Props play an important role in horror films by establishing conventions and symbols that audiences associate with the genre. Common props in possession films include religious items like crosses and bibles. Weapons also frequently symbolize the antagonist, such as the machete in Friday the 13th and chainsaw in Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This document discusses the selection and meaning of several props to be used in a student film trailer. Pills will symbolize the antagonist's suicide and advance the narrative. A mobile phone and laptop represent the influence of technology on the plot. A grave symbolizes death and the supernatural, though a traditional marble headstone was chosen over wood for realism. Fake pink flowers symbolize the artificial relationship between

1. PROPS
Mise en scene

2. Conventions
Props play a significant role in the success of a film. In terms of the horror genre, props are usually very
stereotypical and can be easily identified and associated with the genre. These conventional props usually
consist of weapons, such as knives, guns, axes, as well as spiritual items such as Ouija boards, cult
artefacts and so on.
In possession horror films we usually identify common props such as bibles, crosses and other religious
and satanic items. Religious These all indicate a heavily point of the horror genre as it can range from a
weapon, to a spiritual artefact to even a just basic scary artefact. An example of what props can usually be
found in a possession film for example are crosses and bibles. These props are used as signs of religion,
faith or the loss of faith and of course possessions. Examples of films include the Exorcist and the
Exorcism of Emily Rose.
Another key prop used is the weapon, usually carried by the antagonist as a means of attack, or by the
protagonist as a means of defence. Examples include the antagonists in films such as Friday the 13th
whom carries a machete, Texas Chainsaw Massacre whom carries a chainsaw and so on. As seen in these
cases, the weapon can often become a distinct symbol for the character, illustrating the importance of
props and their significance. Additionally, they are extremely useful in creating an ambience and receiving
a reaction from he audience.

3. Focal props
Whilst we will be using a variety of props, some will play a much larger role than others.
One key prop we will be using will be used to illustrate our antagonists method of suicide,
demonstrated through the use of pill, this prop is essential in the progression of the film.
We originally intended to use a container of pills as a recognised item which holds several negative
connotations, it is contextually relevant as it is easy to access and holds few risks as a prop in our
trailer as long as we use pills that do not hold any risk to our safety and health. This prop will be
associated with suicide and so essentially shows our story, rather than having to necessarily ‘say’ it
which will make our film trailer much more effective and successful.
However, we decided not to use a container pills but rather use pills on their own in order to avoid
confusion and to make it easier to understand for the audience.
Additionally, although it is not as symbolic as the previously mentioned pills, we will be using a
mobile phone as one of the more significant props in our trailer as it will be very useful in the
demonstration of narrative. As our plot has quite a large amount of influence from technology,
which will be used as a means of communication in our narrative, this is a key prop that needs to
be considered in advanced and planned in order to follow our planning.
For the same reasons, we will be using a laptop as another form of communication which,
although brief, will be seen in our trailer. This will signify the overwhelming input and constant
presence our antagonist possesses whilst also appealing to the young target audience whom will
have a good understanding of such media.

4. Props continued
We will be using props throughout the course of filming our trailer.
Another key prop that holds great symbolic meaning is a grave for our supposed deceased antagonist. This grave
will aid in narrative, finalising his death and making it easy for an audience to follow the narrative, it will also initiate
the theme of religion and paranormal as graves are associated with images of death, ghosts, Halloween and such.
This is both a very touching and distant item as it can be seen to show respect and love as it commemorates the
deceased, but it also signifies the separation and gives a visual indication of their resting place, where their remains
are buried, which ultimately quite a unpleasant image. All conventional of the genre of horror.
Initially, we were going to use a grave made of two pieces of wood which form a cross. This simplistic use of the
religious symbol would represent our antagonist and his lack of family or friends to buy a headstone for him.
Therefore highlighting his lack of relationships and the little meaning he holds tin peoples lives, a convention of
horror antagonists being ‘unloved’ and unknown.
However, we decided this was not realistic and uncommon in modern burials and instead decided to opt for a
traditional marble grave which appeared new to symbolise how recently he has died.
We will be using a flower bouquet which will symbolise the romance between the protagonist and antagonist. We
planned on using a bouquet containing some lilies which would symbolise and foreshadow death and rebirth which
will be a subtle but intentional clue in the plot regarding the antagonist and his ‘rebirth’ in the afterlife. this could
potentially be argued to be a red herring as he is of course not actually reborn but never in fact died.
However, we later decided to use false plastic flowers in order to signify the artificial relationship between the
protagonist and antagonist, an opted to use a bright pink colour to symbolise her brightness in his life, even after
death. As seen in other scenes of them together she is shown to wear a bright pink, symbolising happiness, romance
and youth.

5. Rejected Accepted
• Americanism – not often
• seen by British audiences
• Difficult to acquire
• More realistic
• Easier to identity
• Outdated and unpopular
• Difficult to read texts
• Widely recognised
• Current technology – fashionable
and up to date
• Easy to read
• Symbolic – lilies represent rebirth
and death, the white
suggesting purity contrasts
with his dark and sinister role
• Meaningful colour –
representative of her positivity (source
of light/colour in his dark life)
• False flowers – artificial and
undying (foreshadow)
• Uncommon in modern burials
• Can appear less realistic
• Gives a less professional
appearance
• Popular type of modern burial
• Easily recognised
• Symbolic of death and religion
(horror conventions)

6. Props Continued
We will also be using red lipstick, the colour being symbolic due to its connotations of
blood, danger, passion and love, all of which are themes present in our film. The lipstick
also symbolises our protagonists journey to experience and maturity after her difficult
relationship and the death of her ex-boyfriend.
We will also be using a red candle, the colour once again being symbolic and
foreshadowing the narrative. The use of the flame symbolising danger and destruction
whilst also being a source of light in the dark which is then blown out to symbolise the loss
of positivity in the film.
A match will also be struck as a method to display the protagonists attempt to replace the
absent positivity/light and to also symbolise a shortage of time as it will quickly burn out.

7. Necessities
As with all films, we will have a significant amount of props that will be necessary but not
particularly symbolic.
We will be using furniture which will already be placed in the location and will not be
particularly relevant, however, this can sometimes change depending on the shot and
perhaps in certain cases when we use the furniture as a method to show the presence of the
antagonist’s spirit.This will include items such as chairs, cupboards, tables and so on.