The document discusses research the author plans to do for their short film project. They will analyze existing short films with similar themes to understand what works and doesn't work. They will also research film theory, including how cinematography, color, camerawork and editing can influence the film and engage audiences. The author wants to ensure every aspect of the film has meaning and has been thought through. They will research how colors link to emotions and how camerawork conveys emotions. They will also research their target audience and why they are targeting that demographic.
The document discusses research plans for a short film project. The filmmaker will analyze existing short films with similar themes to understand what works well and what could be improved. They will also research film theory regarding how cinematography, color, camerawork, and editing can influence the film and engage audiences. Specifically, the filmmaker will look at how different colors convey emotions, and how camerawork can portray emotions and captivate viewers. They will also research their target demographic to understand who their audience is and why they are targeting that group.
The document provides background information on several horror film directors and screenwriters:
- Eli Roth is known for graphic horror films like Hostel and Cabin Fever. The researcher appreciates Roth's passion and the political messages in his films.
- James Wan found success with Saw and The Conjuring. The researcher admires Wan's attention to visual detail and storytelling.
- Leigh Whannell wrote films like Saw and Insidious, and directed Upgrade and The Invisible Man. The researcher finds inspiration in Whannell's writing and directing.
- The researcher also summarizes two short horror films, The Smiling Man and The Jester, and how they will influence the visual style
The researcher analyzed and compared trailers for the films IT Chapter Two and Lights Out. Some key differences noted were that the IT Chapter Two trailer relies more on dialogue from a single scene to build tension, while the Lights Out trailer uses a montage of clips. Both trailers effectively use music and sound effects to create atmosphere. Common editing techniques like parallel shots are also employed to show continuity of characters over time. Overall, the analysis provides insight into how horror movie trailers construct suspense and convey necessary information through their pacing, editing, sound, and selective use of clips versus longer scenes.
This document summarizes a student's filmmaking and promotion project (FMP) for school. The student plans to create a short film and accompanying promotional materials. They intend for the film to have a dark, 1980s working class tone inspired by directors like Quentin Tarantino and Edgar Wright. In the trailer, they want to confuse audiences and shift between serious and comedic tones. They have researched films with monochrome and tonal shifts like Sin City. Posters for The Exorcist and Halloween have influenced the student's ideas around using subtle lighting and symbolism to set a creepy tone without being overt.
George Wetton is deciding on a film project for his final major production. He was initially going to continue with a horror film called "Lost in Communication" that was inspired by his previous project. However, he decided to scrap that idea and do something more experimental that utilizes what he has learned. He considered doing a sci-fi film but felt he did not have enough budget or original ideas. He ultimately decided to make a film adaptation of a book he has been writing so he can establish how the characters may look on screen. Wetton intends to research different directors' styles and techniques to inform his own experimental filmmaking approach. He will focus on elements like shots, mise-en-scene, sound, angles, color
The document summarizes research on various movie trailers and aspects to potentially include in a new trailer. It analyzes trailers for films like The Curse of La Llorona, Get Out, Halloween Kills, and Shaun of the Dead. It notes the tonal shifts in Shaun of the Dead from light to dark and how Get Out uses fast cuts and screeches. It aims to include these elements as well as shots resembling Evil Dead and buildup shots from The Curse of La Llorona trailer. The document concludes by discussing including symbolism from the movie poster for The Descent showing silhouettes forming a skull shape.
George Wetton is deciding on a film project for his final major production. He was initially going to continue with a horror film called "Lost in Communication" that was inspired by his previous project. However, he decided to scrap that idea and do something more experimental that utilizes what he has learned. He considered doing a sci-fi film but felt he needed a bigger budget. He ultimately decided to do a film adaptation of a book he has been writing. Wetton plans to research film directors and their styles to inform his own experimental techniques for shots, lighting, sound, and editing. He will focus on a formalist style for his project while keeping within the mood he wants to set.
Tim Burton is a notable film director known for his gothic fantasy style seen in films like Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, and Beetlejuice. He developed an interest in filmmaking as a pre-teen, making short films inspired by Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl. Burton studied character animation and worked for Disney, producing concept art and animation for films. His first live-action short was Vincent, reading a poem about a boy's dream. Burton was later fired from Disney for the too-scary short Frankenweenie. He met composer Danny Elfman while directing Pee-Wee Herman, starting their long collaboration.
The document discusses research plans for a short film project. The filmmaker will analyze existing short films with similar themes to understand what works well and what could be improved. They will also research film theory regarding how cinematography, color, camerawork, and editing can influence the film and engage audiences. Specifically, the filmmaker will look at how different colors convey emotions, and how camerawork can portray emotions and captivate viewers. They will also research their target demographic to understand who their audience is and why they are targeting that group.
The document provides background information on several horror film directors and screenwriters:
- Eli Roth is known for graphic horror films like Hostel and Cabin Fever. The researcher appreciates Roth's passion and the political messages in his films.
- James Wan found success with Saw and The Conjuring. The researcher admires Wan's attention to visual detail and storytelling.
- Leigh Whannell wrote films like Saw and Insidious, and directed Upgrade and The Invisible Man. The researcher finds inspiration in Whannell's writing and directing.
- The researcher also summarizes two short horror films, The Smiling Man and The Jester, and how they will influence the visual style
The researcher analyzed and compared trailers for the films IT Chapter Two and Lights Out. Some key differences noted were that the IT Chapter Two trailer relies more on dialogue from a single scene to build tension, while the Lights Out trailer uses a montage of clips. Both trailers effectively use music and sound effects to create atmosphere. Common editing techniques like parallel shots are also employed to show continuity of characters over time. Overall, the analysis provides insight into how horror movie trailers construct suspense and convey necessary information through their pacing, editing, sound, and selective use of clips versus longer scenes.
This document summarizes a student's filmmaking and promotion project (FMP) for school. The student plans to create a short film and accompanying promotional materials. They intend for the film to have a dark, 1980s working class tone inspired by directors like Quentin Tarantino and Edgar Wright. In the trailer, they want to confuse audiences and shift between serious and comedic tones. They have researched films with monochrome and tonal shifts like Sin City. Posters for The Exorcist and Halloween have influenced the student's ideas around using subtle lighting and symbolism to set a creepy tone without being overt.
George Wetton is deciding on a film project for his final major production. He was initially going to continue with a horror film called "Lost in Communication" that was inspired by his previous project. However, he decided to scrap that idea and do something more experimental that utilizes what he has learned. He considered doing a sci-fi film but felt he did not have enough budget or original ideas. He ultimately decided to make a film adaptation of a book he has been writing so he can establish how the characters may look on screen. Wetton intends to research different directors' styles and techniques to inform his own experimental filmmaking approach. He will focus on elements like shots, mise-en-scene, sound, angles, color
The document summarizes research on various movie trailers and aspects to potentially include in a new trailer. It analyzes trailers for films like The Curse of La Llorona, Get Out, Halloween Kills, and Shaun of the Dead. It notes the tonal shifts in Shaun of the Dead from light to dark and how Get Out uses fast cuts and screeches. It aims to include these elements as well as shots resembling Evil Dead and buildup shots from The Curse of La Llorona trailer. The document concludes by discussing including symbolism from the movie poster for The Descent showing silhouettes forming a skull shape.
George Wetton is deciding on a film project for his final major production. He was initially going to continue with a horror film called "Lost in Communication" that was inspired by his previous project. However, he decided to scrap that idea and do something more experimental that utilizes what he has learned. He considered doing a sci-fi film but felt he needed a bigger budget. He ultimately decided to do a film adaptation of a book he has been writing. Wetton plans to research film directors and their styles to inform his own experimental techniques for shots, lighting, sound, and editing. He will focus on a formalist style for his project while keeping within the mood he wants to set.
Tim Burton is a notable film director known for his gothic fantasy style seen in films like Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, and Beetlejuice. He developed an interest in filmmaking as a pre-teen, making short films inspired by Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl. Burton studied character animation and worked for Disney, producing concept art and animation for films. His first live-action short was Vincent, reading a poem about a boy's dream. Burton was later fired from Disney for the too-scary short Frankenweenie. He met composer Danny Elfman while directing Pee-Wee Herman, starting their long collaboration.
