence is largely non-diegetic; however, there are moments where diegetic sound is used. As the titles are displayed, along with the black and white photographs, the sound is all non-diegetic. An orchestral melody plays, which has a very eery, un-nerving feel. This, combined with the photographs, immediately sets the mood. When the scene changes to 'real life', the sound gradually becomes more diegetic - lightening strikes, the laundry blows in the wind, and raindrops can be heard hitting the china cups; however, whilst this diegetic sound can be heard, the orchestral tune is still being played in the background. When Laurie-Ann starts to sing, the sound becomes solely diegetic. Faint lightening strikes can be heard behind Laurie-Ann's voice, which adds to the mood perceived by the audience. When Laurie-Ann picks up her doll, an echoey sound of children's laughter is played, which may confuse the audience - is it in her mind? From this point onwards, the sound switches between diegetic and non-diegetic, in order to give a good balance between the two. As the clown is introduced, the sound of laughter is heard to lure the girl towards him. This could be a repeating sound within the film, that the audience will associate with him each time it is played. If so, the audience may feel anxious every time they hear it, which will indicate when the clown is going to return.

The titles are quite long in this opening sequence. Firstly, the words 'Stephen King's' appears. This then becomes IT, the title of the film. The colour red is a significant feature, as red connotes anger and fear, which represents the nature of the film. The audience are already curious as to what will occur later on in the film, so the colour red adds to this anxiety. Although the titles are much longer, including actors, directors and editors names, they don't distract the audience from the action.

In conclusion, I feel that this film is directed at audiences of 15 and above; however, I don't think it is aimed at a specific sex. Both male and females may find the clown figure frightening, although, I do think that younger viewers are more likely to find the clown scary. I came to this conclusion, as the opening sequence doesn't really contain any adult conventions, i.e. rape, scenes of a sexual nature, inappropriate language, etc.

Below you will find the opening sequence to "IT"

(Shown from 0:00 - 2:50)