Research: Opening Credits (Mr Smith)

Opening credits are written information presented to the audience on who produced the film, who is starring in the films and other production roles. The purpose of opening credits are that they are effective in thrillers when accompanied by sound to create tension and fear. Also, it is essential information that helps to connect with the audience so they learn more about the production of the film.

Order of appearance:

• name of studio
• name of production company
• producers name
• directors name
• starring
• films title
• edited by
• music or music composed by
• storyboard by

Audience's response: 
Opening credits are there for the audience to know exactly who was apart of making the film and who is playing in it. This just creates a closer link from the audience to the film as they know exactly what they are watching. Opening credits also give a chance for the audience to take some time before the film to learn and identify what role each person is responsible for. Apart from the directors name, the opening credits tend to go in order allowing the audience to know the most important roles. The audience's response to opening credits are different in each genre. For example, if the audience is watching a romantic film then the opening credits would usually have up beat and happy music and mostly high-key lighting throughout effecting them in a positive way. However, in thriller films the opening credits tend to be more low-key lighting with intense or disturbing music throughout effecting the audience in a more negative way. This allows the audience to understand exactly what genre they are watching immediately and get in the mood for the film.

Thriller scene analysis...

In "Insidious" the opening credits firstly state the production company, a film by, the title, actors/actresses names, costume director, music by, edited by, production designer, director of photography, line producer, co-produced by, executive producer, produced by, written by and lastly directed by. Every thriller film is different which is why the order of appearance may differ, however, they will all include the same credits. It is clear that in this thriller the directors name is mentioned twice. This tends to happen in films as it is the most important part of the credits to express to the audience. Credits are usually included to highlight to the audience who exactly was apart of this film which brings the audience closer to understanding the film.

Conclusion:

In my thriller I plan to include all opening credits as it is important to inform the audience on who exactly is making the film. As opening credits can create a certain atmosphere for the audience I hope to follow the conventions of a thriller film opening credits with low-key lighting, disturbing music and dark colours like black, red and navy.