The Lion King: Opening scene

The Lion King is a Disney children's film with a target audience of twelve and below. 

The film opens with a long shot of a sun rise which immediately grabs the attention of children by the use of bright interesting colours. There is also the song 'Circle Of Life' played at the beginning to help keep hold of the young children's attention and maybe get them to sing along. 

After twelve seconds animals start to get introduced. The first animal is represented through a close up which helps the targeted audience see what type of animal it is and the emotions within it. There is a medium shot which shows the meerkat's standing in a row, this could be used to show cuteness and also affection.

Thirty seconds in there is an establishing shot showing the waterfall and birds flying. This suggests there is a wide variety of species presented in the film and many different areas where there habitats are. It may also be a learning source for young children as they may start to learn about the different species and adaptations. 

There is an extreme long shot showing a herd of elephants moving. You are also able to see the sun rising over the mountains which is effective in keeping the targeted audience engaged and appreciating the film.

Throughout the film the camera movements are following the main subject(animals), this could be because they are all making there way to something or leading up to the main part in the opening scene. However I know that they are all making their way to celebrate the birth of the future ruler of the Pride Land. 

Once the giraffes are shown there is a following zoom camera moment which gives the illusion of the camera moving away as its trying to fit the animals in with the scene. The use of the women's voice in the background is effective as its implies that they are calm soft animal's which wouldn't harm anything. This would also make the young children interested in whats to come and its likely they would be enjoying the use of the music as well as the vibrant colours.

The extreme close up of the ants suggests that everything is involved and no species are the odd ones out. This would be accepted by the young children as they wouldn't get upset by it. 

The low angle close up off the elephants feet gives you a insight in just how big they are. Its effective as it comes into the camera looking as if its coming out the screen. 

The establishing follow movement of the bird (Zazu) is effective as its taking the audience into the scene and to the main part. It gives the audience a perspective of whats to come and the feelings off excitement as they are about to be thrown into the main part of the scene. The audience are also able to see the rest of the animals and makes you realize that's where they were  making their way to. 

The close up shot of the Lion(Mufasa) introduces the audience to the 'King of the Pride Land'. This makes the audience feel excited and engaged to the film. The use of the animated colours also make the targeted audience feel captivated to watch the rest of the film.

The opening scene finishes with a close up of Simba, this is intended to show who the future king is and to show the audience the main character. Its effective as it may come across as cute and interesting to the targeted audience. There is a following movement of Simba as its showing him at many different perspectives.