Why are opening sequences important to films?

The opening sequences are very important to the film. If you dont have the audience hooked instantly then you'll most likely lose them further on in the film. The opening sequence should include a hint of the narrative, action, main characters and a piece of action that will ensure the audience's attention. For example, the opening sequence of The Dark Knight which I annalysed has a great opening sequence. It has action, colour, good music and the main character of the Joker. You're hooked instanstly and want to carry on watching.

That is what we're hoping the achieve for our short film. Although its not the opening, we still hope to grab the audiences attention if it were a film.