Conventions of Film Openings

The typical conventions of film openings are followed:

• Title of the film
• Establishing of the Director and Main Cast
• Institutional logos (for production and distribution company)
• Panning shot (usually) of location to establish where the film is set.
• Key characters are shown. Throughout the opening of the film main characters get a lot of screen time to establish them as that. 
• Music. (Sets the mood and the tone of the film so the audience can identify the genre of the film.

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) & Psycho (1960) were used as examples.

"Classic Openings" begin with:

• The establishment of a city landscape (sometimes states the city if the city isn't famous. For example, if New York was the setting, a statement is not needed because it is recognisable)
• Hones into a particular building
• Long shot of a window
• Close up into the same window
• Enters window & then meet the main characters (most of the time)

Following is an example of a "conventional" film opening

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyR4RK0LA_E

It shows the title of the film, the director, main cast and the key characters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyR4RK0LA_E