This document provides an overview of film director Tim Burton's career and style. It discusses Burton's background and early films, noting his passion for gothic fantasy themes inspired by artists like Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl. Key films from Burton's career are mentioned, including Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Burton's recurring collaborations with actors Johnny Depp and composer Danny Elfman are also highlighted. The document analyzes Burton's signature gothic and expressionist visual style, with influences from German expressionism in its dreamlike settings and use of light and shadow.
6. production reflection(2) (luke headland)lukeh01
Luke Headland created two horror movie posters and a credit sequence for a class project. For the first poster, he took a photo and adjusted it to have a classic horror style by adding a black background and night sky image. For the second poster, he took a photo of himself and extended the background in Photoshop, adding concrete textures and a blood trail with a desaturated, gloomy color scheme. He was happy with how different yet cohesive the two posters were. He then created a credit sequence by compiling shots and adding color corrections, film effects, and glitching title screens to give it a "crime scene" look.
The student reflects on their experience producing a short film, noting the challenges of managing time and overestimating capabilities as well as enjoying the filming process, though found editing and sound design particularly stressful; they discuss specific scenes, problems encountered like weather and having limited help, and their satisfaction with directing, cinematography, and sound despite weaknesses in narrative and their own performance.
The document discusses the evaluation of the author's media product, a short psychological thriller film. It describes how the author researched conventions of the genre and was influenced by the film "Portal: No Escape." Key conventions used in the author's film include close-ups of the main character's confused facial expressions, positioning the character off-center according to the rule of thirds, and using a silhouette to represent the antagonist. The author aimed to challenge conventions by mixing elements of amateur and professional filmmaking to create ambiguity. Feedback from audiences confirmed the film should be classified as a psychological thriller.
Film trailer paranormal activity textual analysischarlottepage94
The trailer for Paranormal Activity uses techniques common to the horror genre to create mystery and tension. It shows scenes of a cinema audience reacting in fear to the film, leaving the viewer curious. Point-of-view camerawork and diegetic sounds put the viewer in the characters' shoes. Fast editing, dark lighting, and minimal music build an unsettling atmosphere. These techniques, along with an ordinary family setting and enigmatic title, entice viewers to watch the full film for answers.
The document provides initial plans and details for Adam Lepard's potential film and media production (FMP) project. He is considering making a horror-themed trailer for a TV show or film. Some key points:
- The project would give him freedom to plan and produce a trailer using ideas that only require a few actors.
- The trailer would advertise a horror film/TV show with surreal elements similar to shows like Twin Peaks.
- He wants the trailer to show the premise while promising scares, mystery and tension without spoiling twists.
- Inspiration comes from films like Suspiria, Deep Red, and The Shining for their emotional horror.
- Techniques of interest
This document summarizes research conducted to inform the development of a horror film trailer and poster. Surveys and interviews were conducted with the primary target audience of 16-30 year olds, as well as family members aged 31-60 as a secondary audience. Key findings include that the primary audience prefers intense genres like horror and action, and short trailers that include jump scares. Music and visuals like darkness or shadows are important elements. This research will be used to create an appealing trailer and poster that incorporates these effective techniques.
The document analyzes the trailer for the film Paranormal Activity. It notes that the trailer uses 51 shots over 1 minute and 46 seconds to target an audience of 15-25 year olds. It employs diegetic dialogue and a slow, non-diegetic soundtrack to create tension and fear without showing the supernatural threat. The trailer leaves the audience in suspense at the end to create interest in the film and establish it as one of the scariest movies, helping it become very profitable.
The document discusses a student's media studies coursework evaluating a teaser trailer they created for a horror film project. It covers the typical conventions used in horror trailers and how the student incorporated these into their teaser trailer. It also discusses how they developed ancillary tasks including a magazine cover and film posters to create a consistent brand identity and reinforce the film's image. The student analyzes how effective the combination of these materials was at constructing a strong brand. Finally, it discusses how the student gathered audience feedback on the project through various methods.
Here are the key areas for improvement based on your skills audit:
- Time management and meeting deadlines. Make sure to plan your time well and break tasks into manageable chunks to stay on track.
- Communication skills for speaking to groups. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. Record yourself to improve.
- Technical skills in Adobe Premiere Pro and GarageBand. Spend time learning the software through tutorials to feel more comfortable editing video and audio.
- Asking questions when you need help. Don't be afraid to reach out to tutors, peers or online resources to solve problems.
Your strengths in teamwork, problem solving and design skills using Photoshop will serve you
The document discusses how the media producer's music video challenges and develops conventions of real media products. It summarizes the producer's research process, including exploring conventions of genres like rap music and being inspired by specific music videos. The producer aimed to hybridize conventions and include elements like transitions between scenes, references to other works, and a focus on performance. The document also discusses how the producer challenged conventions in the album packaging and poster through approaches like repetitive visual elements and references to other media works.
The document discusses the production and evaluation of a horror film trailer created by the author. It summarizes the conventions followed in the trailer, such as dark lighting and close-up shots, as well as some conventions that were challenged, like having a female antagonist. The author describes changes that were made during production due to difficulties with casting, scheduling, and length. Audience feedback indicated that the plot should have been made more ambiguous and props added to make it seem more authentic. The author used various new media technologies at different stages of research, planning, production and evaluation of the trailer.
The document describes a student's 3-minute horror/mystery film opening. It includes details about the genre, story, and conventions used. The story is about a girl's diary whose tragic death bound her soul to the diary, forcing her to seek vengeance against her murderer. Typical horror conventions like isolating settings, dark lighting, costumes, and sounds are employed. The student aims to attract a teen and adult audience by crafting the film to their interests while staying true to common horror conventions.
The Paranormal Activity movie poster uses imagery and text to effectively advertise the horror film genre. The poster features two main characters in a grainy bedroom setting pointing towards a mysterious figure at the door. Black, white, red and blue colors are used to convey a chilling atmosphere. Bold text stands out against the dark background, with the title in blurred red and language questioning what happens at night to intrigue viewers. Positive critic reviews and a demand service encourage audiences to experience the "scariest movie."
Robert Altman's 1984 film Secret Honor featured only one actor, Philip Baker Hall, who gave a tour de force performance as Richard Nixon in a 90-minute monologue. The document discusses how the film rides entirely on the strength of the central performance. It also notes that while the film received positive reviews, its one-location, one-character format limits its potential audience. The document examines whether this type of film could work as a contingency plan or source of inspiration for the document author's own film project.
The document discusses the ways in which the media product challenges conventions of real media genres. For the story, it draws on crime thriller tropes but introduces characters in an unexpected way inspired by Sergio Leone films. It received positive feedback except for the open ending. For sound, it uses contrasting peaceful music during violent scenes, as in Tarantino films. One diegetic song develops a character. Effects aim to be authentic. Mise-en-scene follows codes but subverts expectations by dressing characters against type. The typography draws on multiple genres to create a hybrid style. The film review draws on magazine and YouTube formats while analyzing consistent with the film. The poster combines crime thriller and Western conventions into a "wanted
This document analyzes the title sequences of four thriller films - Cowboys and Aliens, House on the End of the Street, Insidious, and Detention. The author discusses elements like colors, fonts, credits, and how the titles are presented. Overall, the document finds it most effective to show actors' names first to attract fans, present the film title at the end of the opening to leave audiences wanting more, and follow a typical credit order. Analyzing these title sequences helped the author understand how to create a successful title design for their own production.
In this document, the author discusses how their media product adheres to and develops conventions of real thriller/psychological thriller films. Specifically, the author sets their opening sequence in an eerie house setting using low key lighting and black and white, mimicking popular films. They also follow genre conventions for the title, credits, and production logo. Iconography like portraits and empty chairs are used to create unease. Camera angles, editing techniques, and an ambiguous point of view also emulate real thriller films. The goal is to make the product look professional and appeal to audiences by conforming to established genre conventions.
