Pre-Production: Opening Scenes

When beginning our brainstorming process, my group wasn't sure where to begin. We had talked about ideal genres we wanted (seen in my last post) so, we discussed our favorite production companies. One company we all had in common was A24. This film production company is known for its artistic and original films. A24 is also known for their horror films, including MaXXXine (2014), Hereditary (2018), and The Lighthouse (2019). A24 supports independent filmmakers and gives them a platform to be seen. Knowing this, our group decided it would be best to research their style of filmmaking compared to larger companies like Walt Disney Studios or Universal Pictures. One of the most important parts of a film is the opening, which serves as the audiences first introduction to the characters and their conflicts. Establishing these things can help the audience understand and engage with the further plot developments. 

Hereditary (2018) - Full Opening Scene 

There are specific techniques used in the opening scene of the film which I can tie into our final film. A24 immediately sets a tense, unsettling atmosphere through the use of cinematography. The film opens with a slow pan across the interior of the family's home, specifically focusing on the miniature model of the house. The use of a steady camera tracking from one side of the room to the other creates a sense of unease, which makes the audience feel like they're being drawn into something. This approach to camera movement hints that there may be hidden layers to the characters and the house itself. 

Another technique used by A24 is the use of tight framing, especially during the moments of emotional distress. The camera was shown cutting off parts of the girls body or face while standing in a corner, which can create a sense of isolation. This shot emphasizes the characters emotional distance in the film, and foreshadows what's to come. 

The lighting is soft with muted tones in the first scene. This creates an atmosphere that feels both warm and eerie. The detail of the set design, like the miniature models, contribute to the sense of a larger hidden narrative. In our film, we can use props, lighting, and set design in a similar way to achieve the themes of mystery, crime, and drama. Dim lighting and shadowed corners can suggest danger, with objects in the background that hint at deeper plot elements. 

In my film, I can apply this same style of steady camera movement to build suspense and allow for the audience to linger on important visual elements that may come into play later. Introducing a character or setting through slow deliberate pans or tracking shots can create a sense of mystery or horror which mirrors the tone we're aiming for. By incorporating these techniques- slow pans, tight shots, and actively thinking of mise-en-scene, I can create an experience for my audience which draws them into the world of our production.