Lizzie McGuire is a teen sitcom premiered on the disney channel. The show is based on a girl called Lizzie and her family. The length of the opening title sequence is quite short, being only 39 seconds long, however taking all the elements into account, it is relatively simple whilst still very effective. The length of the opening is important as it means that the audience are able to get a clear understanding of what the episodes are going to involve. It is important that the opening title sequence does not bore the audience, especially as the programme target audience is children. Therefore i think the sequence is an appropriate length in keeping the primary audience engaged. The Lizzie McGuire show introduces its characters individually which allows the audience to get to know each character.
Camerawork
There are three close ups at the beginning of the opening which are all of the main character, Lizzie. This displays to the audience what she looks like and her appearance as well as suggesting that she plays an important part in the programme. This is again suggested in the last shot of the sequence, which is also of Lizzie, giving the impression to the audience that she is the main character. A split-screen is also used which shows different shots of the characters, these multiple views on the screen emphasise the characters energetic and young personalities making children engage in the programme and want to watch it.
Editing
A lot of editing is used for this opening sequence. For example, there are moving horizontal and vertical block lines which vary in different colours of blue and green. The block lines are used throughout the sequence which creates a theme. Also the lines are on top of a white background which is used throughout the entire sequence too. These create a colourful visual effect and make the sequence look more appealing which attracts the audience to watch the show. Towards the end of the sequence, is a cartoon girl who holds the ball; the fact she drops the ball emphasizes that she is quite clumsy, but as well as this suggests she is carrying too much for her own good. We assume this is a cartoon version of Lizzie as she is the star of the show. At the end of the sequence; there is a group shot of all the characters that had appeared in the sequence (minus the cartoon), Lizzie is holding the ball in this shot which shows she is the star. The title of the show "Lizzie Mcguire" appears to the side of this shot in a large black font which is very bold.
Sound
The catchy theme tune and lyrics used for the sequence is very appropriate for a child audience as it is very upbeat and catchy making the audience want to watch the show as they feel more involved. As the theme song is upbeat it suggests that the programme is going to be fun, energetic and lighthearted which is vital for a child audience. Using this upbeat theme tune shows that the show is very 'fun' and happy and that the show is generally aimed at a younger audience, the simple lyrics send a positive message to the audience who can relate to it as it suggests that it's okay to make mistakes.
Mise en scene
The costume of the characters suggests that they are of a working or middle class as they are dressed quite casually. This means that the audience will be able to relate to the characters easily. The main character being Lizzie has a youthful, fun and brightly coloured costume which portrays her as a character that the audience will like and feel comfortable with. Lizzie wears very ‘out there’ clothes with contrasting bright colours which illustrate the fact she is young and energetic, this is shown through Lizzies female friend as well. These would have been fashionable at the time which makes the audience aspire to be like them.The boys both wear very baggy clothes showing they are young and stylish. We can again see that the older people are authorative figures due to them both being dressed relatively smartly compared to the children. Also, high key lighting is used during the opening sequence giving the programme a fun, bright appearance. By using high key lighting it suggests to the audience that the programme is going to be fun which is appropriate for a child audience. Another aspect of mise-en-scene used in the opening sequence is the use of a ball which is used throughout. The use of the ball as a prop makes the programme seem entertaining to watch as the family seem to be enjoying themselves as they are laughing. The ball is significant in creating a connection between all the characters as is ties them together. The footage of the main characters in the sequence, running around chasing and throwing balls suggest that they are energetic which is vital for a children's television programme to ensure that are engaged. We can interpret who Lizzie’s closest friends are because they appear to be the people that Lizzie passes the ball to most, this portrays an element of trust between Lizzie and the character as well as friendship as they play together with the ball. However, she also tries to keep the ball from a character who appears to be of a younger age, leading u to the assumption that this is her little brother. Later on in the opening, we see Lizzie and her friends chasing after the younger brother who now has the ball, this is followed by the younger brother then displayed chasing after them with the ball, this is important in showing the different ‘teams’. It is after this point that the parents are both introduced as the mother grabs the ball. We can see that she is a parent due to her age and the fact that when she has the ball, Lizzie does not try to get it which shows an element of respect Lizzie has for her mother, as well as showing that she is an authoritive figure. This is also shown in the father as he carries the little brother. The family are shown as quite a close family as they are playing with each other which sends out a good example to the target audience.
The costume of the characters suggests that they are of a working or middle class as they are dressed quite casually. This means that the audience will be able to relate to the characters easily. The main character being Lizzie has a youthful, fun and brightly coloured costume which portrays her as a character that the audience will like and feel comfortable with. Lizzie wears very ‘out there’ clothes with contrasting bright colours which illustrate the fact she is young and energetic, this is shown through Lizzies female friend as well. These would have been fashionable at the time which makes the audience aspire to be like them.The boys both wear very baggy clothes showing they are young and stylish. We can again see that the older people are authorative figures due to them both being dressed relatively smartly compared to the children. Also, high key lighting is used during the opening sequence giving the programme a fun, bright appearance. By using high key lighting it suggests to the audience that the programme is going to be fun which is appropriate for a child audience. Another aspect of mise-en-scene used in the opening sequence is the use of a ball which is used throughout. The use of the ball as a prop makes the programme seem entertaining to watch as the family seem to be enjoying themselves as they are laughing. The ball is significant in creating a connection between all the characters as is ties them together. The footage of the main characters in the sequence, running around chasing and throwing balls suggest that they are energetic which is vital for a children's television programme to ensure that are engaged. We can interpret who Lizzie’s closest friends are because they appear to be the people that Lizzie passes the ball to most, this portrays an element of trust between Lizzie and the character as well as friendship as they play together with the ball. However, she also tries to keep the ball from a character who appears to be of a younger age, leading u to the assumption that this is her little brother. Later on in the opening, we see Lizzie and her friends chasing after the younger brother who now has the ball, this is followed by the younger brother then displayed chasing after them with the ball, this is important in showing the different ‘teams’. It is after this point that the parents are both introduced as the mother grabs the ball. We can see that she is a parent due to her age and the fact that when she has the ball, Lizzie does not try to get it which shows an element of respect Lizzie has for her mother, as well as showing that she is an authoritive figure. This is also shown in the father as he carries the little brother. The family are shown as quite a close family as they are playing with each other which sends out a good example to the target audience.
Narrative
The lyrics used draw in young peoples attention and are very enticing."sometimes we make it and sometimes we fake it but we're one step closer each and every day and we'll figure it out on the way" introduces the audience to Lizzie's character and the teenage troubles and problems she experience during the episodes.
Representations
The main characters are all introduced in the opening sequence and are all portrayed in a fun energetic way demonstrating to the audience that the show will be lively and entertaining. This is vital when aiming the audience at children and younger teenagers. The first and last shot in the opening sequence is of Lizzie McGuire the main character which displays her importance in the show. The characters are introduced individually allowing the audience to gain an impression about each of them.
Conventions
There are many typical conventions of a children's drama used in the opening sequence to Lizzie McGuire such as fun, catchy music, an introduction of main characters and the use of CGI special effects to keep children entertained. For example, all of the main characters are introduced to the audience allowing them to get an insight to what they are like and their appearance. However, as this particular programme is aimed at teenagers as well as children the opening is more sophisticated.
Conventions
There are many typical conventions of a children's drama used in the opening sequence to Lizzie McGuire such as fun, catchy music, an introduction of main characters and the use of CGI special effects to keep children entertained. For example, all of the main characters are introduced to the audience allowing them to get an insight to what they are like and their appearance. However, as this particular programme is aimed at teenagers as well as children the opening is more sophisticated.
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