The Apprentice Opening Sequence - Analysis

Series 10 Episode 5 of the television series; The Apprentice UK (2014).

 
The sequence opens with an aerial extreme wide of London’s Canary Wharf which is shown at the beginning of every episode in the series. The program opens on this shot because Canary Wharf is a major business district in London which instantly informs the audience where the show is set, as well as introducing the theme of business and professionalism instantly.

A voice over of Lord Allan Sugar begins underneath this shot which then cuts away to the sync shot of him speaking all within the first 4 seconds of the show. This is to introduce the audience to the focal point of the show, Allan Sugar. He says “I won’t be working, you will be working,” which already lets the audience know who is in charge and sets up the narrative of the program.

In the first 10 seconds, there are 6 cuts between images which are synced with the iconic soundtrack, underneath the dialogue. This gives the opening montage a strong but quick rhythm which enforces the theme of business, implying it is a quick and ruthless industry, and also foreshadows the stressful and relentless nature of the tasks that the contestants will be put through. It allows a lot of information to be conveyed to the audience in a very short space of time as it gives a brief introduction about the content of the show, as well catching the audience up on the previous episode’s action.

The voice over drives the sequence as it makes an assertion which is then subsequently backed up by the visuals. E.g.: 0:06 the V.O says “on the hunt for a brand new business partner” and then shows a clip of Lord Sugar getting into a car and it driving off. This is a way of spoon feeding the audience information which makes it easier to watch and understand.

The music is also important in the opening because it works in tandem with the voice over, driving the cuts, as well as highlighting what the audience should be focusing on. E.g. when Lord Sugar talks, the music is turned down, making him clearer. The nature of the music as well is very important as it is quite a classical piece with the repetition of violin strings, connoting suspense and running with the very eccentric drama genre of the show.

Finally, when we are then introduced to some of the contestants 50s in, it shows them in very competitive and confrontational situations which acts as a hook to entice the audience.

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