1. CONVENTIONAL CAMERA SHOTS IN HORROR
MOVIE TRAILERS

2. WIDE/LONG SHOTS
Wide/Long shots whilst being
used as establishing shots (see
next slide) can also be used to
represent isolated and vulnerable
characters. This is obviously used
in a horror movie trailer as it aids
the portrayal of the protagonist as
helpless and fearful and helps to
portray the desired
representation.

3. DOLLY/TRACKING SHOT
A camera shot in which the
camera follows the subject from
any direction. This camera shot
can be useful in horror movie
trailers as it gives us the
impression that our protagonist is
being followed or stalked by the
villain.

4. ESTABLISHING SHOT
An establishing shot is often
used at the start of a horror
movie trailer. An establishing
shot ‘establishes’ the location
or setting for the trailer.
Establishing shots can be
either wider or long, this is
especially useful in horror
movie trailer as it can make
the setting appear isolated
and cut off from civilisation.
For example, this was taken
from the trailer for ‘The
Conjuring’ and shows an
isolated house, immediately
creating suspense.

5. POINT-OF-VIEW SHOT
A camera shot taken from
the position of the
subjects,
used
to
enhance a sense of
realism and audience
involvement in the action.
Point-of-view shots are
especially good in horror
movies as it allows
people to see what the
victim can see. Also, it
can be used to see things
from the perspective of
the villain, giving the
audience the impression
that our protagonist is
being watched or hunted.

6. CLOSE UP (AND VARIATIONS)
Close
ups,
including
extreme, big and medium
close ups, are used to draw
the viewer closer and involve
them in what is happening.
They are mainly used to
observe
reactions
and
emotions,
such
as
happiness, fear or tension.
This is obviously an effective
camera shot in horror trailers
as it allows the audience to
feel the victims fear. On the
other hand it can be used to
show the horrifying nature of
the villain, making the
audience feel afraid and
fearful.