Media studies a2 coursework the evaluationD Banger
The document discusses how the student's media products for their short film "Intrusion" use and develop conventions of real media products. Specifically:
1) The short film uses conventions of psychological thrillers through its use of low-key lighting and slower pacing to match the genre.
2) The narrative of the short film follows a linear structure with a beginning, middle, and end, similar to other thriller films.
3) The movie poster develops conventions by using a black and white color scheme with red fonts to convey mystery and danger visually.
4) The film review challenges conventions by using ambiguous imagery rather than revealing plot details, keeping the story mysterious. Inspiration was also drawn from the movie
The document discusses how the filmmaker's short film and ancillary texts effectively work together. For the poster and film review, the filmmaker researched conventions from real media products to develop familiar formats. Images and information were taken directly from the short film to ensure continuity across texts. Feedback was sought on the poster to maintain synergy with the film's tone and style. Overall, drawing from the completed short film allowed the ancillary texts to accurately represent and promote the film's themes of isolation and fear.
The document discusses production techniques for the film "Tenet" including filming scenes in reverse to depict time inversion and using practical effects over CGI. It also covers Christopher Nolan's preferences for realistic locations, handheld camerawork, and prioritizing theatrical exhibition. Research into audience preferences through surveys and interviews is analyzed to ensure the film appeals to target demographics.
1) The media product is a psychological thriller film sequence that represents lower class 16-21 year old males. It shows a young, lower class teen brutally murdering another teen, playing on stereotypes of knife and gun crime among this group.
2) The film would likely be distributed by small, independent British film companies and funded through a grant from the UK Film Council. The target audience is males aged 16-25, from various ethnicities but generally lower-lower middle class.
3) Feedback from the target audience found the film interesting and entertaining, with most enjoying the sequence. The filmmaker learned about technologies like editing software and using the internet for research through making this product.
This document provides an overview of film director Tim Burton's career and style. It discusses Burton's background and early films, noting his passion for gothic fantasy themes inspired by artists like Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl. Key films from Burton's career are mentioned, including Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Burton's recurring collaborations with actors Johnny Depp and composer Danny Elfman are also highlighted. The document analyzes Burton's signature gothic and expressionist visual style, with influences from German expressionism in its dreamlike settings and use of light and shadow.
6. production reflection(2) (luke headland)lukeh01
Luke Headland created two horror movie posters and a credit sequence for a class project. For the first poster, he took a photo and adjusted it to have a classic horror style by adding a black background and night sky image. For the second poster, he took a photo of himself and extended the background in Photoshop, adding concrete textures and a blood trail with a desaturated, gloomy color scheme. He was happy with how different yet cohesive the two posters were. He then created a credit sequence by compiling shots and adding color corrections, film effects, and glitching title screens to give it a "crime scene" look.
The student reflects on their experience producing a short film, noting the challenges of managing time and overestimating capabilities as well as enjoying the filming process, though found editing and sound design particularly stressful; they discuss specific scenes, problems encountered like weather and having limited help, and their satisfaction with directing, cinematography, and sound despite weaknesses in narrative and their own performance.
The document discusses the evaluation of the author's media product, a short psychological thriller film. It describes how the author researched conventions of the genre and was influenced by the film "Portal: No Escape." Key conventions used in the author's film include close-ups of the main character's confused facial expressions, positioning the character off-center according to the rule of thirds, and using a silhouette to represent the antagonist. The author aimed to challenge conventions by mixing elements of amateur and professional filmmaking to create ambiguity. Feedback from audiences confirmed the film should be classified as a psychological thriller.
Film trailer paranormal activity textual analysischarlottepage94
The trailer for Paranormal Activity uses techniques common to the horror genre to create mystery and tension. It shows scenes of a cinema audience reacting in fear to the film, leaving the viewer curious. Point-of-view camerawork and diegetic sounds put the viewer in the characters' shoes. Fast editing, dark lighting, and minimal music build an unsettling atmosphere. These techniques, along with an ordinary family setting and enigmatic title, entice viewers to watch the full film for answers.
The document provides initial plans and details for Adam Lepard's potential film and media production (FMP) project. He is considering making a horror-themed trailer for a TV show or film. Some key points:
- The project would give him freedom to plan and produce a trailer using ideas that only require a few actors.
- The trailer would advertise a horror film/TV show with surreal elements similar to shows like Twin Peaks.
- He wants the trailer to show the premise while promising scares, mystery and tension without spoiling twists.
- Inspiration comes from films like Suspiria, Deep Red, and The Shining for their emotional horror.
- Techniques of interest
This document summarizes research conducted to inform the development of a horror film trailer and poster. Surveys and interviews were conducted with the primary target audience of 16-30 year olds, as well as family members aged 31-60 as a secondary audience. Key findings include that the primary audience prefers intense genres like horror and action, and short trailers that include jump scares. Music and visuals like darkness or shadows are important elements. This research will be used to create an appealing trailer and poster that incorporates these effective techniques.
The document analyzes the trailer for the film Paranormal Activity. It notes that the trailer uses 51 shots over 1 minute and 46 seconds to target an audience of 15-25 year olds. It employs diegetic dialogue and a slow, non-diegetic soundtrack to create tension and fear without showing the supernatural threat. The trailer leaves the audience in suspense at the end to create interest in the film and establish it as one of the scariest movies, helping it become very profitable.
The document discusses a student's media studies coursework evaluating a teaser trailer they created for a horror film project. It covers the typical conventions used in horror trailers and how the student incorporated these into their teaser trailer. It also discusses how they developed ancillary tasks including a magazine cover and film posters to create a consistent brand identity and reinforce the film's image. The student analyzes how effective the combination of these materials was at constructing a strong brand. Finally, it discusses how the student gathered audience feedback on the project through various methods.
Here are the key areas for improvement based on your skills audit:
- Time management and meeting deadlines. Make sure to plan your time well and break tasks into manageable chunks to stay on track.
- Communication skills for speaking to groups. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. Record yourself to improve.
- Technical skills in Adobe Premiere Pro and GarageBand. Spend time learning the software through tutorials to feel more comfortable editing video and audio.
- Asking questions when you need help. Don't be afraid to reach out to tutors, peers or online resources to solve problems.
Your strengths in teamwork, problem solving and design skills using Photoshop will serve you
The document discusses how the media producer's music video challenges and develops conventions of real media products. It summarizes the producer's research process, including exploring conventions of genres like rap music and being inspired by specific music videos. The producer aimed to hybridize conventions and include elements like transitions between scenes, references to other works, and a focus on performance. The document also discusses how the producer challenged conventions in the album packaging and poster through approaches like repetitive visual elements and references to other media works.
The document discusses the production and evaluation of a horror film trailer created by the author. It summarizes the conventions followed in the trailer, such as dark lighting and close-up shots, as well as some conventions that were challenged, like having a female antagonist. The author describes changes that were made during production due to difficulties with casting, scheduling, and length. Audience feedback indicated that the plot should have been made more ambiguous and props added to make it seem more authentic. The author used various new media technologies at different stages of research, planning, production and evaluation of the trailer.
The document describes a student's 3-minute horror/mystery film opening. It includes details about the genre, story, and conventions used. The story is about a girl's diary whose tragic death bound her soul to the diary, forcing her to seek vengeance against her murderer. Typical horror conventions like isolating settings, dark lighting, costumes, and sounds are employed. The student aims to attract a teen and adult audience by crafting the film to their interests while staying true to common horror conventions.
The Paranormal Activity movie poster uses imagery and text to effectively advertise the horror film genre. The poster features two main characters in a grainy bedroom setting pointing towards a mysterious figure at the door. Black, white, red and blue colors are used to convey a chilling atmosphere. Bold text stands out against the dark background, with the title in blurred red and language questioning what happens at night to intrigue viewers. Positive critic reviews and a demand service encourage audiences to experience the "scariest movie."
Robert Altman's 1984 film Secret Honor featured only one actor, Philip Baker Hall, who gave a tour de force performance as Richard Nixon in a 90-minute monologue. The document discusses how the film rides entirely on the strength of the central performance. It also notes that while the film received positive reviews, its one-location, one-character format limits its potential audience. The document examines whether this type of film could work as a contingency plan or source of inspiration for the document author's own film project.
