Opening Sequence: 'Our House'

Final Opening Sequence Development

As a group we came to a final decision on our opening sequence, we had finally completed the editing process and were happy with our outcome. However, we then discussed any final changes that could be made to improve it even more. We received peer feedback and it was suggested that we change the font on the credits which we gladly took on board and used to develop our sequence. We now believe that the updated font seen in the following post is more fitting to our theme. The feedback and reflection on our editing process helped for us to create the best possible and most successful product.

Copyright for Music used

We decided to use eerie music throughout the duration of the opening sequence and the only place we could locate an exact or similar ideology for what we wished to achieve was YouTube. Therefore, for copyright reasons we ensured that we sent an email stating who we were and what we were using the piece of music for.

Royalty Free Soundtrack

The track that we used in the background of the entirety of the opening sequence was taken from YouTube. This is an example of Royalty Free music. To summarise Royalty Free refers to a type of music licensing that allows the purchaser to pay for the music license once and to use the music for as long as desired. YouTube in this case allows for music to be used within projects such as this therefore, we found it best to use this as we were unsuccessful in finding a suitable track from the Final Cut Pro music collection or SoundBible.

Editing: Transitions and Flashbacks

During our editing we decided to experiment with transitions in order to ensure that the story flows and looks as professional as possible as an AS student. We used the flashback in order to create the juxtaposition between the girl whilst she was alive and then whilst she is dead; it creates an eerie and mysterious effect in order for the audience to become intrigued and therefore become invested in the film. 

Editing Journal

Like the filming journal I also kept notes as we went along in order to ensure I was aware of what we had done and when we had done it. Then once again I presented it in the same way.

Flashbacks: Why are they effective?

Flashbacks are used throughout a range of films and specific genres. This example comes from Harry Potter and shows Snape's memories in order to inform the audience of the story and past events in order to consolidate their understanding and further their predictions or ideas surrounding the plot. 

I believe that we have challenged the stereotypical layout of a psychological horror as it has taken the form of a non-linear narrative that throughout my research I have discovered isn't present within many psychological horror films. 

Throughout the research process we found that flashbacks would be effective therefore, we decided to incorporate them somehow within our opening sequence. This is the first initial point where we decided to incorporate this idea:

We decided that flashbacks would be an effective way to experiment with a non-linear narrative. This clip shows the antagonist (played by Danielle) whilst she was alive, before the supernatural threat overtook her. The innocence of the character within this clip contrasts with her behaviors whilst she is dead - therefore emphasising her initial innocence. The flashback allows further information about the character and informs the audience further in order to allow them to follow the storyline closely.

Filming Journal

During the filming process I kept a simple notebook of information surrounding what we were doing and when. I also discussed the complications we came across and how we resolved them. Once we had completed the filming process I converted this into a scrapbook in order to present the information in a simple yet effective way.

How was filming a success?

Whilst we were filming we ensured that we referred back to our storyboard which allowed us to depict what we had done and therefore, what needed to be done. We made sure that we used a range of shot types and angles and also experimented with lighting; which we then made further changes to during the editing process. Throughout the process we investigated different ways in which we could incorporate the antagonist, portrayed by Danielle. This is why we decided to use the flashback in order to juxtapose the dead with the living.

Title sequences: Research

Within the opening sequence titles are important, whether it is to inform the audience of the name of the film or the actors within it. As the actor/ actress that plays a specific character comes on the screen their name will show up. This is an easy way to inform the audience. This either comes in the form of specific clips dedicated to showing the actor/actress, or potentially an artistic spin on the programme/ film to relate to it in some way and inform the audience. Usually within films it is common for the names to appear as they appear on screen rather than as a television programme would. However, an opening title sequence can help to set the mood of the film - specifically in horror films as ours is. We are able to take inspiration from this and incorporate it into our own product.

Filming Preparation: Character and Costume

Filming: Production Plan

Before we began filming it was necessary for us to plan our time effectively in order to ensure each clip was filmed to the best possible standard. We decided to plan our time effectively by filming over the duration of three days with specific clips being filmed within each scheduled day. I found this extremely effective as it allowed us to know exactly what was required of each of us when, where and what role each of us had to take on. It also allowed us to schedule when we required the actor and what props we would need at what given time.  

Focus Group Evaluation: How was it useful to our research?

The focus group allowed us to consolidate our ideas and ensure that the ideas we were proposing were allowing our work to be effective based upon our target audience. There was a discussion on our points made and we have taken that into consideration throughout the planning and filming process. This process has enabled us to make a final decision on the ideas that we had initially voiced and agreed upon as a group.


We analysed the information that we had received from the focus group as well as the previous research of the questionnaire. This allowed us to understand our target audience a lot more closely which enabled us to witness what this group of people desires first hand. The sole purpose of a film ideally is to entertain or inform a specific audience which in our case is young adults. Our film needs to appeal to this audience in order for our film to be a success, therefore we need to ensure that each aspect is strategically placed in order to achieve the success desired for the completed project.

Focus Group