The document discusses common codes and conventions used in horror movie trailers. It outlines conventions in narrative structure, camerawork, mise-en-scene, editing, sound, and character representation. For narrative, horror trailers typically follow a three-act structure and use semiotics to introduce characters and enigma codes. Camerawork employs techniques like handheld shots and high angles. Mise-en-scene features isolated settings and low-key lighting. Editing uses slow pacing initially and quick cuts later. Sound incorporates diegetic effects and non-diegetic music. Characters usually feature helpless female victims and vulnerable youth.

1. Codes and Conventions of
Horror Trailers
BY ZAKARIA BOUGOUIZI

2.  All films from within the genre of horror follow and stick to similar
conventions in order for the film to be recognised as part of the genre and to
be as successful as possible. These specific conventions have evolved over
time as what is considered a 'Horror film' has also changed over time, from
the gore and vampires of the early 90s to the ghosts, demons and
supernatural themed movies of the modern day. Furthermore due to the
range of different types of horror films (Sub-Genre), each horror film has to
have a specific Sub-Genre that it follows. As I have previously explained the
Sub-Genres range from Zombie to Slasher and from Paranormal to Monster,
these Sub-Genres can also be combined together to create a hybrid genre.
From instance Scary Movie can be described as a Horror - Comedy - Monster
because it includes some scary elements that revolve around monsters, but
yet still has a comedic element to it. The specific Horror codes and
conventions that I have identified are:

3. Narrative
 One of the primary narrative conventions of horror trailers is the use of the Three-Act
structure and Todorov’s theory of Equilibrium. Therefore a typical narrative structure
for a horror trailer would go as follows: The characters, narrative and scary premise
are introduced which falls under ‘Act 1’ of the Three-Act structure and ‘Equilibrium’ of
Todorov’s theory. Following this is the confrontation stage where a series of obstacles
are introduced to the main characters that place their world in a state of
Disequilibrium. Within a horror trailer this would be the sequence of scary events.
Finally, the third and last stage is the conclusion or resolution of the story which is
where a state of equilibrium is restored within the trailer. Although they are trailers,
in my opinion they do still return to a state of equilibrium as soon as the trailer ends.
On top of this, another narrative convention that is typical of horror films is the use of
semiotics and enigma codes. For example, pictures of families or individuals who are
significant to the films narrative in some way in order to educate the audience as to
who they are and their motivations towards causing these scary events. Also enigma
codes or narrative enigmas are used especially within paranormal and psychological
horrors to leave the audience feeling confused as well as eager to discover the
‘unexplained’.

4. Camerawork
 Within horror films there are various camera angles, techniques and movements which are
commonly used in order to achieve that desired effect which is needed to create a
successful horror production. One increasingly common type of camera technique which
appears in all of the horror movie trailers I have analysed is the hand-held camera
technique. This technique is often used in combination with the point of view shot and
appears in horror movies since the audiences biggest fear is that the events they witness
within the film may happen to them, therefore the shot makes them feel as if they are a
part of the action and within the world of the characters. Another common shot used is a
high angled shot which is often used on the victim to portray their vulnerability and low
status in comparison to the villain. In terms of camera distances, close ups and extreme
close ups of significant object to the narrative or characters are used throughout to denote
their importance (Object) or to show their facial expressions, emotions and reactions to
scary events (Characters). On top of this, the camera movements that are used within
horror films are generally very slow and are used to build tension or suspense towards
significantly terrifying events as well as to educate the audience concerning the scene and
the key characteristics of each setting.

5. Mise en Scene
 Some elements of setting, costume, lighting and effects are particular of
horror movies and rarely seen in another other genre. To begin typical
horror movies are set in small communities and isolated areas that connote
danger and loneliness. (Dark Alleyways, Basements, Attics, Ghost towns and
small villages) There is also the possibility that scenes are shot in locations
such as graveyards as they both encode the idea of death and 'dark' histories.
Furthermore, the majority of the shots within horror films use low key
lighting and are often very bland to create that sense of mystery and
confusion within the audience. In terms of props, especially within the
‘Paranormal’ Sub-Genre, children's toys and objects we often associate with
our childhood such as dolls, rocking chairs, jack in the box and mechanical
toys. These toys create a feel of purity and innocence that we experience
during childhood.

6. Editing
 The editing used within horror productions are very slow paced until stage 3 of the Three-Act
structure which is towards the end of the trailer and where all main dramatic scenes occur.
This creates that sense of tension and suspense the audience require from a horror film.
During the trailers 3rd act, a combination of quick shots are combined together in a short
montage which display key moments from within the film without revealing to much about
the narrative. This short segment also helps to build the tension towards the final scary event
that is conventionally shown at the end of the trailer. Additionally, very abnormal and unusual
looking transitions such as the twitching transitions used within the popular insidious trailer
are common since they have a strong connection with the ‘Paranormal’ sub-genre. In terms of
typography and titles, they are implemented at regular intervals throughout the trailer to
introduce the narrative, main characters, the actors who play those characters or key taglines
that are significant to the film. These titles follow the conventional colour scheme of grey,
white and black with the occasional use of red, also they are placed on a separate background
to the footage unlike most film trailers where the titles are placed on top of the footage. These
isolated backgrounds are often textured with patterns that can be related to the genre such as
dark clouds, cracks or rain drops.

7. Sound
 From my research, I have concluded that within horror trailers there is very
little to no sound used at all for the purposes of creating a tense atmosphere
and a strong sense of reality and actuality. However when sound is used, it is
used in short bursts and to emphasise certain key moments or cuts to following
scenes. In addition, diegetic soundtracks are often used within horror films for
example, doors opening, creaking floors, mechanical toys and of course
character dialogue to create that connection between the characters and the
genre, making the scenes within the trailer even more terrifying. Despite
diegetic sounds being the dominant form sound within horror films, Non-
diegetic music is also used throughout the trailer and is parallel with its editing
speed (Whenever the editing speeds up, so does the music). The diegetic music
does not usually contain any lyrics, it is an instrumental with a slow paced
tempo that would get louder or faster depending on the contents of the scene.

8. Representation and Characters
 Almost all of the horror films that I have analysed have what is called a
hegemonic representation of gender, specifically a dominant
representation of individuals from within the female gender. The female
characters within horror films are generally seen as the helpless victims
and the recipient of the villain’s schemes. This is because females are
stereotypically weaker than the male villainous characters therefore the
audience believe that they can be easily overpowered. On top of this,
youthful characters are heavily featured within horror films to create the
same effect on the audience as the female characters do. These
characters are of course vulnerable and powerless in terms of size and
stature but are also mentally innocent and less experienced therefore the
audience would take offense and become terrified of the thought of them
being harmed in any way.