2. Kate’s house would be the perfect setting for a horror because of its Georgian features and isolated location. We both like the horror/thriller genre and already had basic knowledge of conventions, I also enjoy and have watched many horror films. We focused on the following films for ideas Texas Chainsaw Massacre Haunting in Connecticut Tormented These three horror films follow the same genre but are all very different, I would like to use different qualities from each trailer and combine them. Where did our ideas/inspiration come from?
3. Watched existing horror trailers Research into production/distribution companies of horror films gave us ideas of what style we were aiming for. Fox Search Light specializes in independent, British films and horror E.g.The Hills Have Eyes, 127 Hours, 28 Days Later. Research into similar texts...
4. Identified differences between teaser trailers and movie trailer Listed conventions of horror trailers: narration, indents, mix between continuity and montage editing, build up of tension/change in mood, sound effects
5. Kate’s basement enabled us to have control over lighting and mis en scene because it’s original decor hasn’t been altered. There are few windows; this made it a perfect location for the scarier scenes because we didn’t have to wait for it to get dark to achieve the same eerie effect. Our films set in a rural environment emphasised by shots of fields and streams. This creates isolation which is something that’s featured in many horror films. Locations, mis en scene...
6. We used a strobe for many scenes because it added a sense of disorientation and gives a stormy atmosphere. Clips have a harsh, artificial blue tinge, rather than soft yellow light. Candles were used as part of the mis-en-scene but the shadows created gave an eerie effect. Most of our sound will be added in post-filming (non-diegetic) to enhance mood and create atmosphere. Sound, lighting...
7. We tried to vary the angles and shots to distort the audiences point of view and create different effects. In horror trailers the shots are rarely static; action or drama is enhanced by camera movement. Using this convention, we made our shots more diverse by varying the movements. This added to the disorientation and atmosphere. Camera shots, movement, angles...
8. We’ve used montage editing – common in horror trailers – and quick shots to speed up the pace and enhance dramatic scenes. The fades at the beginning of the film add to the creepy atmosphere and also signify a shift in time. Frequent cuts towards the end build tension and aid the climax of the whole trailer. Editing...
9. Rural area: countryside is represented as lonely and isolated. A large, old mansion is associated with paranormal/eerie activity, foreshadowing the events that follow. The aged appearance of the buildings in horror film hint at an evil past. Teenage girls: lack of intuition, perceived as ‘air heads’, focal point for ‘male’ audience, Representation
10. Young adults Male – attracted by female characters Female – identify with the female characters People interested in horror films Audience
