Scene and Opening Sequence Analysis

Start with a framework

The Scene and Opening Sequence Analysis collection brings together resources on the choices used in film clips and openings. Start with CELSM: Clip Analysis, a mind map that organizes camera, editing, lighting and cinematography, sound, and mise-en-scene. It gives you categories to look for when studying a scene.

The map includes details such as color, composition, actors’ expressions and movements, locations and props. Another mind map with the same title adds camera framing, angle and movement, as well as types of sound. Compare the maps to build a checklist for looking at a clip.

Move from a map to a scene

After exploring the categories, try the flashcards on the opening scene of City of God. They include editing techniques such as fast cuts and slow motion, alongside cinematography choices such as a low-angle shot. Use the clip analysis maps to sort those examples by technique.

The flashcards on the frog scene in E.T. discuss cross-cutting between shots of the frogs and E.T. You can use them to practice describing a specific editing choice after working through the broader framework. The flashcards on marking other students’ film openings also consider sound, mise-en-scene, cinematography and editing.

Explore openings and credits

For another approach, look at the notes and mind map on opening credits. They discuss production company logos and ownership. A separate mind map considers what film openings should and should not do, including introducing or hinting at main characters.

These resources sit within the Film Analysis unit in Media studies. The flowchart on an opening sequence adds an example of how text appears on screen, while another flashcard deck looks at a movie introduction. Together, the collection offers different starting points for describing scenes and openings.

Choose a resource that interests you and use the clip analysis maps alongside it.