Here’s some free filmmaking advice: the first shot of the movie is one of the most important whether you realize it or not. It sets the tone for the film, and is often mirrored with the closing shot showing visually how a character has grown throughout the journey of the story.
This principle is something I remember getting drilled into me in film school. I try to incorporate this principle in my own work; crafting opening and closing shots which are powerful and help tell the story of the film.
Follow YouTuber “Now You See It,” as he takes you through a few of his favorite opening shots in all of cinema and how they can be interpreted to set up the story of the film brilliantly.
What do you think? What are some of your favorite creative opening shots and why?
