Value of Research So Far

What I have learned from research into opening scenes is:

•       It is important to set the scene.
•       It is important to try not to put too much into opening scenes.
•       Don’t establish the characters personalities too much, but enough so we know they are going to be important in the film. This is related to my opening scene because I have shown the main characters and how they are friends, but not shown there individual personalities yet.
•        It is a good idea to show the main character first so the audience sub-consciously identify the character as being important. This is why I choose to show the main walking into the room, he is on his own and stands up while greeted and doesn’t sit down whereas the others do.
•       Giving the audience a reason to continue watching. This is why I thought it would be a good idea to see the character slide something onto the table, and without the audience seeing what they are makes them want to watch on.
•       Do not make it to exciting as to give away too much at the start. No action takes place in my opening scene even though it’s quite an action filled film.
•       Establishing the scene is the most important thing i.e. where it is set, when it is set. This is why in my opening scene there will be writing on screen to show when the scene was set and where.
•       It is good to show the audience less. In this case less is best.
•       Showing a snippet of the storyline so it can entice the audience to watch on.