How film openings attract audience members

Film openings attract an audience because they set up the tone, atmosphere and character for the overall product, for example, the film opening to 'The BFG' directed by Brian Cosgrove. The beginning of this film sets the scene and introduces characters, for instance the female protagonist 'Sophie' is introduced in a dimly lit orphanage therefore attracting audience's as this is an unlikely set up for a film.

During this we are shown different locations, such as a lonely tree and village streets, therefore keeping audiences interested and within knowledge of where the scene is set. 

 

We are also then greeted with a cloaked figure, which attracts audiences as the character is shown in dim light, and within a background that they do not clearly belong to., e.g. The figure is taller than the buildings and looks out of place.

 

 

The use of not introducing each and every character within the opening attracts audience members because it entails mystery and/or a hidden secret or something to be discovered, therefore implying that audience members will want to carry on watching to find out what happenes. 

The narrative is also very important to how to attract audience members as you want to keep them interested, for example within 'the BFG' the female protagonist is seen to be taken by the cloaked figure. This attracts audience members because they are left wondering why she has been taken, and where she will be taken.

 

 

 

Sound can also be used to attract the audience, for example if the company is mainstream, using well known songs, such as chart music, can attract audiences as they can relate to the current piece and also provide a happy atmosphere, e.g. Using 'my heart will go on' from well known film 'titanic' can be associatedwith love, therefore identifying I the audience what genre the film will be to then attract a certain type of audience, such as those who enjoy a love story.

 

The BFG' uses sound to compliment the film and add tone to certain parts within the film, or example, when the cloaked figure puts out his had and a horn appears, a light magical melody is created to envoke excitement and mystery, therefore resulting in the audiences involvement within the film. 

 

Also the use of theories, for example the uses and gratifications theory, can attract audiences as they would enjoy the film, and therefore want to see the film again for pleasure.