This document provides information about the horror genre for students taking a controlled assessment course. It discusses common conventions of horror films, including typical plots, events, characters, settings, and themes. It also lists several famous horror franchises and the number of sequels each has spawned. The document outlines the stages of an assessment involving researching, planning, producing, and evaluating an opening sequence for an original horror film, including treatment, character profiles, storyboards, and a written evaluation. Key conventions of horror films like mood, music, and settings are defined. The power and appeal of the genre for audiences is also examined.

1. An Introduction to
the Horror Genre
What is the horror genre?
What is the task for this Controlled Assessment?
What are the conventions of horror?

2. Horror Films you have watched
• List as many horror films that you have
seen.
• Share your list with the other people at
your table.
• You have five mins to do this.

4. Fear itself
Write down what you are afraid.
What other fears do
people have?
Why is the horror genre so powerful?
the
dark
ghost
s
clow
ns
bees and
wasps
aliens
monste
rs
The
unknow
zombie
s
spide
rs

5. Fear of the Unknown
Horror of Personality
(Psycho)
Horror of Armageddon
(Invasion of the Body Snatchers)
Horror of the demonic
(The Exorcist)
Dystopian world view

6. Audiences of Horror
Why would audiences want to ‘escape’ with a
genre that stimulates fear and anxiety with
horrific events?
A Nightmare on Elm Street = 9 sequels since 1984 Saw = 6 sequels since 2004
Halloween = 10 sequels since 1978 Final Destination = 5 sequels since 2000
Friday the 13th = 12 sequels since 1980 Paranormal Activity = 4 sequels since 2007

7. “An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre,
using original images. To include titles.”
Research [30]
• Genre Research (sub-genres,
conventions, opening sequences, etc.)
• Brainstorming (possible camera,
costumes, music, locations, narrative
ideas, etc. including sketches)
• Audience Research 1 (questionnaire –
min. 10 questions & 20 people surveyed)

8. “An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre,
using original images. To include titles.”
Initial Planning
• Treatment (an outline of your film)
• Character Profiles (details on your
characters and their background)
• Audience Research 2 (feedback once
you present your idea and info on how that
has impacted your film)

9. “An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre,
using original images. To include titles.”
Production Planning
• Storyboards (1 per group – these can be
colour drawings or photo storyboards)
• Production design pages (details and
reasons why you‟ve chosen specific
locations, costumes, camera angles, etc.)
• Script (dialogue, sound choices, voice-
over)
• Shot Lists / Shooting Schedule

10. “An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre,
using original images. To include titles.”
Production & Editing [60]
Film your film. You can use school cameras or your own if they
are HD. You are encouraged to film outside of school.
No planning = no permission to film! Your research & planning
folder must be signed off before you can start the next phase.
You will be marked on…
• Holding a shot steady (so use a tripod where needed)
• Framing
• Variety of camera angles/shot distances
• Selecting mise-en-scene
• Continuity editing
• Sound
• Titles & appropriate transitions

11. “An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre,
using original images. To include titles.”
Written Evaluation [30]

12. The Conventions of Horror
Films
 Typical plot line
 Typical events
 Stars / Actors
 Style of filming and
editing
 Dialogue
 Type of characters
 Typical settings
 Expected props
 Main themes
 Mood
 Music
List the conventions of horror movies (conventions
are the elements you expect in a horror film): Try to
fit in an example from the horror films you know.
Fill in the conventions sheet

13. Some important things to know
about Genre
Genres change over time……
When a particular type of film becomes popular, it
is imitated, then a genre develops. Over time,
certain conventions become „the rules‟.
Eventually, changes occur, subgenres appear.
Some may become full genres in their own right.
A mature genre can be parodied or mocked (Scary
Movie).
Films may mix their genres to appeal to more
audiences.

14. Some important things to know
about Genre
Genres can be made up of sub-genres, each with
their own specific set of conventions.
What are some sub-genres of horror?
slasher, teen terror, serial killers, zombie, vampire,
alien, psychological, found footage
Try to name a film that fits each subgenre

15. Some important things to know
about Genre
Genre movies tell us about the time in which they
are made, not set.
Genre movies reinforce ideas in society.
In The Ring, there is a fear of technology – Samara can kill you through
the television & a phone call says you will die in 7 days.
Genre movies often involve conflict between
accepted ideas and “the other”.

16. Watch and Write
„Prom Night‟ (2008), Nelson McCormick
„Scream‟ (1996), Wes Craven
„Darkness Falls‟ (2003), Jonathon
Liebesman
„The Ring‟ (2002), Gore Verbinski
„Saw‟ (2004), James Wan
Fill in the Opening Sequence Analysis sheet