What happens at the start of a film?

What happens at the start of a film?

In film, opening credits are used to list the important people and companies that were involved in the film's production. It usually includes major members of the crew such as: the producer(s), production company, distributors, actors, director and the title of the film. In addition to this, it is used to establish the setting of the film and introduce characters thus setting the film's atmosphere.

The distribution company is in charge of marketing and making sure that the film gets recognition, which increases the potential audience. In this example, in the film Batman Forever, the distribution company's icon morphed into the icon of the franchise that it was representing. This shows the close ties between the two groups and stamps Warner Brothers' presence on the film.

The production company is the group that carried out the pre-production, production and post-production of the film and input the most money. Because of the significant role that they have to play in the film's creation, they become part of the film's identity which means that they have a high level of authority in the hierarchy of the production.

The name of David Lynch in the opening sequences of films he has directed.