This document outlines several key elements and conventions of the horror genre that could be utilized in a student film project. It discusses common subgenres of horror films like slasher, monster, and supernatural. It also describes typical visual elements like close-up shots to show emotion, establishing shots to set the scene, and lighting techniques like low-key lighting to create an eerie tone. Additionally, it covers common audio elements like diegetic sounds of screaming, doors slamming, and non-diegetic music to build tension. Finally, it provides some example narrative structures that follow conventions like victims being killed one by one with a final confrontation between the survivor and killer.

2. Genre
Horror
AlienPsychological
Monster
Halloween
Gothic
Supernatural
SurvivalDemonic
Slasher
Sub-Genres
•Slasher
•Monster
•Halloween
•Gothic
•Psychological
•Demonic
•Supernatural
•Survival
•Alien
e.g. Friday 13th, Scream, Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
e.g. Dawn of the Dead, Lake Placid, The decent
e.g. Halloween, Trick r’ Treat, The wicker man
e.g. Alien, Predator, Space Odyssey
e.g. Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman
e.g. Silence of the lambs, The Sixth Sense, The Shining.
e.g. Paranormal Activity
e.g. Nightmare on Elm Street,
e.g. Dog Soldiers, 28 Days Later, Resident Evil

3. Typical Conventions
Blood & Gore
House
Graveyard
Confrontation/Survivor
Murder weapon
Killer
Victim
Monsters
Darkness
Symbolism
Tragedy
Woods

4. Shots
Extreme Close-Up:
An extreme close up is used to capture the emotions of
characters, especially to establish the sense of fear and
surprise in the horror genre. We plan to use this shot in
our film production as it is easy to replicate and show
specific feelings.
Establishing Shot:
An establishing shot is always used in horror films
usually to set the scene for a murder. In this specific
establishing shot it helps to create an eerie feeling,
aided by the use of low-key lighting.
Reaction Shot:
Similar to close-ups, reaction shots help to humanise
characters by showing the audience their reactions. In
this case the initial shot implies something awful has
happened. Again we plan to incorporate this into our
production.

5. Shot reverse shot:
Shot reverse shots are commonly used to help address the relationship between two characters. This
is useful to establish the interaction between the characters and showing who is in control. This is
also done with the use of high and low angle shots. For example a high angle shot of the woman is
used to make her appear inferior and vulnerable whereas a low angle of the man is used which
makes him seem superior and dominant. This would be a useful technique to apply in our
coursework.
Long Shot:
Long shots are a very effective camera
technique as they emphasise a victim’s
isolation and vulnerability. Long shots
are easy to manipulate and will be
useful to include in our film.

6. Lighting
Low-key:
Lighting is a key factor when composing our shots,
so its important to recognise the effects of using
different forms of lighting. Low-key lighting is useful
as it creates a spooky and eerie tone to the scene.
High-key:
High-key lighting can be used to lure the audience
into a false sense of security in a horror film, which
will often be contrasted with the use of high-key
lighting. This will definitely be something to
consider during out production.
Natural/Unnatural lighting
As part of special effect components, the
application of unnatural night has numerous
effects, such as to emphasise to the killer or
emotions of a certain character, like in this example
the use of light emphasises the killer’s presence.

7. Sound
Diegetic Non-Diegetic
Diegetic sounds can be emphasised to create
dramatic effect. Examples of these are:
•Screaming
•Slamming Doors
•Gunshots
•Barking
•Wind
•Rain
•Footsteps
•Slashing noises
•Heavy Breathing
•Explosions
•Creaking
Some of these sounds may be hard to replicate,
but we will definitely consider including them in
our film production, to add in a scene for
dramatic effect.
Non-diegetic sounds have similar effects to a film
in the ways in which it helps create tension,
suspense and emotion. Examples of these are:
• Incidental music
•Theme song
•Music
These are used in horror films for a specific
purpose. For example the build up to a climatic
scene as the music gets louder and faster building
up to a crescendo.
Theme songs are used throughout a film as a
recognisable piece of music in which the target
audience can identify and associate with. We may
consider using a theme song for our film
production to add a sense of professionalism
whilst sticking to conventions. Some examples of
iconic horror theme songs are:
•PYSCHO
•Halloween
•Friday 13th
•A Nightmare on Elm Street

8. Plots/ Narrative Structure
Group of
Teenagers
Victims get
killed off one
by one
Last survivor
confronts killer
Survivor
overcomes
killer
Victims get
killed off one
by one
Survivor
overcomes
killer
Killer
returns
Last survivor
confronts killer and
triumphs again
By reviewing these two plots, we have noticed that they have similar narrative structures, which almost acts as a
convention itself as we expect some of these basic plots to occur. However it is evident from these two examples
that the order has been altered in some way to break the conventions in order to keep the plot entertaining for the
audience. We will consider this when it comes to outlining our narrative structure.