The document discusses the ways in which the media product challenges conventions of real media genres. For the story, it draws on crime thriller tropes but introduces characters in an unexpected way inspired by Sergio Leone films. It received positive feedback except for the open ending. For sound, it uses contrasting peaceful music during violent scenes, as in Tarantino films. One diegetic song develops a character. Effects aim to be authentic. Mise-en-scene follows codes but subverts expectations by dressing characters against type. The typography draws on multiple genres to create a hybrid style. The film review draws on magazine and YouTube formats while analyzing consistent with the film. The poster combines crime thriller and Western conventions into a "wanted
This document analyzes the title sequences of four thriller films - Cowboys and Aliens, House on the End of the Street, Insidious, and Detention. The author discusses elements like colors, fonts, credits, and how the titles are presented. Overall, the document finds it most effective to show actors' names first to attract fans, present the film title at the end of the opening to leave audiences wanting more, and follow a typical credit order. Analyzing these title sequences helped the author understand how to create a successful title design for their own production.
In this document, the author discusses how their media product adheres to and develops conventions of real thriller/psychological thriller films. Specifically, the author sets their opening sequence in an eerie house setting using low key lighting and black and white, mimicking popular films. They also follow genre conventions for the title, credits, and production logo. Iconography like portraits and empty chairs are used to create unease. Camera angles, editing techniques, and an ambiguous point of view also emulate real thriller films. The goal is to make the product look professional and appeal to audiences by conforming to established genre conventions.
Media studies a2 coursework the evaluationD Banger
The document discusses how the student's media products for their short film "Intrusion" use and develop conventions of real media products. Specifically:
1) The short film uses conventions of psychological thrillers through its use of low-key lighting and slower pacing to match the genre.
2) The narrative of the short film follows a linear structure with a beginning, middle, and end, similar to other thriller films.
3) The movie poster develops conventions by using a black and white color scheme with red fonts to convey mystery and danger visually.
4) The film review challenges conventions by using ambiguous imagery rather than revealing plot details, keeping the story mysterious. Inspiration was also drawn from the movie
The document discusses how the filmmaker's short film and ancillary texts effectively work together. For the poster and film review, the filmmaker researched conventions from real media products to develop familiar formats. Images and information were taken directly from the short film to ensure continuity across texts. Feedback was sought on the poster to maintain synergy with the film's tone and style. Overall, drawing from the completed short film allowed the ancillary texts to accurately represent and promote the film's themes of isolation and fear.
The document discusses production techniques for the film "Tenet" including filming scenes in reverse to depict time inversion and using practical effects over CGI. It also covers Christopher Nolan's preferences for realistic locations, handheld camerawork, and prioritizing theatrical exhibition. Research into audience preferences through surveys and interviews is analyzed to ensure the film appeals to target demographics.
1) The media product is a psychological thriller film sequence that represents lower class 16-21 year old males. It shows a young, lower class teen brutally murdering another teen, playing on stereotypes of knife and gun crime among this group.
2) The film would likely be distributed by small, independent British film companies and funded through a grant from the UK Film Council. The target audience is males aged 16-25, from various ethnicities but generally lower-lower middle class.
3) Feedback from the target audience found the film interesting and entertaining, with most enjoying the sequence. The filmmaker learned about technologies like editing software and using the internet for research through making this product.
The document is a portfolio summarizing a student's media studies foundation project creating a horror film opening sequence. The student analyzed conventions of the horror genre and ensured their sequence included common elements like isolated settings, scary music, and victims. They also challenged conventions by having the male character as the first victim rather than protector. The student learned about filming techniques, editing software, and technologies for sharing their work online during the process.
The document discusses how the creator's film trailer follows conventions of the psychological thriller genre. This was done intentionally to make the trailer familiar and understandable to target audiences who prefer familiarity. Staying within genre conventions also helps audiences focus on enjoying the narrative rather than trying to understand an unfamiliar format. The creator believes challenging conventions could confuse and alienate viewers. The full film also adheres to psychological thriller conventions through its themes, visual style, and soundtrack. Close-ups and special effects are used to convey the protagonist's deteriorating mental state. The film's unique selling point is its urban London setting with teen protagonists, filling a gap in the British psychological thriller market.
The document discusses how the creator's film trailer, poster, and magazine cover for the psychological thriller film "Paranoia" follow conventions of the genre to effectively market the film to audiences. Specifically, it uses familiar thriller elements like an unsettling soundtrack, close-ups to convey the protagonist's changing emotional state, and special effects like sped-up clips and blurs to create an eerie tone. While adhering to genre conventions, it aims to stand out by being set in urban London with teenage protagonists, a niche not fully explored yet in British films. Research found this premise appealing and that audiences are drawn to differentiated stories, supporting the film's potential success.
This media product is a thriller film created by the author's group that incorporates both expected and unexpected elements of the thriller genre. The intended audience is those aged 15 and older due to some disturbing content. To attract this audience, the film uses conventions of the thriller genre like narrative mysteries and intense situations. Through making this product, the author has learned about filmmaking technologies and improved their filming and editing skills compared to their preliminary task, such as learning to take shots from varied angles to create different audience responses.
This document discusses why horror is the best film genre due to its ability to create active spectatorship among audiences. Horror films tap into viewers' emotional and psychological responses in a way that keeps them engaged with the films and their themes. This leads to devoted fan bases, fan theories, and role-playing that keep the discussion of horror films alive long after their release. Additionally, horror effectively fulfills audiences' needs for distraction, identification with characters, and fulfillment of survival-based fears.
The document summarizes a student film project titled "PsyKo", which is described as a 5-8 minute psychological thriller. The film is about a girl whose loneliness and despair turn to hatred, causing her to unknowingly do harmful things. Students start going missing from her school. The project aims to blend psychological thriller and social realism genres to highlight the dangers of bullying. The target audience is ages 16-45, who tend to enjoy thriller and horror films. With a low budget of £40-45, the film will be distributed online via YouTube to gain exposure and feedback before exploring other distribution options. Filming and editing are scheduled to take approximately a week and a half at rural locations close to the film
The document discusses why horror is the most popular film genre. It notes that horror taps into primal human fears and desires to scare audiences. The first horror film, made in 1896, helped establish conventions like the use of crucifixes to defeat evil that endured. Horror films actively engage audiences through screams, jumps and discussions. They also reflect the anxieties of their cultural time period and have influenced other media like theme park attractions and fan conventions.
The document provides an evaluation of a final media project by Amy Pope. It includes:
- Feedback from a focus group on the movie opening, praising the music/camera work but noting room for improvement in special effects and acting.
- An analysis of how the media product follows or challenges conventions regarding sound, shots, narrative structure and representation of social groups.
- Discussions of technologies learned through the process like YouTube, iMovie and Blogger, as well as lessons from preliminary tasks.
The document discusses the planning process for a student's short film project aimed at a teenage audience. It details the student's research of similar films and audience preferences through a questionnaire. The student analyzes films with gritty urban themes but chooses to emulate the more lighthearted film Anuvahood that comically portrays youth culture.
1) The film engages audiences through entertainment and escapism by presenting a gruesome murder scene at the beginning that creates mystery and intrigue for viewers.
2) It further draws in viewers through contrasts between the killer's cold-blooded and well-to-do sides of his character, and uses sound effects and editing techniques like dissolves to build tension.
3) As a student film with a limited budget, it would be distributed online through platforms like YouTube and Vimeo rather than through traditional film distribution methods.
A Critical Reflection - (FIlm Opening)TheoChandra6
Theo Chandra reflects on the media production project "The Guy Upstairs". The summary discusses:
1) How the film used conventions of the thriller genre such as protagonists, antagonists, and incorporating diegetic sound. Shots like extreme close-ups were used to represent characters.
2) How the film engaged audiences through an opening scene with mysterious sounds from upstairs and binary oppositions of characters. The film would be distributed on Netflix to target global audiences.
