1. Evaluation of preliminary – Horror sequence
How have you used the four technical elements?
Camerawork
I think that within my preliminary task a variety of shot types have been used to help
portray the genre of horror targeted towards the audience. Close-ups shots have been used
to show the emotion and expression of the character and wide and long shots were used to
show where the scene was set and main parts of the sequence. Different shots like high and
low angle and more hand held camera shots could have been used to add to the danger and
excitement. It would also help to portray tension and the build-up of fear which is
conventional for a horror. Zoom was not used during filming as it could effected the look
and smoothness of the shot and this would look unprofessional and not like a high
performance production. To avoid this I used close up shots of the features I wanted to
focus on. At the end of the sequence hand held camera was used to create the effect of
someone falling. It linked with the genre as the ‘killer’ or demon in a horror usually has a
victim and this is how I was able to portray the character. I think the camerawork and shots
used in my task were conventional and effectively portrayed the horror genre.
Editing
Editing was key in the preliminary task and helping it to be effective. Meaning all the clips
and footage shot would be put together and made to run smoothly creating a professional
looking opening sequence. I slowed down certain clips to create tension and to build up the
danger in the beginning of the sequence. I feel that slowing it down added to the mystery
and eerie feel to the sequence and created suspense to the audience of what may happen.
It is typical for a horror to make it feel creepy and unsuspected and I feel this was achieved. I
edited parts to make them faster to add to the tension. I also cut parts out of clips so the
sequence would look jumpy and fast. I also edited out some of the audio in the sequence to
add to the tension. If I did the task again I would take a lot longer to edit to allow the clips to
follow a lot smoother and effective. It lacked skill as I did not apply all of the editing I
wanted to my footage.
Sound
To make the preliminary task effective I decided to use as little sound as possible as this is
typical for a horror film to add tension and leaving the audience waiting for something to
happen. It adds suspense and excitement. No dialogue was used as it was only the opening
sequence and I didn’t want to give hints into the story. Although the background sound and
sound effects made by a person were used and made to sound like it was an echo to create
tension and suspense. I feel like it worked well. Another sound effect I used which I felt was

2. conventional was the use of someone singing, again made to sound like an echo over the
clip added to the creepy feel and build-up of danger. I added in music over some of the
footage to create tension and excitement, making the audience wonder what will happen. If
I had more time or the chance to redo the task I would add in different music and sound
effects and would make sure the music was put within all the clips.
Mise-en-scene
In the task we focused highly on the mise-en-scene and how we could make it conventional
and felt this would help us in making it look effective. We used the look of a possessed
school girl, with long hair and messed up make up. The makeup was smudged to give the
idea that an event had happened and now the girl was on the hunt to kill. Her expressions
were blank and angry ad creepy to add to the conventions of a horror. I think it represented
a clear genre and also stayed true to the convention and representation of age that we
focused on. The setting was also effective and linked with the genre as it was set in school
grounds which we tried to make less obvious. Trees and bushes which made the setting look
abandoned and isolated made it look conventional and typical for the genre as the killer is
not usually seen. The lighting was effective as we were under trees which gave a dark and
dreary feel. We also used a prop of a broken pole which acted as a weapon for the
character; this is also conventional for a horror and connotes danger and fear. We chose this
prop to help the character seemmore stereotypical of a killer which again represents the
emotion portrayed by the character, anger and also to help keep the audience on edge. If
we had the chance again we would have added more settings to add to the tension and help
create more of the story.
What production techniques have you used?
In the task we used the rule of thirds to make sure the feature of the scene we wanted was
the main focus. We did this by emphasising the importance of the character and placing
them in certain places to do this. This helped in the composition of the shots making them
conventional for the genre.
What could you do to improve your production?
If I could re do the task I would have taken more time to cut scenes and edit so that the
sequence was shortened making it more effective and to the point instead of making it
prolonged. I would add in different sound effects and change the music I put over clips to
add to the tension and build-up of the sequence. I would spend more time on the planning
the set, mise-en-scene ensuring that it was also conventional and fit in with the genre we
were aiming for. I would also use different types of shots and tracking movements to allow
the final product to look more effective and professional.
What have you learnt in the preliminary task that will help you with your main task?

3. I have learnt that a lot of planning and preparations will need to be done to allow the main
task to be effective and allow it to look professional. I will consider the shot types I need to
use to make the task conventional and work well and what is typically used in a horror film.
The sounds used within the task – non diegetic, diegetic and ambient sounds and how they
will add to effect of the trailer I am aiming for. The main thing I will focus on is the editing of
the clips and footage; I will allow them to run smoothly and get to know the programme I
will use so that I can use it to my best ability. I want to make it the best it can be.