This document summarizes market research conducted on recent horror films to inform the development of a student film project. It analyzes the posters and key details of four successful horror films - Insidious, The Woman in Black, and Sinister - noting elements that attract audiences like mysterious children, isolation, fear, and supernatural imagery. The reviewed films received high ratings and grossed over $97 million, $127 million, and $87 million worldwide respectively, demonstrating the popularity of the horror genre.

1. Market ResearchMarket Research
By Kiera Jeffers

2. SummarySummary
Our group’s opening film scene will be a horror. There
are various types of horror films on the market, such
as Comedy-horror, supernatural-horror and thriller.
 I have conducted some research surrounding different
horror films that have been released recently, due to
this genre of film being so popular in the industry and
it would be useful to find out what attracts different
audiences.
The films that we’ve researched have received high
ratings.

3. InsidiousInsidious
 Insidious is a supernatural horror written by Leigh Whannel and
directed by James Wan.
 The film was released 14th September 2010
 It has grossed a total of $97,009,150 worldwide.

This promotional poster of Insidious
shows a young boy in front of what
appears to be a family home. The
low angle shot of the boy suggests
that he is powerful. Typically
children are seen as being innocent
and not omnipotent and gloomy.
This means that based on the
connotation of children, the
audience would be curious to know
what goes on in the film because it
appears to be full of the unknown.

4. The Woman in BlackThe Woman in Black
 ‘The Women in Black’ is a British horror directed by James
Watkins and written by Jane Goldman.
 It was released 3rd February 2012
 It has grossed a total of $127,730,736 worldwide.
The poster used shows a mid-shot of a
man and in the background there is a
smoke illuminating the relatively dark
setting. Behind the man there is a figure
(with a cross or gravestone next to it)
that is concealed in black. This conveys
the idea that the audience are in fear for
the man because he appear to be isolated
in an anonymous area, and judging by the
man’s facial expression he is in discomfort
and fearful himself.

5. SinisterSinister
 ‘Sinister’ is a supernatural horror film which was written by C.
Robert Cargill and Scott Derrickson.
 Scott Derrickson also directed the film.
 It was originally released 11th March 2012.
 The film has grossed a total of $87,702,460.
A woman is shown leaving traces of
blood all over the wall in this poster.
The splutters of blood show a face that
proves unrecognizable as well as evil
because it has large, furious and dark
eyes. This causes uncertainty for
audiences whilst keeping them
intrigued. The imagery used in the
poster suggests that the film conforms
to its supernatural theme.

6. SinisterSinister
 ‘Sinister’ is a supernatural horror film which was written by C.
Robert Cargill and Scott Derrickson.
 Scott Derrickson also directed the film.
 It was originally released 11th March 2012.
 The film has grossed a total of $87,702,460.
A woman is shown leaving traces of
blood all over the wall in this poster.
The splutters of blood show a face that
proves unrecognizable as well as evil
because it has large, furious and dark
eyes. This causes uncertainty for
audiences whilst keeping them
intrigued. The imagery used in the
poster suggests that the film conforms
to its supernatural theme.