Analysis of Childrens Film Opening Sequence

Chosen Film: Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakquel

The first thing you see in the opening sequence of this film is the media company (20^th century fox) and title sequence of the film.

This film is a mix of animation and real life acting, within the opening sequence you are introduced to all three chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore alongside their ‘guardian’ Dave. During this period you are able to establish the general characteristic of each character especially Alvin who is cheeky and quite a big show off. You also get a theme track as the chipmunks are singing, and are very quickly able to establish the genre of the film.

This film fits into the family animation fantasy comedy genre as it has talking animals (the chipmunks), and is meant for families to watch hence the U certification. It also has some comedy aspects throughout the film for all ages to enjoy.

The general narrative of the film is quite predictive within the first few minutes of the film.

The general locations is also set although the real main location of the school isn’t established until further into the film.

By Stacey Hubbard

Analysis of children's film opening sequence and conventions

Chosen children's film: Bolt

Bolt is a charming fantasy adventure film produced by the well known international company Walt Disney Pictures, released November 21st 2008. Walt Disney are known worldwide for not only their films but also their merchandise and ever popular resorts situated all around the world.  Bolt follows the life of a pet super-dog who lives an action packed life of danger and zero consequence, up till the cameras stop rolling. He lives a life of confort and excitment until he accidently gets shipped off to New York City where the pampered pooch has to fend for himself inorder to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny. 

The conventions of an opening sequence within a childrens film mainly consist of: introducing the main characters, establishment of location, genre music/theme tune, title sequences and an introduction into the evil character (stereotypically, as most childrens films have one).

The opening sequence for Bolt consists of two parts. First off you are shown what Bolts character is like, as he is different from the other dogs and so behaves diferently making it obvious that Bolt is the focus. Penny then gets introduced as she decides to choose Bolt out of all the other dogs and also is represented to be the only human in the frame and so making it obvious she is one of the main characters. It also shows immediatly the realtion between the two main characters. The establishment of location shows that they are in a city as you can see in the reflection of the pet shop window you can see roads and other houses.  The genre of music during the first couple of minutes fits the criteria of a childrens film because it if uplifting but deep music, just another classic sound track with pure thought and emotion from Walt Disney Pictures. It is also the general theme tune of the film Bolt. Like any other film it also has the neccessary title sequences inorder to illustrate the different positions that were played.
Here is a link to view the first part to the opening sequence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ciInE4RfQ&feature=related

The second part of the opening sequence illutrates more the adventure/action part of the film because it shows what the characters are doing five years later. It begins by having climatic and upbeat music which dramatically changes the pace of the film from fun loving to action packed. The music automatically fits the conventions of an action film because its upbeat, loud and climatic. Also it has the occasional computer/technology sound which many spy/action films have. This part of the opening sequence also has an introduction into the supposedly evil character, however you later are informed that he's just the evil character for the programme they are filming within the film. It also has the occasional slow motion shots where the character bolt is slowly flying through the air which fit the conventions of the action/adventure genre. The fantasy element of the film is initialised with Bolt's special powers however again, you later realise that thats just but of the tv show and so is fake, but the fantasy elemtent is reinstated when the animal characters begin to talk, which fits perfectly into the conventions of the fantasy childrens film genre.
Here is part of the action half of the opening sequence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwBsq6dL_b0&feature=related
 

By Alex Breeze

The lion King opening sequence- Jake Cowie

The film is explained almost just by the title, it sets the scene by naming the one thing that the film is based around; the Lion King. The events that take place in the film are all a consequence of the status of being the Lion King. Therefore this shows that the film title is relevant to the film.

Throughout the opening sequence one song is played, this song is called 'The Circle of Life'. The song symbolises new life. The 'circle of life' is shown throughout the whole film as a basis for what happens. The song sets the scene and makes it a big part of the film, this is done by the way in which all the animals in the opening sequence respond the this song. This shows that this is clearly an important part of the story- the birth of Simba. Although there is no dialogue in the opening sequence, we are still introduced to the main characters of the story. From the way in which the characters are shown tells us who is the main character. The opening sequence shows that the animals are united and all rely on the 'king'. They are all a family, not just the separate animals, this shows that the theme of love is shown throughout the film. Simba is outlined as the main character, this scene quickly shows this as all the animals are there to see him after his birth. Rifiki, the monkey who holds Simba up to the world is shown as a main character in the film as when he greets Mufassa with a hug- outlining the love in the film between all the species not just one group. In the opening sequence we meet Mufassa, Simba, Rifiki, Sarabi. These characters are therefore seen as important characters as they are introduced first.

By Jake Cowie

Production Planning

Mind map

The definition of a mind map is the exploration of a thought process and mainly consists of a main theme and then smaller branches of thought coming off of it, breaking it down into broader ideas. This can help expand and develop initial ideas of film producers.

Story Board

The definition of a story board is a pictorial step by step screen shot, taking you through the production. It also provides such information as to describe what is happening and needed in every individual shot. All major productions begin with a story board. It also helps the group as it gives a reference to what needs to be done.

Risk assessment

Risk assessment is when the producers of the film assess the possible risks during production.

Shot list

Is a list of all the shots that are needed for each scene in the production and the number of the specific frame. This also helps as a reference to look back and check with.

Children's Action Film - Spy Kids

Spy Kids is a childrens action adventure film that follows the traditional conventions of a childrens action adventure film. in the opening sequence is is obvious that the film has a large budget as the opening shot is a large tracking shot over a wide area, which is classic of a film with a big budget. 

