This document discusses common features of technological horror films, including typical settings (isolated locations, homes, cities with dark histories), camera work (high/low angles, point-of-view shots, handheld cameras), sounds (footsteps, breathing, disturbing music), and editing (quick cuts). It also describes common character types (younger generation involved with technology) and narrative structures (focusing on fascination with a new technology before a plot twist and downfall).

2. EXAMPLES OF TECHNOLOGY HORRORS
PULSE
PULSE 3 - INVASION
EXISTENZ
THE LAWNMOWER MAN
DEMON SEED
REC

3. COMMON FEATURES WITHIN A TECHNOLOGICAL
HORROR (SETTING)
Setting - often takes place in a small community or an isolated
location which is only near to dark streets and alley ways. Other
settings can take place in large cities or ghost towns which are
suggestively derelict. Overall most horror settings in general
suggest isolation or a sense of being alone.
When it comes to technological horrors it is common for the
setting to be in a home at some point within the trailer/film. Or
on the other hand it is common to be set in a location with a
'dark' history.
Here is a list of good horror genre setting in films overall:
Woodland, houses, Cabins, Cities, Countryside, basements,
deserted alleys and locations of fear (including deep water etc).

4. TECHNICAL ASPECTS…
Camera work is very expressive and is not natural. For example high and low angles
are used to connotate fear. Additionally point of view shots are commonly
integrated into the film. This is because it allows the audience to either see the
world from the monster or the victims eye.
Hand held cameras are often used as they only show one side of the image and a
section of the setting - this therefore highlights that there is an unknown, that the
audience are intrigued to find out about. Paranormal activity is a good example of
this where only the person controlling the camera can see what they are filming.
Additionally wide shots are commonly used of the scene. This encourages the
audience to scan the screen, making it harder to notice the monster.When it comes
to shots horror films tend to use, frequently, extreme close ups and medium close
ups. These are to exaggerate the expressions on the characters face and to
emphasise factors within the setting or film (for example showing a close up of a
knife/weapon)
Sound is another important technical aspect of a film when it comes to the horror
genre. This is the aspect which tends to build tension up for the audience and
signifies when big events are about to occur. A common diegetic sound used in
horrors is the sound of footsteps or breathing - created by either the feared
victims or the monster creating the fear with there presence. However non-diegetic
sound is also used throughout horror films. These are inputted by the editor of the
film and are used to enhance and build the tension to breaking point. For example
disturbing music in the background can be used or a heartbeat. These sounds
often tend to alternate in speed and frequency depending on the event building up.
Editing is also used to suggest technological horror is present. For example a
sequence of short, quick cuts seem to take place when something bad or

5. CHARACTERS WITHIN TECHNOLOGY
HORROR
Within the sub genre of technological horror the
main, most important characters within the film
are often the younger generation who are
initially very involved in various forms of
technology. The characters often are varied
genres within the film however they are often all
part of various friendship groups. Adults can
also be part of this sub genre as characters but
they tend to not take lead roles and they tend to
be below the age of 30 if they are a main
character. However their is always a villain.

6. NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
The structure of a technology horror often
begins with the fascination over a social
media page or a new technological
product coming out. Or the drama can
simply start due to the receiving of an
unpleasant text off an 'unknown'
character. There is then a plot twist and
this leads to an utter downfall - often
resulting in violence and death.