3) The development of Theo's production skills in script writing, storyboarding, cinematography, and editing using software like Adobe Premiere Pro. Various hardware, online resources, and technologies were integrated into the project
This proposal outlines a short film and supplementary radio piece called "Hell Bent". The film follows a male protagonist living in a regressive, sexist society ruled over by an impotent god. Over time, the protagonist becomes disillusioned with his leader and society. The radio piece would feature an interview explaining the concept. Research on similar fantasy films/TV and radio shows would be conducted. Filming would take place at an abandoned barn, with some outdoor shots. Post-production would involve editing the film and radio piece, and potentially creating a promotional poster. Progress and quality would be evaluated through weekly reflections and a final self-evaluation.
Horror is an effective genre that taps into human psychology. It has evolved significantly over time, from early films like Le Manoir du Diable in 1896 to modern blockbusters. Horror films effectively scare audiences and create discussion. Key aspects that contribute to their success include the use of tension, jump scares, disturbing imagery, and addressing common fears. Horror also leaves lasting psychological impacts on viewers and influences society. The genre continues advancing with new technologies and storytelling techniques.
This document discusses research being done to create a short film aimed at a teenage audience. It analyzes similar films to understand conventions and audience preferences. A questionnaire finds that the target audience likes action/adventure films with feel-good factors and important soundtracks. Research of films like Adulthood and Shank show their use of moral panic themes around youth and gangs. In contrast, the film Anuvahood takes a more lighthearted, comedic approach to these themes.
The document discusses a student's horror film media project. It describes how the film uses conventions of the horror genre like suspense, hidden killers, and flashbacks. The student aimed to not overly stereotype characters. The intended audience is teenagers 15 and over. Small independent horror film companies like Summit Entertainment may be interested in distributing the film. The student learned skills in camerawork, editing, and post-production software through completing this project.
This document is a portfolio summarizing a student's media studies project creating an opening sequence for a thriller film called "Last One." The student followed genre conventions to establish atmosphere, characters, and enigmas. Technological skills were developed in filming, editing with iMovie, researching online, and presenting work through a blog. Feedback indicated the genre was clear though some mistook it for horror. The student learned about pacing, character development, lighting, and mise-en-scene between preliminary and final projects. Overall the process was seen as a learning experience and the finished product was considered a success in conveying the intended genre.
This document is a portfolio summarizing a student's media studies project creating an opening sequence for a thriller film called "Last One." The student followed genre conventions to establish atmosphere, characters, and enigmas. Technological skills were developed in filming, editing with iMovie, researching online, and presenting work through a blog. Feedback indicated the genre was clear though some mistook it for horror. The student learned about pacing, character development, lighting, and mise-en-scene between preliminary and final projects. Overall the process was seen as a learning experience and the finished product was considered a success in conveying the intended genre.
The document discusses conventions in horror films and how the author's media product incorporates these conventions. Specifically, it discusses how the opening scene includes conventions like low key lighting, victims, villains, and leaves the audience with an enigma. Feedback was collected from audiences who viewed the opening scene and found it created tension. The product represents victims and criminals through stereotypes like the innocent blond female victim and hooded assailant. Both male and female characters could be victims, challenging stereotypes. Potential distributors of the product include producers of films like Kidulthood that depict social lifestyles. The intended audience is teens and older.
Luke Headland reflects on his experience making a short film for his production work. He enjoyed the process overall but faced challenges with time management and overestimating his capabilities given COVID restrictions. Filming the first scene took multiple reshoots which wasted time. However, he learned from this and improved his planning for subsequent scenes. Sound design during editing took the most time and was frustrating but helped him learn. He is proud of aspects like directing, cinematography and sound design in the final film but feels the narrative could be confusing at times.
Luke Headland reflects on his experience making a short film production. He enjoyed the process overall but faced challenges with time management and overestimating his capabilities under COVID restrictions. Filming the first scene took multiple reshoots which wasted time. However, he learned from this and improved his planning for subsequent scenes. Sound design during editing took the most time and was frustrating at times to get right. He is proud of aspects like directing, cinematography, and sound design but feels the narrative could be confusing. He discusses addressing problems during production like weather issues and having limited help. Luke also reflects on enjoying the colour correction, sound design, and poster creation aspects of his project.
Luke Headland has been keeping a reflective journal documenting their progress on a film project over several months. They have been engaged in contextual research on film directors, conducting audience research through interviews, analyzing existing films and posters, planning for potential problems, conducting production experiments, and developing their planning document through mood boards and location scouting. Their work has progressed well through research, analysis, planning and preparation, with successes in completing tasks and minor difficulties with time management at times. They plan to continue their planning and pre-production work as they progress towards filming their project.
Luke Headland provides an in-depth overview of his planning process for an upcoming short film and accompanying posters. He discusses researching aesthetics, creating mood boards, analyzing shots from other films, scouting locations, and storyboarding scenes. Headland also shares character concepts and designs for the protagonist Daniel and antagonist The Thing. Overall, his thorough planning aims to inspire ideas and ensure each element enhances the quality of the final project.
Daniel relapses and calls his old friend Charlie for help getting drugs. Though Daniel initially flushes the drugs, he later takes a bag left for him. Hearing strange noises in his home, Daniel's mental state deteriorates further. He sees a terrifying figure and calls Charlie for help, but the call cuts off. Daniel encounters the figure again and it slashes his throat. In his final moments, Daniel sees Charlie at the top of the stairs, also covered in blood.
The document discusses research the author plans to do for their short film project. They will analyze existing short films with similar themes to understand what works and doesn't work. They will also research film theory, including how cinematography, color, camerawork and editing can influence the film and engage audiences. The author wants to ensure every aspect of the film has meaning and has been thought through. They will research how colors link to emotions and how camerawork conveys emotions. They will also research their target audience and why they are targeting that demographic.
Luke Headland is planning for potential problems on his upcoming film project. He identifies theoretical problems like weather issues, low light filming hazards, and transportation challenges. Practical problems include equipment malfunctions, food/water damage risks, and potential file corruption. For solutions, Luke plans backup filming days and lighting, safe filming locations, providing transportation and food, and testing equipment beforehand. He also aims to prevent food/equipment accidents and back up files to avoid data loss issues.
Luke Headland is planning for potential problems on his upcoming film project. He identifies theoretical problems like weather issues, low light filming hazards, and transportation challenges. Practical problems include equipment malfunctions, food/water damage risks, and potential file corruption. For solutions, Luke plans backup filming days and lighting, safe filming locations, providing transportation and food, and testing equipment beforehand. He also aims to prevent food/equipment accidents and back up files to avoid data loss issues.
Luke Headland proposes a film project titled "Snake" to be completed by week 16. The film will explore mental health issues through a horror story about a boy tormented by an unknown presence. Research will include analyzing similar films and learning filmmaking techniques. Luke will also create two movie posters utilizing photography and design skills. He outlines an evaluation plan to assess successes, failures, and audience feedback to improve future work. The proposal details an 18-week production schedule including pre-production, filming, editing, evaluation, and presentation.
The document outlines a student's filmmaking and poster project for their final major project. They plan to create a short horror film and accompanying posters. They chose this project because filmmaking and horror are personal passions. They want to utilize their knowledge and love of horror and filmmaking. They will take inspiration from existing films and Hollywood directors in their research. Their goal is to create an ambiguous and memorable project that leaves the audience thinking after viewing. They want the film to have a dark, gritty, and unpleasant aesthetic taken from films like Se7en and Saw. Scenes will be shot at night and with handheld cameras to achieve an authentic horror style.
4. production experiments (luke headland) (luke headland)lukeh01
Luke Headland created an experimental movie poster with a grungy, thriller style. He used original photography studio images and overlapped textures to give the poster a dirty, rusted look. An orange hue was added to make the images look rotten. The main images were blurred to blend into the background while still being visible. A grungy, broken font was used for the title to fit the style. Empty space was filled with a prominent tagline to highlight its importance. For his final posters, Luke plans to incorporate grungy textures, rusty surfaces, and complementary colors while keeping a minimalist style like the experiment. He hopes to use character images and convey emotion and suspense.
