What I've Learned from Analysis of Opening Sequences

I decided to analyse the openings in my last post mainly as they were the first ones to come to mind, although I did find some interesting openings in a WatchMojo Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKlQ0XrLSYU), it's also comforting to see two of the openings I analysed included in the WatchMojo Top Ten video as it appears that I picked iconic opening sequences. I also found that Superbad and a couple of James Bond films are included in an online top 30 Opening Sequences list (https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/12/30-unforgettable-movie-title-sequences/) which suggests that I've analysed some relatively successful title sequences. I believe that the openings are simply memorable or different which is why they're successful, however with the Bond franchise I believe that they have achieved a sense of notoriety for being very artistic/compositionally great.


Now, in this post I will be discussing which genre I would consider focusing on for my final piece. In order to decide I'll have to weigh the constraints and benefits of the films; my initial understanding is that I should avoid major blockbuster elements as they usually cost more money and time.


Action
I am unsure as to whether or not I will focus on the action genre - I may include elements of it but perhaps not all. Many action movies tend to be blockbuster films produced by large conglomerate companies, they would be needed as the films include may special effects and stunt specialists. Not only would shooting cost lots of money, it would also cost time to learn how to edit in explosions, bullets, bullet holes, debris, gunfire and blood. Additionally, there is an issue with using prop weapons as they can cause public concern if used in a public area; action films tend to use many weapons and so they would be difficult to transport, conceal and act with without drawing attention or increasing concern.



Romance
It is unlikely that I will produce the opening to a romance film as I am not very confident. Understandably a romance film can be low budget and be shot in a short time however it would be difficult to cast two actors capable enough of showing a true connection in such a short time, they'd have to learn their lines and perhaps even get to know each other better in order to play the roles convincingly. Not only this but I personally don't feel confident enough in shooting a romance film, not having watched or researched many - in fact I struggled to think of a romance film to analyse. I feel as though I could work more efficiently on a genre I am comfortable with, in which I am aware of its tropes too.



Comedy
The humourous jokes and gags would certainly make my final piece more enjoyable as many are entertained by humour. I am confident in my knowledge of comedies to begin with and would certainly enjoy further research, it'd even be a low cost and time-effective genre to focus on as it doesn't necessarily require high-end effects, Although, writing a truly entertaining script can be another issue as I would have to decide on what particular comedy I would like to create. Furthermore, the opening that I did analyse would be difficult to replicate as I don't believe I have the artistic capacity nor the time and skill. Perhaps I could include some features of comedy such as jokes or light-hearted music/bright visuals to entertain my audience and engage them during the opening sequence.



Zombie
This genre has always been an interest of mine, with the idea of a post-apocalyptic world and focusing on survival and human interatctions - given the breakdown of society after the outbreak. Many zombie films are quite accessible in terms of budget, the main concerns being special effects, extras or make-up; one way of getting around this could be to focus on perhaps one zombie and suggest gore rather than show it or even adding effects in post. Films such as Night of the Living Dead, Evil Dead, Redneck Zombies and the Zombie Diaries tended to be lower in budget yet have cult followings. I could also add in features of each of the other genres to a zombie film as atleast the genre gives a basic setting and structure of narrative - breakdown of society followed by survival.