8. How have we catered to our audiences
preferences?Micro elements:
Camera work/editing
We used only straight cuts in-between scenes, we found this was a common feature in established horror films
as it is not complicated and easy top follow, not taking the emphasis away from the storyline. Additionally with
the movements of the camera, we used a range of pans, all at a slow pace; this allowed us to unveil details
about the location, props, costume etc. to the audience adding to the atmosphere we wanted to establish.
Narrative
We started our narrative traditionally following Prop’s narrative theory; at the equilibrium- we built the tension
throughout the opening scene using mise en scene, sound and movement to build to the disequilibrium and
climax of the opening where the hellion is revealed. We felt this was the best way to draw an audience in as
there is a constant increase in activity, tension and anticipation throughout, something we found from our
research into target audience enjoyed when watching a horror film.
Mise en scene
We had the living room where the majority of the opening scene was set, lit dully with only one secondary
corner lamp and candles placed in frame, all over the room. This darkness cast shadows in the corners of the
room, giving it a haunting effect, playing on peoples fear of the dark as well as casting shadows over the faces
of the characters, making the audience pay more attention to their facial expressions as well as giving their
characters a sense of unknowing and mystery.
Sound
The sound in the opening scene increased as the occurrences increased- it reached its loudest volume in the
last few seconds of the scene where it then all cut out completely leaving a single high pitched noise, giving a
sense of insecurity and suspense. Additionally I used incidental music- for example when the candles flickered I
paired that with a deep drone that dipped in pitch, suggesting a sense of danger and the presence of the spirit
the teenagers had conjured through the Ouija board.