The film also introduces the main characters right at the beginning, also highlighting that there are "good guys" and "bad guys" as the shots focussing on the good guys compared the bad guys are different, this is also represented in the diegetic and non diegetic sounds. The non-diegetic soundtrack at the beginning is dramatic and builds the sense of adventure and action. 

British Board of Film Classification

PG is a abrieviation for Parental Guidance, this certificate is given to a film when it complies with the boudaries of the guidelines of the British Board of Film Classification. PG means that anyone below the age of 12 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

The guidelines for a PG are as follows; 

• Discrimination: Discrimination where children can identify it is very unlikely to appear.
• Drugs: Use or reference of illegal drugs must not be in a harmful way or must carry a strong anti-drug message.
• Horror: there should be no extended or prolonged frightening scenes which my frighten the viewers. 
• Imitable behaviour: No scenes which could possibly be copied by young children. No glamorisation of easily accessible weapons.
• Language: Mild language is acceptable but bad language is rarely used. 
• Nudity: Natural nudity with no sexual reference. 
• Sex: Implied sexual activity is acceptable however it shouldn't be frequent and discreet. 
• Theme: Mild domestic violence can be shown however anything more is not acceptable. 
• Violence: Moderate violece may be used only justified by its context for example for comedic value. Violence must not contain detail.

Jake
Alex

British Board of Film Classification

The British board of film classification is a body that is independent from the government which classifies the cinema films and videos according to the content. The BBFC was set up in 1912 although the guidelines in which it follows are updated every four years.

The film certificate 'U' stands for universal which means the films which are awarded this certificate should be suitable for all especially pre-school children. Within the films that are awarded this certificate there should be no use of illegal drugs or any drug misuse, There should also be no discrimination and if there is this should be clearly disapproved of due to the young audience. Also because of the young audience imitable behaviour should be kept moderate such as use of easily accessible weapons, language and behaviour. There should be no horror content and if there is this should be kept to a minimum and have a reassuring outcome so as not to frighten the young and vulnerable audience. Nudity may only be included in the 'U' certificate if there is no sexually explicit intentions. Similarly sex scenes can only include mild references such as kissing. The theme cannot be traumatic for the young audience as they are easily influenced. Also within the film violent scenes must be kept to a minimum and can only be used mildly.

12 and 12A are classified in the same way the only difference being 12A is used in cinemas only. To view a 12A film you must be ages 12 or over or be accompanied by an adult.

Discrimination used within 12 and 12A must be justified or condemned.  The use of drugs cannot be frequent and or glamorised in any way.  Frequent and sustained horror must not be used, however physical and psychological horror may be used in moderation. Dangerous and harmful imitable behaviour must not be glamorised or appear to be harm free as the audience is still impressionable. Bad language can be used but extreme bad language must be used within moderation and be infrequent. Brief and discreet nudity and scenes of a sexual nature may be included however frequent crude references should not be included.  Mature themes are permitted although they must still be suitable for young teenagers. Violence with in 12 films is allowed although there should be no emphasis on the detail.



No one under the age of 15 may view a film in the cinema with a certificate of 15 this is due to the content which is deemed unsuitable for children under this age. In these films they may not encourage or promote discriminatory behaviour or language although drug taking may be shown but also can not promote or encourage the use of drugs also within this category drugs which are easily accessible and extremely dangerous is not acceptable. No horror that is deemed to be sadistic or sexualised is permitted in the certificate. Also withing the certificate the films shouldn't focus on detail which is dangerous and could be copied also dangerous weapns shouldn't be glamourised. You may hear frequent use of strong language although the strongest terms may be used if fitting within the context they are used. Nudity is permitted with a sexual nature but only if isn't focused upon, however nudity is permitted with no restraint when used outside of sexual content. Any theme is permitted so long as it is suitable for viewing for all of the 15 year old age group and above. Sexual content maybe accepted as long as it isn't focused upon too much. Violence can be included which is strong although it cannot focus upon injury or the infliction of pain to a great extent.


No one below of the age of 18 can buy or rent an 18 certificated film.

The BBFC's guidelines state that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, however with the following exceptions, there should be no content which should break the law, may cause harm to any individual, and where there is any explicit  images which cannot be justified by the context.




OUR CHILDRENS FILM OPENING SEQUENCE:

We have decided that our children's film opening sequence will be a PG as we feel this will still appeal to the children's age group as the content will still be suitable for them to view, but it also gives us more freedom with what we can include in the opening sequence as it isn't as strict as the U certificate.

Stacey Hubbard
Jack McCurdy

Adventure Fantasy Film Analysis: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate factory fits into the two genres of fantasy and adventure as it includes fictional factors such as the character Violet being changed into a giant blueberry, and the factory itself uses extravagant methods to produce the chocolate. These usually unbelievable characteristics in the film enable it to be characterized as a fantasy film. Also towards the end of the film Charlie and Willy Wonka leave through the glass elevator which leaves through the roof which also wouldn't happen in real life.

This film can be included within the adventure genre as it follows the journey of Charlie as he comes from a poor lifestyle and is then given the chance to change this when he enters the chocolate factory as each room is a different experience. Also each of the other four children have their own journey's within the factory alongside Charlie's which provides an exciting story for the audience to watch.

Stacey Hubbard & Alex Breeze

Preliminary Task

This task has helped us learn more about continuity to aid us through the production process to create a professional looking opening sequence. This task also helped us learn more about the equipment and learn each others capabilities in relation to camerawork, directing and acting.