Give Some (after) Credit
It was the early 2000s. Matrix Revolutions had just ended and almost everyone was rushing out of the cinema. There were a handful of us who lingered a smidge before leaving; I for one stayed for the music (I would later buy the soundtrack). Of course, most didn't see the need to stick around; the bathroom was an ample enough reason to exit stage right. Besides, what value was there in reading who "key grip one" was? Nobody likes end credits.
Then came the resurgence of superhero films. Iron Man made some regret leaving the film at credit roll, for others it was a rewarding experience and a glimpse of what Marvel Studios had planned for years to come. Now movie goers know better than to walk out of a film before the full credits roll out. Well most. There are still people who must be reminded, "Oye, this is a Marvel film", as they rush out the cinema. These people are a peeve of mine quite like the people who douse their Subway artisanal sandwich with EVERY sauce... But I digress.
The after credits scene is not necessarily new; there's a history of films that have used this tactic to slip in a plot point or add one more laugh to the storyline or help build the franchise. The genius of today's after credits scene is that it's actually a recruiting tool.
As you sit there through six to sixteen minutes of credits (to get to the secret surprise), you glance at the screen and realize that all roads (tentatively) leads to film. Accountants, hairdressers, illustrators, caterers, mechanics, tailors, electricians, musicians, garbage collectors, researchers and the list goes on. Everyone, every skill has a potential space and place in the filmmaking process. Suddenly, it's not a hail of names that isn't Robert Downey Jr, it could be you up there; "storyboard by..." you, "catering provided by..." you.
By keeping the public strapped to its seats, studios have made those faceless unsung heroes matter (you can't fast forward IMAX) while furthering their franchise. It's the perfect win-win. Not every director believes in the need for the after credit scene- the story's wrapped when all fades to black- and that's perfectly acceptable but one cannot deny the benefits to film, fan and future filmmaker. And even if, after everything, there turns out there isn't a scene to be seen, the studio has successfully kept you in the cinema till the lights come on; genius!
I encourage you, the next time you head out to your favourite flick, stick around and watch the credits roll by. I guarantee you will not only see the merits of the credits but you may also see yourself (your skill set) in there.
It was the early 2000s. Matrix Revolutions had just ended and almost everyone was rushing out of the cinema. There were a handful of us who lingered a smidge before leaving; I for one stayed for the music (I would later buy the soundtrack). Of course, most didn't see the need to stick around; the bathroom was an ample enough reason to exit stage right. Besides, what value was there in reading who "key grip one" was? Nobody likes end credits.
Then came the resurgence of superhero films. Iron Man made some regret leaving the film at credit roll, for others it was a rewarding experience and a glimpse of what Marvel Studios had planned for years to come. Now movie goers know better than to walk out of a film before the full credits roll out. Well most. There are still people who must be reminded, "Oye, this is a Marvel film", as they rush out the cinema. These people are a peeve of mine quite like the people who douse their Subway artisanal sandwich with EVERY sauce... But I digress.
The after credits scene is not necessarily new; there's a history of films that have used this tactic to slip in a plot point or add one more laugh to the storyline or help build the franchise. The genius of today's after credits scene is that it's actually a recruiting tool.
As you sit there through six to sixteen minutes of credits (to get to the secret surprise), you glance at the screen and realize that all roads (tentatively) leads to film. Accountants, hairdressers, illustrators, caterers, mechanics, tailors, electricians, musicians, garbage collectors, researchers and the list goes on. Everyone, every skill has a potential space and place in the filmmaking process. Suddenly, it's not a hail of names that isn't Robert Downey Jr, it could be you up there; "storyboard by..." you, "catering provided by..." you.
By keeping the public strapped to its seats, studios have made those faceless unsung heroes matter (you can't fast forward IMAX) while furthering their franchise. It's the perfect win-win. Not every director believes in the need for the after credit scene- the story's wrapped when all fades to black- and that's perfectly acceptable but one cannot deny the benefits to film, fan and future filmmaker. And even if, after everything, there turns out there isn't a scene to be seen, the studio has successfully kept you in the cinema till the lights come on; genius!
I encourage you, the next time you head out to your favourite flick, stick around and watch the credits roll by. I guarantee you will not only see the merits of the credits but you may also see yourself (your skill set) in there.
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