2. Conventions of the PostApocalyptic Horror Genre
From my research into the post-apocalyptic horror genre, I have found a
varied list of conventions which will help me create the best possible film
trailer. These conventions included:
Chaos and danger which creates a whole new kind of intensity in which the
target audience will find appealing. This can be done through fast paced
editing and various camerawork such as low angle shots.
Weapons which are usually used for violence which is a prominent aspect of
the Post-apocalyptic horror genre. These weapons are usually household
items such as bats and hammers as the weapons usually focus on survival so
the characters will find anything to defend themselves.
Isolated and abandoned locations are conventional as they are an important
aspect of the genre and the most appealing. It brings across a more chilling
atmosphere and the themes of isolation which works really well in the genre.
Dangerous antagonists are conventional as they are usually more powerful
and threatening compared to the protagonists which heightens the fear and
appeals to the target audience through the thrill of being scared.
3. Conventions of Form
From my research into genre and form in Post-Apocalyptic horror film trailers, I
have seen certain aspects that are conventional and will help me when making
my film trailer. These included:
Fast paced editing used throughout or most of the trailer to create a sense of
chaos and confusion which is also a very appealing and conventional to the
target audience.
Wide and establishing shots of the setting to connote the destruction and
chaos that has happened in this fictional world which helps create a unique
atmosphere.
Loud, quick and tension building soundtrack to signify terror and panic which
are conventions of the horror genre. Quick extracts of loud and sudden music
at various points to create scares appealing to the demographic.
The mise-en-scene would have props such as weapons like bats to connote
violence which is a conventional aspect of this sub-genre appealing to the
target audience. Others include a deadly enemy and isolated environments.
4. How to make my film trailer
conventional to the genre
When creating my film trailer, in order to make it the best that it can be I need
to include these conventions and themes:
Fast-Paced Editing
Desolated and abandoned settings
Weapons and Violence (Bats, guns)
Protagonists weak against a defiant threat
Conventional Cinematography- Low and High angle
shots, close-ups, establishing shots etc.
Dangerous antagonists
Theme of constant danger and doing whatever it takes to
survive
Tense soundtrack- Loud, fast and chaotic
5. Overall, by following these conventions of the Post-Apocalyptic
horror genre it will help me create my film trailer that will
appeal to the target audience and what doesn’t stray away
from what makes the genre so popular. The conventions of
form will also help my trailer become engaging and scary and
overall creating interest and audience buzz like any trailer of
this genre should.
