What happens at the start of a film?

There is a certain sequence that film openings tend to follow.

Usually big film companies have an established image/moving image that viewers recognise. This is the production comapany's ident.

this is an example - Warner Bros

As well as showing the image, there will also be some text. For example, it may say '............ presents a .......... film'. This is done to make the ownership of the film clear. Next, the title sequence will begin. This is where the actors and actresses names are presented usually in a corner of the screen over the film opening. Also, the name of the film which follows the cast names. Usually there is non-diagetic music playing across the opening and this is done to create a specific mood/atmosphere. Establishing shots are very common in film openings. This is done to establish the setting and make the location of where the film is set clear. The opening of a film introduces the main key characters. This is done so we can immediatly familiarlise with them. The genre is also established within the start of the movie, this can be done through the use of mise en scene. For example; costume,props, make up etc. We are able to get an idea of what the story line is through watching the first few minutes as the plot is made clear on a basic level to interest the views and immediately capture their attention.