3. This will be the primary location for the filming
of the feature-length trailer. Indeed, the entirety
of the plot is based around the history of this
house, and it is therefore integral to the
production of the final trailer. It is the perfect
location for a supernatural horror – isolated, old-fashioned,
large, with a history of torment and
pain, even outside of the trailer. The house has
approximately 26 rooms, with some sporting a
very Victorian style of decor, and others
accommodating a more modern, airy interior.
This is due to the fire that ravaged the top floor,
decades ago, and the fact that the current owners
attempted to restore it to its former glory.
Furthermore, the house also has an extensive,
unused basement – the central location for the
source of the horror within my film. It is very
similar to the typical basements used in most
‘haunted house’ films, as it is cold, large, and
excessively dark. Also, there are a variety of
hidden rooms and passageways within the house
that will be utilised in order to provide the
viewers with a sense of claustrophobia, and will
be used in order to give the impression that the
evil is lurking in unknown areas.
5. The expansive garden of the house may also be
used in order to provide a few exterior scares.
It features a large hedge maze, greenhouse, and
various ornamental fountains and statues, all
tied together by the river running throughout it.
Various acres of land are also available but will
not be necessary. Because of this abundance of
space, a great variety of extreme long shots can
be used in order to indicate threats from afar.
Indeed, one particular tree is extremely gnarled
and old, and could potentially be used to give a
brief glimpse of the origins of the ‘Sack man’,
and how he met his demise through hanging. It
is likely that a few chase scenes will be filmed
in the garden as the trailer picks up pace and
transfers into the montage shots. Despite this,
the garden will not be used within the teaser
trailer, as I want attention to focused entirely on
the house as a source of evil.
7. Generally, it is unlikely that this location will be used for the trailer. However, in
terms of the narrative of The Basement itself, it may be necessary for the purpose of
ancillary shots, and for reconnaissance, as I want the fictionalised house within the
film to have a large cemetery somewhere around the back of it. This will be
necessary in order for the characters of Joel and Kerrie to understand that there are
many previous owners of the house who have all faced tragedy and death – and
that it is these who have come back to haunt them. Brompton Cemetery is one of
the largest and most atmospheric cemeteries in the country, open until late at night,
and perfect if any scenes need to be included focusing on the origins of the
backstory. Although it is unlikely it will be used in the full-length trailer, one or two
shots may be used in the teaser trailer that take place in the cemetery.