The document discusses existing horror products including posters, videos, and intro credit sequences. It analyzes the Paranormal Activity poster which uses a minimalistic yet eye-catching main image and colors that symbolize ghosts. It also discusses the cinematography of Paranormal Activity which adds realism. The Se7en poster features Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman surrounded by darkness and hidden details. The cinematography of Se7en uses desaturated colors and close-ups to convey constant dread. The intro credits to Se7en used disturbing close-up images and music to set the dark tone for the film and revolutionized horror intro sequences.
The document outlines a student's film marketing project (FMP) idea to create a credit sequence and promotional materials for a horror film. The student chose this project because they have a passion for filmmaking. They want the project to feel like an original work rather than just a mandatory assignment. To develop their idea, the student plans to research existing credit sequences and promotional styles online and consult people with film experience. Their goal is to engage the audience and motivate them to watch the full film. The style of the project will have a dark, monotone tone through cold colors and horror elements to set the mood for the genre, which the student is a fan of and has studied extensively.
Luke Headland is feeling confident about his FMP project and views it as a passion project rather than obligatory work. He plans to create a horror film credit sequence between 1-2 minutes long involving himself and a classmate. He will storyboard and plan the filming. Luke wants to improve on color correction from his last project and film at night using his new camera's low light capabilities. His mind map shows three potential project ideas: a comedy horror film, a survival video game, or a thriller movie trailer with three posters. The mood boards analyze the grungy, unpleasant colors and disturbing visuals common to thriller/horror movie posters and the dim, nighttime outdoor locations often featured. Luke plans to apply
The document outlines a student's filmmaking final major project (FMP) idea. The student proposes creating a short film in the paranormal drama/thriller genre along with promotional materials. Research will include studying existing short films and promotional content online and consulting with people experienced in short film production. The goal is to intrigue and frighten the audience with the dark, cold-colored, monotone tone and leave them thinking about the film after viewing it. The student is passionate about filmmaking, especially the thriller/horror genre, and wants this to be an original work that utilizes their interest in film.
The document outlines Luke Headland's initial plans and reactions for his FMP project, which will be a short paranormal horror film. He discusses his confidence in his skills and experience with Photoshop and filmmaking. Luke also shares his ideas for the project, including creating posters, utilizing his camera equipment, and experimenting with film techniques like cinematography, color correction, and lighting.
The document outlines Luke Headland's initial plans and reaction to his upcoming final media project (FMP). He feels confident in his skills and experience with Photoshop and filmmaking. He plans to create an 8-15 minute paranormal horror short film involving himself and a classmate. He will storyboard, plan filming and shots, and focus on color correction to make the final product look professional. His mind map shows initial ideas including a comedy horror film, survival video game, or thriller trailer before settling on the paranormal short film. Mood boards analyze horror poster and location aesthetics to influence the three posters he will create to promote the film.
Here is a 200 word summary of your project concept:
My podcast project will feature two people having a conversation about ghost stories and paranormal encounters. The host will invite the guest to share any personal experiences they may have had. The guest will then tell an in-depth story about a strange encounter they had late one night. As the guest narrates their story, the host will react and provide commentary to mimic a natural conversation. The host will ask questions and express surprise or intrigue during pauses in the story. Background music and sound effects will be used to build tension and atmosphere. Once the full story has been shared, the host will give their thoughts and analysis of what was described. They will also ask listeners at home to chime
James Wan is an Australian film director known for his contributions to the horror genre with movies such as Insidious, The Conjuring, and Saw. In 2003, Wan and his friend Leigh Whannell began writing the script for Saw, basing it on their dreams and fears. With no budget, they shot an excerpt from the script to pitch it to studios, with Whannell also starring. Saw was a box office hit in 2004, launching Wan's career as a horror icon and director. He later directed other successful films like The Conjuring and Insidious.
Luke-Headland evaluated their game design project. Their research helped decide on an abandoned house setting and informed lighting and gameplay design. However, they felt they could have researched level and animation design more. Their planning allowed for game elements and contingency planning, but they think scheduling could have been improved. Time management let some stages be completed quickly but overall management was weak. Feedback praised graphics and atmosphere but suggested more varied animation, characters and audio. The game appealed to its target audience through horror elements, complexity and character dialogue.
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP ModuleCeline George
In Odoo, the chatter is like a chat tool that helps you work together on records. You can leave notes and track things, making it easier to talk with your team and partners. Inside chatter, all communication history, activity, and changes will be displayed.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
Thinking of getting a dog? Be aware that breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds can be loyal and dangerous. Proper training and socialization are crucial to preventing aggressive behaviors. Ensure safety by understanding their needs and always supervising interactions. Stay safe, and enjoy your furry friends!
Assessment and Planning in Educational technology.pptxKavitha Krishnan
In an education system, it is understood that assessment is only for the students, but on the other hand, the Assessment of teachers is also an important aspect of the education system that ensures teachers are providing high-quality instruction to students. The assessment process can be used to provide feedback and support for professional development, to inform decisions about teacher retention or promotion, or to evaluate teacher effectiveness for accountability purposes.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold MethodCeline George
Odoo provides an option for creating a module by using a single line command. By using this command the user can make a whole structure of a module. It is very easy for a beginner to make a module. There is no need to make each file manually. This slide will show how to create a module using the scaffold method.
2. For my research, I will be looking into things I
believe will help me with my product. I plan to
look at different existing short films with similar
themes to what I have planned, breaking them
down and talking about what I like and dislike
about them, and how they could influence my
product. I also plan to look at film theory, and
research how cinematography and colour could
influence my product and the best ways to utilise
it, as well as camerawork and editing. I want to
make sure that every aspect of my product holds
meaning and has been thought through, which is
why I will be looking at how different colours
link to different emotions, as well as how
camerawork can portray emotions and the best
tactics to entice and captivate my audience, so
they feel engaged with what's happening in the
film. I'll be researching my audience, looking into
my target demographic and discussing why I
have chosen to target this audience and age
group.
3. Over the last decade, short horror films have grown in popularity and accumilated a large
audience and fan base due to their creativity and simplicity. Short horror films are more
popular particually on sites such as YouTube, with some films reaching upwards of 100
million views. Short horror films are almost like a 'trend' on platforms like YouTube,
giving amateur filmmakers a chance to express their craft and passion through the
internet reaching millions of people. Just by simply searching 'short horror film' into
YouTubes search bar, you will find hundreds of short films from people of all backgrounds
ranging in low quiality films, all the way to big budget professionally made films. Many of
the films seen on YouTube are student films for projects much like my own, and others are
made from personal passion, or even just for fun. A well-known YouTube channel
synonymous for creating and producing short horror films is 'Crypt TV', a channel with
over 3 million subscribers and hundreds of films made and produced, highlighting the
large consistent market and audience for short horror films on YouTube.
Looking through the Crypt TV channel page, the most popular films have very
captivating and disturbing thumbnails, as these disturbing images are what draws in the
audience, making them captivated and wanting to see the film. This is something I think
I should consider when creating the movie posters for my project, making sure to use
interesting, disturbing and captivating imagery to draw in my audience / horror fans.
Crypt TV - YouTube Channel
4. What makes a Horror Movie scary? | Ringer PhD | The Ringer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5V-ybRa_m0
The Element of Surprise: One element / tactic a lot of filmmakers use to have an impact on their audience is by using the element of
surprise. Catching the audience off guard and surprising them with a scare when they least expect it can be very effective and can
also take the audience out of their comfort zone making them unprepared for the next scare, which keeps them feeling constantly on
edge and only generates more suspense and tension.
Psychology: The psychology behind horror and what most people find scary plays a huge role in manipulating the audiences'
emotions and understanding the best tactics and techniques to use in order to achieve effective scares. This deep-rooted psychology
can spawn from all kinds of things, for example, human beings like the feeling of control and security and once they're put into
situations where this security is taken from them it puts them in a state of tension, panic and fear. This is a common universal fear
that is utilised in horror films with tropes such as the defenceless victim in a home invasion, or a victim being chased through the
woods by a slasher killer etc.
