AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates.
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding when analysing media products and processes.
An opening sequence should...
· Attract the attention of the audience and make them want to watch further
· Interest the audience in what’s going on (offer hooks or enigmas)
· Give the audience information about the text they are about to watch
· Establish the genre, theme and narrative qualities of the text
It does this by use of codes to:
o Set the scene
o Introduce the audience to the main characters
o Encourage ‘narrative expectation’
o Suggest a genre
TASK: Using the grid uploaded below, you are going to deconstruct an opening sequence of your choice.
HOW TO DO IT...
1. Choose an opening sequence to analyse; make sure you know or research the programme you choose to establish genre, theme and target audience.
2. Use the grid to deconstruct your chosen opening sequence.
3. Using the information you have gathered, put together a short presentation about your opening sequence. This should cover:
a. Genre/theme: how is this indicated via technical and visual codes?
b. Audience: i) how does the text target an audience? Ii) How might different audiences respond to the text?
c. Narrative: what information is suggested about the narrative of the text via the opening sequence?
You will need to use narrative and audience theory, as well as precise media terminology. Your presentation should include text and image analysis (screen captures). You should start your presentation by playing the opening sequence to the class.
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding when analysing media products and processes.
An opening sequence should...
· Attract the attention of the audience and make them want to watch further
· Interest the audience in what’s going on (offer hooks or enigmas)
· Give the audience information about the text they are about to watch
· Establish the genre, theme and narrative qualities of the text
It does this by use of codes to:
o Set the scene
o Introduce the audience to the main characters
o Encourage ‘narrative expectation’
o Suggest a genre
TASK: Using the grid uploaded below, you are going to deconstruct an opening sequence of your choice.
HOW TO DO IT...
1. Choose an opening sequence to analyse; make sure you know or research the programme you choose to establish genre, theme and target audience.
2. Use the grid to deconstruct your chosen opening sequence.
3. Using the information you have gathered, put together a short presentation about your opening sequence. This should cover:
a. Genre/theme: how is this indicated via technical and visual codes?
b. Audience: i) how does the text target an audience? Ii) How might different audiences respond to the text?
c. Narrative: what information is suggested about the narrative of the text via the opening sequence?
You will need to use narrative and audience theory, as well as precise media terminology. Your presentation should include text and image analysis (screen captures). You should start your presentation by playing the opening sequence to the class.
Here is an example of how you should proceed: my analysis of the opening sequence of Dexter.
And here are some more resources you might find helpful.