The document discusses conventions of real horror films, including setting isolated or dark places to build tension, using mysterious or unidentifiable characters to create suspense, incorporating plot devices like suspense, surprises, and open endings. It then summarizes how the filmmakers challenged some conventions by using a familiar home setting, portraying a relatable teenage character, including a surprise ending, and employing stylistic camera techniques and lighting/sound effects to enhance tension rather than conforming to genre expectations.

1. Conventions of real horror films
Setting
• It is typical for horror films to be set in isolated, dark places. Like
dark alleyways, deserted houses and run down areas.
Sometimes setting can be used to help provide information on
the storyline or re-inforce the genre, for example, having the
film set in an abandoned asylum would automatically suggest
that the film is perhaps of a horror genre.
• We challenged this convention of horror films. Instead we used
a home to film in to represent realism, the place is familiar for
the actor and the audience to create a calm atmosphere in the
hopes that we will build tension.We also used setting as
symbolism – the bad weather as the girl leaves and re-enters
her home shows is symbolic of the horrific events that are yet
to come.
•

2. Conventions of real horror films
Characterisation
• Typically, in horror films, the characters are built in a specific way to fit
in with the genre. For example, they are likely to be mysterious or
un-identifiable so that there are questions in the viewers mind.This
is often done to create suspense and build the drama.
• Our character challenges this view because house is a normal
teenager in normal setting. She shows this so us through the use of
acting skills and facial expressions, looking fed up and moody with
her body language.We enforced stereotypes of teenagers by making
the girl have these ‘unhappy’ traits, this is because the main point of
our film was to show how social media and pressure from society
can have a negative impact on teenagers not to change the
stereotypes. Doing this allowed us to make the age of our character
clear.The teenage girl in our film; Danni, is a sympathetic character
which means that the audience can strongly identify with her, they
may share qualities and values.

3. Conventions of real horror films
Plot
• Many horror films use varying ‘plot’ methods to enhance their works.These often include suspense
– when the film hints that something scary might happen, a sting in the tail – where the ending is
a complete surprise and is unexpected and an open ending – where loose ends are left, the
audience may be left wondering the end results of a certain situation.
•
• We developed this convention.We done this by incorporating numerous plot methods into our
piece for example, we used the sting in the tail method when the girl pops up at the end of the
film, this is used to give the viewer a fright and make them jump and feel vulnerable.We also left
out piece on an open ending as we felt that this was the best way to deliver our image and unlike
other films, we thought that it would detract from our message if we used the climax and
resolution method.

4. Conventions of real horror
films
Costuming
• Often the characters in horror films have dark and dull clothing.Their clothing is often a
symbol of what their character is like and represents.They are also usually hidden by their
costume, this may be via a mask or full costume but it is to keep the identity hidden. For
example, in Scream, the killer is always hidden in a costume and mask.
•
• We challenged this convention because our teenager was not hidden away and her full face
and identity was shown to the audience. Her costume consisted of jeans a shoulder-less
lounge top and fluffy socks.This is so that we could keep a natural environment and a feeling
of normality within the film so that they are more scared when the girl pops out at the end.

5. Conventions of real horror films
Camera work
• The camera work in horror films is generally seen to be ‘alternative’ in terms of camera movements
and varying shots.This is because these types of alternative camera angles and movements such
as handheld shots, point of view shots, close ups, tilted and Dutch angles add depth to the genre
because the audience can visually see disorder as they are used to watching perfectly shot
camera movements when not watching horror films.
•
• We used this idea within our piece and conformed to it.We decided to do this so that the viewer
will be more satisfied overall.They will feel more engaged and interested by the piece is they feel
that they can relate to the character and the position that she is in for example, the handheld
shot when walking towards the image of herself on the floor.The fact that it isn’t straight and
perfect and it slightly moves left and right to reflect the movement of her slow walking shows the
viewer exactly what the girl can see from her own eyes .

6. Conventions of real horror films
Lighting
• Lighting is typically dark as filming usually
takes place in dark areas with little light.
However, we used both high key and low
key lighting in our film. High key lighting
was used when the girl switches theTV on
and is sitting in her living room, this
represents normality because the bright
light comes from theTV and it therefore
displays realism.
•
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7. Conventions of real horror films
Sound
• Sound effects are typically used in horror films to add depth and enhance the piece by adding
to the overall view and feel of the piece.
•
• We used sound effects throughout our piece, some were originally sourced and some were
found online viaYoutube.This meant that we could lay sound over our initial footage and
make it fit at the right times.We used sound effects of a gasp when the girl sees herself lying
on the floor through the camera lens, we done this so that the audience would understand
the feeling of worry from the girl as when we recorded it initially it was too quiet for the
film.We also used the sound of a heartbeat to add effect and show literally that the girl was
scared as the heartbeat gradually got faster and faster.
•