Sequence Identification

This recent CNN video, entitled "Anti-war march," opens with a very well-crafted sequence.

The sequence begins with a tight shot (0:00-0:01) of Lance Cpl. Joe Glenton, one of the subjects of the video. The sequence follows with a wide shot (0:02-0:05) of the anti-war march in which he and many others are participating, before finishing with a medium shot (0:06-0:13) of Glenton walking in the crowd with several others.

This sequence is very impressive because of how informative and impactful it turned out. With each passing shot, we learn one thing more about the story than we did before. You can turn off the sound and still get a sense of what is actually happening, which I find really telling of this sequence's power.

For instance, the sequence begins with the shot of Glenton, who appears to be on the frontlines of a protest waged against something he simply detests. Seconds later, we see the actual protest from afar. From this shot, we gather that it is the war in Afghanistan which Glenton resents and hopes to put an end to. We can also see from this shot and the forthcoming medium shot that he is certainly not alone in his objections, and that the protest is actually quite well attended.

As important as the first two shots are, I think it is the third shot that really sets the tone for the rest of the video. The shot focuses on Glenton as he marches with other protesters, but he is nearly lost in the shuffle of the masses - a fitting nod to what will be said and shown during the remainder of the video.

Just like in the wide shot, Glenton remains a focus throughout the video, but he is also just one of several characters from both sides of the issue to make their way onto the screen. Despite the early attention paid to him, three other people make on-camera speaking appearances before Glenton retakes his featured spot in the piece.