Opening Scenes from 'The 100'

WARNING: This blog post contains major spoilers

If you're one of my constant readers then you'll know I'm a big fan of the TV show 'The 100'. For my short film opening I decided to have a look at some of the opening scenes from the series that I could find online.

'I feel the sun on my face; I see trees all around me, the scent of wild flowers on the breeze. It's so beautiful. In this moment, I'm not stranded in space. It's been 97 years since a nuclear apocalypse killed everyone on Earth, leaving the planet simmering in radiation. Fortunately, there were survivors. Twelve nations had operation space stations at the time of the bombs. There is now only the Ark, one station formed from the many. We're told the Earth needs another hundred years to become survivable again. Four more space locked generations and man can crawl home, back to the ground. The ground, that's the dream. This is reality. Reality sucks'

'On the Ark, every crime no matter how small is punishable by death, unless you're under 18. Juvenile offenders get put here: Lock-Up. We call it the Sky-Box'

I took this opening scene from the first episode of the first season of 'The 100'. I think Clarke's monologue at the beginning is very effective as it sets the scene. I also like how throughout the monologue Clarke is still being the central character and that it is focused on where she is now instead of the past (which is the typical 'monologue flash-back' cliche).  Also, I like how there is action in between her monologue. An example of this is when she pauses between 'reality sucks' and 'on the Ark...' where she is disturbed in her cell by two guard officers.

Although I wouldn't use anything as dramatic as this. The use of the title at the beginning is something that I have taken note of. I also like throughout the credits there are important shots of places such as Camp Jaha or the main camp in the first season. 

The use of the characters trapped in a small army-like room is effective because it immediately identifies the main character/s. Also, the use of immediate action captures the viewers attention 49 seconds into the opening scene by the guards bursting into the room - making the characters the main point of the scene.

Lastly, is another clip from season 2. The use of action whilst the credits are still playing is something that I have kept in mind. I also like the sense of mystery in this, for instance Finn's ghost playing tricks on Clarke's mind. If someone was watching this series for the first time it would still explain a lot about what is going on and this all within one minute and fifty-four seconds! It also sets the scene for the main theme of this episode: the treaty between grounders and the hundred.