This document discusses conventions of the horror genre that are commonly used in film openings. It lists conventional characters, settings, sounds, narratives, and camera work. It provides an example of analyzing the opening scene of "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" for conventions. Students are instructed to choose a horror film opening, analyze it for conventions used and challenged, discuss techniques to grab attention, and consider applying any conventions to their own work. Links to additional horror film opening scenes are provided.

1. The Horror GenreL.O: To be able to apply what we have learnt about the conventions of the horror genre to analyse film openings

2. To start to think about how we could apply these conventions to our own production workConventional charactersZombiesVampiresPsycho killersFemale victimsMale heroes

3. Conventional settingsHaunted houseScience labForestGraveyard

4. Conventional soundLow sinister bass notesChildren singingScreamingCreaky doorsHowling wolves

5. Conventional narrativeBased on a true storyRevengeCamping trip goes wrongScientific experiment goes bad

6. Conventional iconographyCrucifixGrave stonesKnives/axes etcFull moonBloodMasks

7. Conventional camera workExtreme close upsHand held cameraPOV shotsHigh angleLow angle

8. The Exorcism of Emily RoseWatch the opening scene of the film:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcC5nitXol4Make a list of typical conventions that are used in the sequence.

9. ActivityIn pairs, look on You Tube for an opening of a horror film of your choice.What typical conventions are used in the opening scene?How does this film challenge the typical conventions of the genre?What techniques does the director use to grab the audience’s attention and make them want to watch the rest of the film?Which of these techniques and conventions could you use in you own productions?Write up your analysis onto your blog with a link to your chosen opening scene.There are some links you can use on the next slide…

10. Links to Opening ScenesThe Grudge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Kjg6jLgQ8Paranormal Entity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AzS9HI96Q0Halloween 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2xQhjYWKbEScream http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFCStOMqpfkThe Ring http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e4DBZ_eeGgDog Soldiers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2X5RL-U8ec

11. More linksThe Omen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq04D4xf9XwDawn of the Dead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrsjnH-by2ECreepshowhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gbLnw6Muk0Child’s Play http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COexY4FJEEI