2. Conventional camerawork used in my production:
• Close up shots – This type of shot is most prominently used within the horror genre as it
effectively increases tension and drama as the shot allows the characters facial expressions to be
shown to the audience. A close-up is used mainly to heighten the expression of fear.
• Mid shot – This is another shot commonly used in the horror genre as the body language of the
characters can be expressed which can reveal their emotion/mental state. It also can show
surroundings within the shot so other features can be included within the shot.
• Wide-shot – This shot is effective, especially in the horror genre as it can show a wide amount of
area which can be used to show the characters vulnerability and weakness in the situation. We
used a wide shot in our production to empathise the characters vulnerability as they enter the
dark and dangerous woods.
• Low-angle shot – This shot is also used in the horror genre as it can represent the dominance of
a particular character, in our case we have used a low-angle shot to show the protagonists
power over the characters and the weakness of the three girls.
• High-angle shot – This is extremely effective in showing the weakness and vulnerability of a
character which we have used on many occasions. This shot increases tension as we created the
effect as if the protagonist was standing over the weak character.
• Rule of thirds: We have used the rule of thirds throughout our trailer as it makes the production
look much more conventional and professional in terms of its quality and similarities to existing
trailers.
3. Conventional editing techniques used in our production:
• Straight cuts – This is a conventional editing technique for the horror genre as it enables
you to increase the pace of the editing dramatically which therefore increases the
tension and drama at the point in the trailer. We have used this technique to create this
effect on the audience and to heighten the tension.
• Fade to black – This is the editing technique most used within our trailer as it is the
most conventional for the horror genre. It portrays a horror style theme throughout our
production and works well to increase the pace of the editing.
• Fast-paced editing – This is the most effective and essential technique used throughout
the horror genre as it helps the storyline reach a climax but also helps introduce the
conflict scenes. Fast-paced editing is the essential technique to increase tension and
heighten the drama within the trailer.
• Shot-reverse shot – This shot can be used within scenes of heated conversation and to
create a sense of drama and conflict. We have used shot-reverse shots in the scenes of
conflict to keep up with the fast –paced editing and increase the drama and conflict.
4. Conventional sound techniques used in our production:
• Non-diegetic sound – This is very conventional for the horror genre as it helps to increase the
tension and make the audience inclined to watch the trailer. We have effectively used non-
diegetic sound in the scenes of drama and conflict. It can also be used to introduce the scenes
of conflict as the rising tension which reach a climax.
• Diegetic sound- This feature is commonly used throughout film production, however within the
horror genre, the diegetic sound used is usually in a raised tone e.g. screaming and shouting in
the scenes of conflict. This is also a feature used to help increase tension and drama which
helps to entertain the audience.
• Sound effects – This is a common feature used in horror film production in which it helps to add
a sense of professionalism and improves the quality of the piece. We have used the sound
effect of a heart beat to mimic how th audience are feeling. We use the heart beat to increase
tension and make the audience’s ‘heart beat’.
• Voice overs – This is an effective technique used to help tell the storyline further. We have used
this technique as it is a conventional aspect of the genre and also helps to reveal more of the
storyline to the audience so therefore it is easier to follow and understand.
5. Conventional features of mise-en-scene used in our production:
• Low-key lighting – This is the most typical and conventional feature of the horror genre as it is
extremely effective in creating tension and a scary atmosphere. Also dark lighting (dark places)
are typically associated with bad things happening therefore this technique helps suggest
inclinations to the audience throughout the trailer about what is about to happen.
• Make-up – This is a effective feature is making the trailer distinguishable as a horror trailer.
Blood is the most common and typical feature within the horror genre as conflict and injury is
common in the genre. Make-up helps to create a sense of professionalism and quality which we
have effectively done in our production.
• Location – Finding the location to make your film is a key factor to its success. We chose the
woods as it is an extremely conventional location for a horror film as it is associated with bad
things happening which abled us to create a scary trailer. The location we used had its benefits
in helping to create tension and is was dark which helped create a weary atmosphere.
• Costume- Costume is an important feature in the horror genre and is typically dark clothing. We
used dark clothing as it is the most conventional to the genre as the characters are less visibile
making it more intense and scary.
6. Conventional features of my film poster:
• Main image is to be central to the page and of main focus. The main image is what attracts
the audience to the page so has to be bright, eye-catching and related to the genre.
• Catchy slogan, sentence is placed at the top of the page to entice the audience to read the
rest of the information on the page. It can also be used to create a sense of intrigue which
will make them want to watch the film.
• Blocking bill is placed under the main image which is used to reveal information about the
people involved in the production of the film. It also includes things such as the companies
involved in the making of the trailer etc. It is a key convention that is included on all film
posters.
• I have used a consistent colour-scheme throughout my film poster, using colour such as black
white and grey. These colours are the most commonly used and are conventional to the
genre. They all have connotations related to the genre for example black connotes danger.
• I have used a consistent house-style throughout my film poster which is conventional to the
genre. All of my text is capitalised and in a bold, sans serif font style. All of these features are
commonly used on existing horror film posters.
7. Conventional features of my horror magazine cover:
• My main image is to be the main focus of the page as it is central. The main image is what
attracts the audience to the page so I have made it scary and shocking..
• Several headlines are used on my magazine page which are a conventional feature in which
they interest the reader to want to read the rest of the magazine. All of my headlines relate
to the horror genre as they mention other horror films similar to mine to appeal to the
target audience.
• The magazine title is at the top of the page in the largest font style, it is also the most eye-
catching as it is of main importance. I have followed these features in order to be
conventional. My film title is at the bottom of the page which is another common feature of
magazine covers.
• I have used a consistent colour-scheme throughout my film poster, using colour such as black
white and grey. These colours are the most commonly used and are conventional to the
genre. They all have connotations related to the genre for example black connotes danger.
• I have used a consistent house-style throughout my film poster which is conventional to the
genre. All of my text is capitalised and in a bold, sans serif font style. All of these features are
commonly used on existing horror film posters.
