Film Opening re-make

To increase our knowledge of film openings, and to understand the work that goes into them, we decided to re-create a high budget film opening in our production groups. We were given the option of many different film openings from a variety of genres. In the end we chose to re-create the opening to the horror movie, 'The Shinning'. We were given one lesson to film it in, and we could only use the school grounds, so we knew it was a bit ambitious but we wanted a challenge, as we knew it would help build us as a team.
We started by watching 'The Shinning' opening a few times for inspiration, as we watched it, we made a shot list on Microsoft Excel, of all the shots that are included in it. we then discussed how we could re-make these shots and what is in the scenery of each of these shots. We had to think about the fact that we would film it on the school grounds and with the few resources we could get hold of. Our shot list consisted of, the shot type, where the shot we be taken and what would be included within the shot. When it came to film our piece, this shot list was a great help to the group and prevented us from getting confused during and between each shot, it guided us and made the filming process run smoothly.
We then created a storyboard by hand, with help from the shot list. Once we had a finished storyboard, it became very clear how our filming would plan out, and with this and the shot list we were more than prepared to start filming.

This picture is team Gemini during the filming stages of our re-make.


Overall doing this task allowed me to learn more about film openings. I learnt that it is a long process to create an impressive film opening, and that planning is vital because without it, it is easy to lose track of what is happening and what is coming next. It also enhanced my knowledge of the cameras and how to get good shots. This excersize will help me when we come to create our own film opening, as I now know the amount of work and time that needs to be put into it, and I have learnt new skills by using the camera.

The Shinning (1980) opening sequence

Our re-make