This document discusses common conventions in horror filmmaking, including the use of orchestral music to set mood, common camera shots like low angles on antagonists, editing techniques like increasing pace before scares, and settings that convey isolation such as abandoned houses or dark woods. It also mentions how music is integrated with visuals, close ups are used less on villains, and handheld shots add to the unsettling feeling. Narrative structures typically involve a protagonist on a mission to confront an antagonist who is often insane or motivated by past trauma.

1. Conventions Of A Horror Film
By Grace-Laura Rowe

2. Music
In most Horror/thriller films, most people will agree
that orchestral music is the most characteristic for
this type of genre. One reason why orchestral
music is so music in horror films is probably the
great dynamic range of the genre allows the
composer to change his compositions to follow the
events in the film. The music is a very important
aspect of a horror film, but it must never distract
the audience/viewers. The music should fit the
action so well that it like joint to the film, and should
be integrated with the visuals. This is why music in
film is so overlooked. For example, the film 'Friday
The 13th' which is about a mad killer called Jason
Voorhees who attacks people in a certain area. The
music used is a spooky and unnerving which is
played whenever comes near the other characters.

3. Shot Types
There are repeated shot types used in Horror films to create a
certain atmosphere. First low angle shots are very commonly
used on the antagonist. This is done to show how dominant the
individual is and also involves the feeling that we are looking up
at them, as if us the audience are the victim in order to make
use feel as we're actually in the film. Also the are used to make
the protagonist look powerful. For example, having a low angle
of Spiderman it allows us to see his dominant character. Another
shot used alot in horror films are High angle shots, this is to
show us the characters are in a vulnerable position and have no
control over the situation. They are normally used when
something is about to happen to the individual. Also another
use of this type of shot is be using a CCTV style. This can tell
the audience that whoever is shown could get something
happen to them later on in the film. Close ups in this type of
genre are used on the antagonist. This is due to the fact that we
do not see a close up of the actual villain until very late on. This
is to create the audience feel very uncomfortable. Final shot that
is used frequently is an establishing shot. They are effective. For
example, an abandoned house is very typically, by using an
establishing shot it is a way of adding tension.

4. Technical Codes
Editing can creating unsettling tension and
suspense. If the editing hasn't been paced up
in a while then you know that something
involving terror/fear is about to jump up and
scare you. Disturbing sounds are very
important in a horror movie. Dietetic sounds
like footsteps and non-diegetic sounds for
example a heartbeat. A lot of the framework
uses the depth of field and makes it harder to
see the monster/villain moving behind the
protagonist. Hand held shots make it difficult for
the audience to see what is happening. The
feeling should promote terror and unknown
feelings.

5. Narrative Structure
Within all horror films there is always a hero, a
protagonist, a man of the film and also keeping
with the normal conversation of the genre.
Using the hero must deal with a mission or a
quest to kill. Classic structure made applicable
to the horror genre but it can be left for closure
or perhaps leave room for the sequel. A lot of
narratives are very important and this is
practically present in sub-genres/ For example,
the killer turns insane or by some childhood
past or medical issues. These teenagers
represent 'immoral' and usually the one who at
filmed at the start of the film.

6. Setting
The setting that are normally used in this type
of
genre are small isolated places/dark streets
anything that connotes isolation or being alone.
Often places with dark history for example
abandoned house or hotels. The setting is
important to set an atmosphere and give the
film meaning. A good location would be;
>Lakes
>Cabins
>Deserted
>Dark woods
>Motorways