Sound: Sound is the key element that helps the audience become immersed in the universe the filmmaker has set up. Sound helps
compliment what we see on screen and works hand in hand with almost every other aspect of a film. Visuals and sound go hand in
hand together and one wouldn’t work without the other. Sound has always been perhaps the most prominent and recognisable
feature of the horror genre, with iconic sounds such as Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO score and the eerie opening score to Stanley
Kubrick's The Shining. When looking at both of these pieces of iconic media without their penetrative sound design, it really takes a
lot of the effectiveness out of the movie, leaving it feeling rather stale and unappealing, as well as losing a lot of its scare factors.
5. Horror Movies Reflect Cultural Fears
"Audiences, especially the youthful 15-24 demographic that has shaped horror since the 1950s, evolve too. We
continually seek out new thrills and fresh scares. New horror movies must be relevant, or risk losing their bite: what
was terrifying yesterday might seem a non-issue tomorrow. Generation by generation, we work through our shared
traumas and move on to the next iteration. In the 1970s, people worried about mutations in unborn babies triggered by
thalidomide or Agent Orange. Today, that threat is forgotten and we’re much more concerned about the damage caused
in utero by microplastics."
-Karina Wilson
"The idea that horror films reflect, or even caricature, society's collective anxieties is nothing new. ''Invasion of the Body
Snatchers'' is frequently read as a critique of McCarthy-era pod people. King Kong? A metaphor for the Great
Depression or the threat of the black man to white social norms. Godzilla? A Japanese reaction to the devastation of the
bomb. And the vampires haunting us of late? A coded response to the trauma of AIDS."
-Shaila K. Dewan
"If movies are the dreams of the mass culture... horror movies are the nightmares."
-Stephen King
Horror Movies: Our Shared Nightmares — Horror Film History
Do Horror Films Filter The Horrors of History? - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
6. Horror as a genre has been engraved into western culture for decades. In order for horror to spawn, we
must have fears. Horror is at its most impactful when it targets us on a personal level and makes us
think, 'what if this happened to me?'
Due to this, it's no coincidence that horror movies often relate to the time period and cultural era in
which they are made. For example, when the devastating attack of 9/11 in September of 2001 hit
America, the predominant fear of the Western World grew into the thoughts and ideas of extreme acts of
violence that humans would inflict onto other humans. This time period also happened to spawn movies
such as Saw, The Devils Rejects, The Collector, Hostel, all movies that specifically focus on the extreme
brutal nature and darker sides of humanity, much like the acts of terrorism and extremism seen in
reality. America and the Western World as a whole were consuming what they feared most with the
Horror genre label printed across it as a way to brand it as fiction but with a darker and more realistic
undertone.
How HORROR Movies Changed – Wisecrack Edition - YouTube
(Similar themes discussed at 19:40)
Eli Roth On Hostel - YouTube
(Director Eli Roth on the link between fiction & reality)
Writer-Director Marcus Dunstan on "torture-porn," censorship, and his new film Saw VI - YouTube
(Horror writer addressing social politics in horror)
8. SHE KNOWS - Horror Short Film - YouTube
Likes:
The main thing I liked about this film was how short and simple it was. The writers
were able to establish a simple plot that was portrayed to the audience in a very
natural way that didn’t feel too forced in. I felt that the visual effects in this film were
executed really well, especially for a low budget film. The effects were very impressive
and didn’t take me out of the film, as usually a lot of low budget films have very bad
looking effects which can distract you from enjoying the film. Another aspect of the film
that I really liked was the cinematography. I loved the desaturated colours mixed with
strong lights that really stood out in a lot of the shots, as well as how the darkness of
the film complemented the desaturated colours, and really gave it a more creepy and
unsettling tone that made me feel on edge.
Dislikes:
There wasn’t a lot of things about this film that I disliked. I thought for a low budget
amateur film it was overall well made, however there are a few things that I think
could've been done differently to improve the film. I thought the story set up in the film
was interesting, however I think the scares were executed poorly and were quite
predictable which did take away from the overall scariness of the film. I also think the
film ended a little too abruptly, and I felt that the ending of the film was rather
underwhelming compared to what had been building up throughout the film.
How will this film inspire my product?:
There are a lot of aspects of this film I would like to incorporate into my own work, the main aspect
being the cinematography. I love how lighting and colours are portrayed in this film, as well as how
lights are contrasted with the dark which makes the light stand out a lot more. Watching this film
and having my eyes drawn to certain colours or lighting choices inspires me to create my product in a
similar style to achieve the same effect, as I think it's important that my product is visually
appealing.
9. Polaroid - Short Film - YouTube
Likes:
• I really liked this film, despite its short runtime I thought it did almost
everything perfectly. I liked how the film was shot with a mix of handheld
camerawork and still shots. It was clear that all the shots in this film were very
well thought out. The film was brilliant at generating suspense, and I like how
the film went for the 'less is more' tactic by not revealing the antagonist for too
long and adding long, lingering shots to make you feel on edge. The film was able
to establish a simple plot that wasn’t confusing or made you question wat is
happening. I also liked how the colours were natural, as it made it feel a lot more
real and personal, especially with the setting being a regular home. Overall, I
thought this was a brilliant, entertaining and scary film that was executed
perfectly in almost every way possible.
Dislikes:
• There was only really one thing I disliked about the film. I felt like the lead
actor's performance was a little dry and could've been better. This was a film that
relied heavily on capturing the emotions of the character, and while he still did a
great job, I feel that his expressions could've been better and more believable.
How will this film inspire my product?:
• I plan to try and keep my film short with a simple plot much like this film. I also plan to
feature unique and interesting scares much like the ones seen in this film. My main goal is to
generate as much fear and suspense onto my audience as possible, and I hope to generate as
much suspense as this film did. This film will influence the way I will film my project, utilising
different filming techniques such as a mix of the handheld and still camerawork.
10. THE MIME - Horror Short Film - YouTube
Likes:
I enjoyed this film a lot and there were a lot of things I liked about it. The first thing I noticed was the camerawork. I
really liked how the director chose a mostly handheld style, as it gives the feeling of unease and sickness throughout
the film. I also thought the colour and lighting helped back up the feeling of 'sickness' throughout the film. The
under exposed light and the desaturated green made the film all the more disturbing and added a layer of realism to
it, especially with the setting. The filmmakers took an already unsettling location for many of us and manipulated
with our fears of underground desolate places such as the one seen in the film, which makes the fear feel a lot more
personal and something we can all relate to. The visuals in this film were incredibly disturbing, especially towards
the end which made me feel very uncomfortable and made me cringe at the screen, which is always a positive sign
that the filmmakers have been able to make something that will get a physical reaction out of the audience.
Dislikes:
There wasn’t a lot that I disliked about this film. After watching it over a few times, I think that my biggest
complaint with it is that I feel the lighting is a little too dark for my liking. Personally, I would've had my lighting
exposed a little more because I do feel that the film overall is a little too dark.
How will this film inspire my product?:
There's a lot to take from this film, a lot of styles that I really love and tactics the filmmakers have utilised that will
benefit me greatly if I implement them into my work. The fact that the filmmakers have used a common, yet eerie
and creepy location is something I would like to try to do for my film. The fact that these kinds of locations are
familiar with everyone and already have a creepy aura surrounding them I think will make my product more
impactful and all the more horrific. As I've mentioned, I love the colour choices for this film as I think they work
perfectly for the setting and tone of the film, which is something I will keep in mind when filming outdoor scenes.
