Here are some key points I gathered from your analysis of PonySmasher's work:
- Effective use of sound design, both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, to create atmosphere and scare the audience. Sound is important for horror.
- Shadowy, moody lighting that creates an unsettling sense of unease and obscures what may be lurking in the darkness.
- Engaging scenes that keep the viewer invested throughout.
- Keeping the story/ideas simple and focused, without unnecessary backstory or loose ends. Leaving some things unknown can be scarier.
- Building tension slowly before delivering scares, then moving quickly to the next build up of tension/sc