Importance of Opening Credits & Title sequences

• What is the purpose of opening credits?
Opening credits is a list of the most prominent people involved in a television broadcast or film, shown at the beginning of the program. Usually shown as text on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in a show. It could be considered one of the most important pieces in a film. Other than trailers and marketing elements, they are the first piece of text the audience are introduced to as the movie begins. These quick clips (all about two-three minutes) outline the filmmakers intentions and set up the expectations of those watching.

• What is the difference between opening credits and title sequences?
A title sequence is the method by which films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both. The movie title sets the tone, atmosphere and characters for the audience, the opeong credits can either make or break an openin scene. The movie title gives a hint to the reader of what they can expect throughout the film through the condensed phrase.

• What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?
Techniques that can be employed in an opening sequence could be; shots of the location. In doing this the opening sequence gives the audience an indication of the setting but also a sense of the atmosphere within the specific location in the film. Additionally, within the opening sequence is the establishing of the characters involved in the film, the audience are able to paint an image within their minds of the type of personalities and strengths that could be more seen and developed throughout the working of the film. The audience are able to predict how the character may react to certain or events or situations that may emerge as the plot evolves. This will be based upon their observation of the character in the opening sequnece. 

What is an example of Representational Codes in the programme Arrow?

• Stephen Amell plays the role of Oliver Queen in the series, Arrow. His character plays a vigilante to fulfil his goal of trying to save Starling City. As you could question; 'Why doesn't he leave it to the police officers of the city?' It is their job but in the show the policemen help the vigilante on his quest to fight evil throughout the city. Police officers authority has been belittled in supporting and helping fight crime outside the law. The law is something police officers are meant to stand for but in the show the people who are a symbol of the law don't even practise it or twist it to suit the situation that the vigilante is involved in. The police officers are false representations of the roles police officers have in reality, as law abiding citizens.
• Men are represented as the dominant characters played in this show (Oliver Queen, Roy Harper, John Diggle) women in the show are played as the 'brain power' and the strong headed characters (Felicity Smoak, Laurel Lance). Men in soceity have a stereotype that they are physically stronger then the other gender. Directors have formed superheroes that display physical strength and rare abilities of the character usually a male, for example Thor or Spider-Man and in this case, Arrow. Women are displayed as 'helpers' in both of these blockbuster films and in the TV series. Laurel Lance has become a helper of Oliver Queen to achieve his long term goal - to save Starling City.
• Within the shows, often there are numerous shots of Starling City, a form of Mis en Scen. In doing this it reminds the audience of Oliver Queens goal and the importance of what he does to save that image of the city.
• In the TV series there is both use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound. The majority of sound is non-digetic, when Oliver Queen goes on missions there is dramatic use of drums, this not only builds a determined atmosphere but also gives an intense feeling for the audience. Digetic sounds involved in the show includes use of police sirens to indicate the level of crime in the city and reiterates Oliver's goal which is to solve or stop crime.