What makes a good opening to a horror film? - Macro

Click on highlighted words for links and definitions
There are many different macro aspects in the opening sequence to a film to help put the whole film together and make it what it is. For example the story line, the characters and the settings are all used correctly to make the opening sequence to the film effective.

Storyline:

The storyline should be introduced in the opening sequence, the opening sequences need to have a good introduction to keep the audience attracted and also make them aware of the plot.

Settings and Themes:

The settings and themes are essential in a theme and therefore they must be introduced well at the beginning of a film. The relevant and important settings must be introduced well using good shot. The main  themes must also be easy to recognise to make the audience aware of them.

Characters:
It is essential that from the opening of the fim, the audience are able to recognise the main and most important characters and get a good knowledge of the characters. 

The above link shows the opening to the horror film, Jeepers Creepers this is an example of where the main characters are introduced at the beginning of the fim.
Introducing the characters is essential to allow the audience to get an understanding of the characters personality.
The characters may be real or cartoon, they may also be disguised using costume, make-up or a mask.