The document discusses the horror genre and provides information about conventions of horror films. It addresses what makes audiences afraid and some typical elements found in horror films, including plotlines, characters, settings, themes and mood. The document also covers reasons why audiences are drawn to horror and lists examples of popular horror franchises. It provides questions about fears and concludes with instructions for an assignment to create an opening sequence for a new horror film.

1. Horror Genre
I’m scared, so very scared!!!!!

2. So You Think You Know Horror
 Name the films that the following characters appear in:

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

4. Horror
 Horror is all about making us scared
 It is about FEAR
 What things frighten us? Consider the
photos on the next page

5. Fear
What makes us scared?

6. 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

7. 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

8. Fear
 What are you afraid of now and why?
 What were you afraid when you were a
child? Why were you afraid? How did you
get over your fear?
 What do you do now when you are afraid?

9. THE CONVENTIONS OF HORROR FILMS
 Plot line/Story
 Typical events,
 Stars
 Style of filming
 Editing Style
 Dialogue
Type of characters
Typical settings
Expected props
Main themes
Mood
Music
In groups 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
Typical Convention General Examples Examples From Films

11. 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 a “set” part of the convention.
Eventually, changes occur, subgenres
appear. Some may become full genres.
A mature genre can be parodied or mocked
Films may mix their genres, to create new
ones eg comedy-romance

12. Some important things to know
about Genre
• Genres can be made up of sub-genres,
each with their own specific set of
conventions.
• Subgenres of Horror - slasher, teen terror,
serial killers, Dracula, Frankenstein,
monster, zombie, vampire, alien, evil
children,
• Try to name a film that fits each subgenre

13. 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”

14. “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)

15. 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)

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. Lets start analysing
 Darkness Falls
 Don’t be Afraid of the Dark
 Prom Night
 Scream
 Scream 2
 The Amityville Horror
 Wrong Turn

20. 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