Lighting is very important in horror films, with low level lighting used to create a creepy atmosphere through darkness. Over the shoulder shots are commonly used to show perspectives between characters during conversations, while medium close ups capture emotions without being too close. High and low angle shots provide different perspectives to show characters' vulnerability or intimidation. Synchronous sounds and non-diegetic music are also important for setting atmosphere and building suspense.

1. Camera, Sounds and Lighting
Tony Mutombo & Ellisabeth Frier

2. Lighting
• During filming, lighting will be very important,
especially in horror movies.
• In horror movies such as Nightmare on Elm
Street, lighting would be to brighten the
environment when shooting scenes
introducing the protagonist in the film.

3. Low Level Lighting
• Low level lighting is very often used in horror
films to create a creepy mysterious
atmosphere, as darkness is usually associated
with evil. Darkness also makes people feel
more vulnerable and threatened as they are
unable to see as much and people fear the
unseen and unknown. They may also use
shadows.

4. An example of low key lighting

5. Over the Shoulder Shot
• This shot is framed from behind a person who is looking at the
subject. The person facing the subject should usually occupy about
1/3 of the frame.
• This shot helps to establish the position of each person, and get the
feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view.
• It's common to cut between these shots during a conversation,
alternating the view between the different speakers
• In older 4x3 framing, the person facing away from the camera
would typically be cut off just behind the ear. In 16x9 and other
widescreen framing, there is more width available and more of this
person can be shown (as above).
• This shot can be varied quite a bit to include the shoulder or back of
the person facing the subject.
• My partner and i plan to use this shot frequently as its great at
showing perspectives, and with the idea of keeping the antagonist
unseen throughout the trailer, it allows us to do this as well as
keeping Jack a mystery.

6. Over the shoulder shot

7. Medium Close Up Shot
• The medium close up is half way between a mid
shot and a close up. This shot shows the face
more clearly, without getting uncomfortably
close. This is a common injury used in horror
films as the directors use it to catch the emotion
and terror of their victimised characters. My
partner and i are also looking to include a few of
these shots with the supporting characters as
they come to terms with Jack and who he really
is.

8. Medium close up shot

9. High angle shot
• This shot is normally used to show both
characters, crouching in anticipation at the
object/person scenario ahead of them. The
audience are also shown the background and
settings of the characters in the scene. This high
angle shot enables the audience to be aware that
he characters are coming towards an obstacle in
front of them. In horror movies, the positioning
of the camera above the characters gives the
audience an idea of their vulnerability.

10. High Angle Shot

11. Low Angle Shot
• This shot can be used as a shot in capturing the
masculinity of the antagonist. In horror movies ,
the director works tremendously hard to make
sure the audience are intimidated by their
antagonist and would almost use a low angle shot
to portray him on the screen. This is to help the
antagonist look huge. This shot is also used so the
audience are aware of the characters positioning
in the scene, being higher than what they are
looking at. As well it shows the audience of the
scenery, so they are aware the action is taking
outside or in a room.

12. Low Angle Shot

13. Synchronous Sounds
• Synchronous sounds are used in horror
movies to exaggerate sound and help create
an atmosphere. For example, the nightmare
on elm street uses synchronous sound when
Freddie Kruger is creating his gloves to scrape
on the walls to make screeching noises.

14. Non – diagetic music
• Non diegetic music is probably one of the
most important features in a horror film. It is
used to create a creepy atmosphere and build
suspense and change the mood and emotion
of a scene. Horror movies usually use high
pitch sounds or violins as this sounds like
animals crying for help.