What is a Film Sequence?
The term film sequence is commonly used for a variety of situations in filmmaking. Commonly referencing a series of shots, or a series of scenes. The term is one that will likely come up frequently during your time on set and working in the industry. But, what is a film sequence exactly? And how does film sequencing get planned?
What is a Film Sequence?
A shot is the term used to describe each camera angle that is captured. Together multiple shots are captured within a scene. The scenes combine to form a sequence. The sequence represents various stings of two or more shots. That are then formed together to build the scene.
When defining a film sequence, the filmmaker will usually plan out several shots that will work together to share the story. Different types of sequences are used to achieve the desired outcomes. Together, the sequences make up the scenes that are used to tell the entire story.
Types of Film Sequences
Different types of film sequences are used for different effects. When filmmaking, the cinematographer and the Director are thinking about the ways that sequences can be strung together to tell the desired story from a particular point of view and in a particular way.
Sequences might be filmed for coverage. These sequences have one focus which is to ensure that enough shots are captured to show everything that is needed for the scene.
When planning out sequences for coverage, the filmmaker is likely focused on making sure that a variety of close ups and long shots are captured. And that they follow a particular shooting pattern.
Continuity
Sequences can also be captured for continuity. When filming a continuity system or sequence, the filmmaker is focused on making sure that each of the shots in a sequence fit properly together to share the story.
For example, you wouldn’t expect to see bits of the story out of order. So a continuity sequence aims to fill the actions in. Without potentially having shots show the action out of order or in an incomplete manner.
Montage
Finally, some filmmakers use a montage when filming a sequence. In a montage, the shots are coordinated in a sequence so as to show some level of connection or to create a particular reaction.
These film sequences are often used for title sequences. But may also come into play when making connections between ideas or images in relation to other elements of the story.