The document discusses the use of props in horror film openings. It notes that props are commonly used to add a sense of fear and identify victims and villains. A knife is a frequently used prop but will not be used in the discussed film opening due to being overdone. Keys were chosen as the prime prop instead, as it will be used to show a character struggling to open a gate, alerting an antagonist, subverting the sense of security a key typically provides.

1. By Kiera Jeffers

2. • In a lot of horror films the use of props in the opening sequence is
prominent. Typically the props are used to add a sense of fear for
the audience, especially because many horror films that use props
tend to focus on the prop using camera shots such as close ups and
extreme close ups. Not only are props useful in impacting the
audience, it also allows them to identify who the victim/villain is, as
certain props can make up a character’s identity.

3. • A knife is a commonly used prop in horror films. A knife is a weapon
that usually signifies death, meaning that the audience would have
already registered what may happen as soon as they have seen the
knife. Therefore, our group have decided not to use a knife in our
film opening because many other films have included it and it would
mean that our film opening would be ineffective.
-‘Scream’ (1996 film)
The blood dripping on the knife
creates an intense
mood, especially as there is a
close up shot of the knife as
well as the villain.

4. • We were going to use a wrist watch because it is a personal
asset. When we had considered using it for one of our
storylines, it was meant to symbolise the past events that had
occurred between certain characters.

5. • Religious icons are mainly used in supernatural horror films. Due to
the fact that a lot of people do not have a lot of knowledge in
regards to religious icons, it leaves the audience in discomfort and
sends them into the unknown, which often keeps them intrigued.
Notable religious props that have been used in films such as ‘The
Omen’ film series (released 1976 onwards) and ‘The Exorcist’
(released 1973) are crosses, daggers and holy water.

6. • Our group have decided to use keys as our prime prop for our film
opening. It will be used for when Sarah tries to open the grill gate
but struggles to do so because Danny will grab her from behind all of
sudden. This is an effective prop to use because it shows a sense of
security and possession. However this isn’t the case for Sarah
because rather than providing security, it had alerted the antagonist
instead.