Children's Film: Conventions of a Fantasy Opening Sequence

Children's fantasy films need to be easily recognized as unreal, but still enable the children to be creative with their imagination.

The character's in fantasy films are often not human and are usually set in a fantasy world. Fantasy films are made to bring out the child's imagination and let them dive into a un real world and feel like they are a part of the film, this is why fantasy films are usually the most popular films for children along with the comedy aspects which the children can relate to and understand.

Music for fantasy films is commonly non-diegetic, this means the music is added outside of the film for the audience, the music is generally lively, quite high in tempo to give of a happy jibe. This is good for fantasy films as the music can fit in easily with fantasy especially with jazzy music, or modern synth styles.

The character's in children's are sometimes animated, this clearly shows of the genre of the film and adds to the feel of the film, children become more easily attached to animated character's especially animals, that they like.

For example, Harry Potter is one of the most famous children's films.

It revolves around witches and wizards which are mythical beings. However, the characters are set at the same age as the audience and are very stereotypical characters of witches and wizards. This helps the audience relate to them. The films are situated around many surreal events which help to keep the story exciting and interesting.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Nearly all of the music within the films are non-diegetic and composed. It is largely orchestra music which fits in well with the magical theme.