2. Themes – Horror films often have consistent themes that are common to the genre. For
example murder and bedrail or mystery and deception are conventional with someone
causing a disequilibrium often in revenge or out of insanity. Among these themes this
then separates horror into separate sub categories which focus on one individual type of
issue. For example a physiological horror which tricks the mind to create a scare factor.
Also copycats are common throughout horror films as they take real life stories and copy
them to create reality and fear.
Setting – Horror films tend to be located in small isolated areas away from help and
assistance of people who could potentially help during the disequilibrium. These areas
tend to feature some sense of historic disaster or drama. For example a murder that has
affected the area creating a sense of fear. Other settings that are considered
conventional are those that provoke a sense of mystery such as darkened hospitals
Camerawork – Horror films use camera to create a variety of effects. For example the use
of high angle shots to portray victims as week and defenceless. Handheld cams are used
to give the perspective of the victim in the moment of horror as they stereotypically run
away from the terror. ‘Footage’ is common throughout the horror genre as it creates a
sense of reality linking real life to the movie provoking imagination. This makes the
viewing appear more realistic as it is documented as someone else has seen it making it
believable.
Characters of the genre are commonly similar in any horror film with a common group of
protagonists usually featuring one or more stereotypically weak and defenceless female.
The antagonists who's identity usually remain hidden until later in the film. A unexpected
hero usually arises among the protagonists as they face unthinkable experiences.
Iconography – Commonly the iconography of a horror movie follows a consistent theme
usually featuring reds and blacks In the opening sequence representing blood and death
expected in this genre.
CONVENTIONS OF GENRES AND FORMS.
HORROR!
3.
4. CW – Camerawork is used in horror movies to create the dramatic effects used to fit the genre.
Establishing shots are used to show the setting of the film. This commonly is seen in an isolated
area where nobody is present to assist the when the disequilibrium occurs. This is commonly a large
house in the middle of nowhere triggering fear.
Low Angle shots are used to portray the antagonist as superior with overwhelming power as the
camera point up to them showing them looking down on the camera.
This is in contrast with the victims who are shown through high angle shots to show them as weak
and defenceless against the antagonist looking down on them.
Long shots are commonly used through horror films to show shadows that appear to follow the
characters around to create a eerie feel and sense of fear.
MES – Mise-en-scene is used to add to the dramatic effect of the genre.
One example is the use of make up such as blood which connotes pain and injury also provoking
thought that someone has been hurt.
Setting – The setting of many horror films is a isolated location away from help when the
disequilibrium takes place. Conventional places that the film may be set are Asylums, Grave,
Abandoned areas, and many more commonly set at night.
The setting tends to be somewhere which provokes thought as you see the characters observing their
surroundings.
Lighting – The lighting for Horror is commonly low key as it casts shadows In the darkness helping
hide the identity of the characters.
Props – Props may include things such as knives, guns and weapons that may cause harm to the
characters. Also vehicles usually make an appearance in attempt to escape the disequilibrium but
commonly fail when needed.
Costume – The costumes are commonly feature casual clothing from the victims as they are
unprepared for the disequilibrium as they are unexpected.
E – Editing is used also for effect. Fast paced editing creates tension which keeps the audience
hooked as it makes it harder to see the on screen drama unfold as you await for the resolution.
Cross cutting allows the scenes to be crossed showing what is happening in two scenes. For example
someone may be committing a terrible crime inside with pedestrians outside being unaware of what
is going on inside creating a contrast in moods.
Eyeliner match allows us as viewers to see the tension as the characters in the film does. This adds
to the affectivity of the action on screen as you feel like your there creating sympathy for the
characters.
S – Sound is also important. Diegetic sounds are used as the characters can here it, for example
USE OF TECHNICAL ELEMENTS.
5. The target audience for many horror films is a younger
audience who get a thrill from being scared. It is unlikely an
older generation would like this sort of film. The themes in
the many horror films are commonly linked to the lives of
teenagers making them relatable and enjoyable to a audience
this age. As the characters are usually high school age it adds
on shock factor when they become threatened and adds
tension as the characters become known to the teenage
audience as they begin to sympathise for them. Some slightly
older audiences have a interest into certain sub genres of
horror. For example I found that many women around 30-40
enjoyed physiological horrors as they found them interesting
and had a understanding to understand the complex film.
WHO YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE ARE.
6. To appeal to my target audience I believe that I will have to
attempt to make my movie as jumpy and unpredictable as
possible as many horror films are thought to be unrealistic
and predictable meaning the audience looses interest. I want
to prevent this and in order to entertain my audience I shall
add the scare factor that will keep the audience on edge
awaiting the resolution of the disequilibrium. I will use a
teenage cast as that creates a link to the largest majority of
the audience immediately reaching out to them as the
situations in my trailer will be relatable to the audience.
HOW TO APPEAL TO YOUR TARGET
AUDIENCE.
