The document analyzes the film trailer for a horror movie and how it complies with common codes and conventions of the genre. Some conventions it follows include using a secluded location, characters forgetting the threat, moments where the power is cut or lighting is dim, a victim cowering, themes of good vs. evil, using scary music to build suspense, and trapping victims who cannot escape. It also discusses how it incorporates these conventions through specific shots and scenes. Mise en scene, props, location, and actors are also used to reinforce the horror genre. The title sequence and text also comply with standard trailer conventions.

1. Evaluation Question 1
In what ways does your media
product use, develop or
challenge forms and
conventions of real media
products?
(Part 3- Film Trailer)

2. Codes and conventions of a horror
movie trailer
 Secluded Location - Generally, horror movies enjoy placing their characters in a locale
where there's no one around to help them (i.e. the woods, a ghost town).
 Characters Forget About Threat - Many times, there is danger, death, a curse, or worse and
people know about it, but they conveniently put it out of their mind.
 Power Is Cut or a lack of useful light- At the scariest moment possible, the lights suddenly go
out. Or the lighting is dimly lit so you cannot see the danger in front of you.
 Victim Cowers- A traditional easy shot usually in ‘slashers’ is to have someone hiding from
the killer against a door/wall/window.
 Good vs Evil- There are characters that are obviously one side or another.
 Music- music is used to build atmosphere and to give a fright.
 Trapped- At some point innocent victims are unable to escape danger.

3. How I complied to these
conventions.
Secluded location- This long shot shows how the
old house is alone on the hill. So does the pan
shot that follows, it gives the audience a wider
view to show that the house is secluded.
Characters Forget About Threat- The
femme fatal of my film continues to go
into a dark attic, walking straight into
danger. Also she is warned that
‘something strange is happening and
they need to get out’ however they
don’t leave.

4. Power Is Cut or a lack of useful light- There
are parts where there is very low level
lighting and lighting is used to highlight
danger. However I do go against this
convention by using strobe lighting. This is
very bright so it makes the dangerous villain
clear and obvious, which is not typical in a
horror film. However I felt that it went well
with the theme of confusion and
disorientation that I have in my film and I find
that the strobe light is effective at conveying
distress, fright and confusion.
Victim Cowers- I use this convention
however I alter it a bit. Due to my villain
being a victim himself in a way. He has
a split personality and doesn’t realise
that he is the villain he is hiding from. He
is the victim of his own mind.

5. Good vs Evil- There is evil and there is good
characters being the victim. However due to
my villain being a combination of the two
(due to the split personality) this gives a twist
to the generic convention of good vs evil. The
female however is strictly good and a victim.
Music- I use a lot of typically scary music that would be found in horror films, as well as
sound effects that all help to build suspense at key moments.
Trapped- There is often moments or long scenes or
episodes where the victims are held captive or are
unable to escape. I hint at this with a shot of a door
locked with someone trying to get out. I felt the style of
the door due to its age helped with mise en scene also.

6. Mise en scene, props, location,
actors.
Mise en scene- The arrangement of scenery and surroundings.
I pay close attention to this as I always ensure that where a shot is located has some reference to the horror genre. For
example, even if it is a shot where the background isn’t key (such as the scene where the two main character talk) the
background is still reminiscent of the horror genre as is its in a secluded location with a big old fashioned stone wall.
Props- an object used by the actors
There are few props but one that is used repeatedly, the kitchen knife. This acts as a symbol/motif for representing the
genre, ensure it is clear to the audience. As well as adding to the fear as it is a threatening object.
Location- filming location is a place where some or all of a film or television series is produced, in addition to or instead
of using sets constructed on a movie studio backlot or soundstage. In filmmaking, a location is any place where a film
crew will be filming actors and recording their dialog.
I chose a lone, old fashioned, secluded, house. This all is common for a horror film. It build tension and makes the genre
obvious to the audience.
Actors- a person who plays a role in a film
I follow gender stereotypes with my roles by including a femme fatal who is the victim and the male being the villain.

7. Title sequence and text
All the text and information I have included is a common convention for trailers, including logos, tag
lines, and industry information.