11. The key purpose of a movie poster is to entice and advertise, however their
purpose stretches beyond this. Not only does a movie poster allow you a
glimpse into what kind of film you're about / or would want to see, but it
also holds many connotations that link to the film's genre or sub-genre that
audiences may overlook. Excluding Hollywood's cliched 'teal and orange'
look, many movie posters, and particularly in this case, horror movie
posters can achieve admiration and attention through simplistic eye-
catching designs, even without lead actors or actresses faces floating in the
background. Personally, I'm a firm believer that in the case of poster
artwork, less is most definitely more. Take for example the Theatrical
poster for Jordan Peele's 'Us'. One of the first things that stands out about
this poster is how strict the colour pallet is, which is the case for a lot of
horror movie posters. The lack of variety in colours mixed with the heavy
use of blacks for the background draws your eyes instantly to the middle of
the poster aka the main subject. The heavy use of shadows and blacks
makes the colours pop and really stand out. The deep red connotates the
blood, violence and sinister aspects of the film, and the eerie / unusual
visuals add more to the tone but also offer ideas as to what the poster is
trying to imply, as well as adding details about the underlining plot of the
film. The expression on the main subject's face is terrifying and unsettling,
highlighting a sudden change of identity and personality, juxtaposing the
second face in the poster that the subject is holding which further
underlines potential plot details to the audience. Its simplistic, terrifying
and incredibly well made, and doesn’t rely on Hollywood cliches.
12. I chose to analyse this poster because I would like to make at least one of my posters in
a similar style, I like the minimalism and design behind it, as well as the colours and
lighting, and I'd like to take inspiration from it when creating my posters, as well as what
marketing tactics such as taglines I could use to entice my audience, making them
interested and captivated into wanting to see my film.
The first thing to note about this poster is the 2 faces featured in it. Both faces are
highly important to the film as they are both the lead characters. These faces have
been used not only because they're important characters in the film, but because
they're also highly iconic for horror fans and audiences, making them easily
recognisable to fans, which makes the film easily recognisable.
The poster shows Laurie Strode, the main character of the film up front, close and
personal with a daring look in her eye, highlighting she is a strong female
protagonist with a personality of vengeance. In the background of the poster behind
Laurie we have Michael Myers. The fact that Michael is shrouded in darkness
highlights that he is the antagonist of the film. He is also staring maliciously
at Laurie, which conveys a confrontation and perhaps hatred between the two,
further detailing potential plot details. Michael is blurred in comparison to Laurie,
this symbolises that despite not physically being seen or present, Michael is a
constant threat, and his presence lingers throughout the film, highlighting he is
someone to be feared and a huge danger to Laurie. The tagline 'Face your Fate'
further backs up the confrontation point, once again highlighting that Laurie will
have to face Michael at some point in the film, which from a fan's standpoint
generates a lot of excitement and hype for the film.
13. Movie Poster Mood Board Some of my personal favourite horror movie posters that may inspire my work.
14. Movie Poster Mood Board Some of my personal favourite horror movie posters that may inspire my work.
15. Ayers, Laura. (2016) Horror Film Poster Analysis
Horror Film Poster Analysis by laura ayers - issuu
Brennan, Neilan. (2012) Horror Movie Poster Analysis
Horror Movie Poster Analysis by Neilan Brennan (prezi.com)
Clark, Dylan. (2018) The Pretty Thing (Short Horror Film)
(4) The Pretty Thing (Short Horror Film) - YouTube
CryptTV. (2014) YouTube Channel
(4) Crypt TV - YouTube
Film Riot. (2018) How To Make a No Budget Horror Film
(4) How to Make a No Budget Horror Film - YouTube
Houston, Paul. (2017) Polaroid – Short Film
(4) Polaroid - Short Film - YouTube
17. Colour is a vital key in cinematography that helps convey emotions towards
the audience. For example, the colour red can be associated with a lot of things,
however it all depends on context. For a romantic comedy, the colour red would
appear warm and welcoming, however when applied to the context of horror, the
colour is usually associated with pain or death. Each colour is associated with
its own individual emotion and meaning. The colour blue when applied to horror
gives the impression of loneliness and emptiness, which coincides with the
ghostly and haunting themes a lot of horror films run with. A good example of
this would be 'Insidious' (2010). The film is portrayed through natural colours
with desaturated tones due to the depressing theme of loss and hopelessness,
however later in the film when the story starts to take a more haunting and
horrific tone, the colour blue starts to bleed its way into many of the scenes
where these hauntings take place, highlighting that in the context of horror, the
colour blue could connotate an unknown and perhaps dangerous presence.
Green is associated with sickness, death and decay. Green can also connotate
lifelessness, which juxtaposes the colours link and association with nature,
wildlife and growth. However, much like the colour red, the context of the colour
can affect its meaning entirely, highlighting that colours can be twisted into
different meanings through their portrayal in horror. The use of colour in horror
helps engage the audience and make them feel more connected to the film and
the characters, as well as giving indications of what the audience should feel
when exposed to these colours, which is why they are such a vital aspect of
filmmaking and making sure the audience is connected with the film.
18. Green – The colour green can portray many emotions in film, however for my project, I will be looking at
how green reflects emotion in a more negative way, as I feel that this is more suited for my project. In the
2004 film, 'The Machinist', green is used throughout to highlight depression, dullness and lifelessness.
The low saturated green mixed with deep blacks and contrast along with the disturbing visuals and
performances by Christian Bale gives off the feeling of sickness and is almost nauseating to look at.
Looking at Christian Bale's physique partnered with the 'sickness green' makes the natural seem a lot
more unnatural, even without explicit disturbing visuals. This colour tone helps manipulate the
audience's emotions and plays a big factor into the movie, which is one reason why the film is so
memorable.
Blue – Blue often symbolises loneliness, hopelessness and gives off a very chilling tone. Blue also
provides a big contrast when partnered with other commonly used colours such as red. In horror films,
scenes that are given a blue hue allow reds, predominantly blood, to stand out a lot more and gives the
image an overall much more violent and graphic tone. Blue mixed with a high white balance gives off the
feeling of death and is often related with a ghostly presence and is synonymous with paranormal horror
and imagery. The chilling tone of the colour adds to a feeling of abandonment and gives off quite literally
a cold and chilling feeling which helps to highlight to the audience how the characters are feeling and
what they are experiencing, which adds more of a personal attachment and effect towards the
characters.
Orange – Orange is a very warm and inviting colour which is juxtaposing when portrayed in the context
of horror / thriller. Orange usually highlights the feeling of security and safety and provides a 'dream
like' effect when partnered with strong colours such as black, giving a strong contrast and silhouette
effect much like the example image used. The fact that this colour is associated with security as well as
warmth and comfort means that when things more disturbing and visually shocking occur, they have
more of an impact on the audience, almost like catching the audience by surprise. Orange is commonly
used in horror / thriller because of its iconism towards the Halloween holiday, giving it an already
noticeable connection which makes the film and the horror genre feel all the more familiar to the
audience.
19. There are many different styles of camerawork and shot
framing used throughout horror movies. Camerawork, much
like colour / cinematography can also be used to convey
emotions to the audience. For example, a lot of handheld and
shaky camera movement can highlight chaos, uncertainty and
intensity. During scenes where a character is either running,
fighting or during the climax of a film, the camerawork will be
handheld to highlight the intensity of the scene to the
audience and to put us into the shoes or perspective of
the character, which helps the audience feel emotionally
engaged with the film and the characters, giving the audience
more reason to care about what is happening on the screen.
The camera is our perspective, much like the audience is a
character in the film observing everything that is going on, so
without engaging and creative camera movement, it can be
hard to create that connection with the audience. Close up
shots also highlight emotion, often shots where a character's
face takes up the full frame it is to convey what the character
is feeling at that current time, whether that be fear, sadness,
worry etc. Being this close and personal towards a character
adds an overall bigger and more lasting impact on the scene
and thus the audience and helps to create better filmmaking.
20. The editing of a horror film is one of the most important aspects of making
the audience feel fear, suspense and what drives the movie forward. The editing
can manipulate what we think we know, and completely turn the film on its
head through very simple trickery. Editing creates a sense of structure,
showing different perspectives of different things happening at the same time
so the audience can take in as much information as possible without losing
track of what Is happening in the film. It helps build the narrative and the
story. Different styles of editing convey different emotions, for example, a lot of
very intense scenes will have quick cuts to highlight the intensity to the
audience, as well as to give perspective into the character in the scene. The
quick cutting gives a sense of panic and loss of control. Humans, naturally, like
to have the feeling of control in almost any situation, so when this feeling of
control is taken away from us during the scene, it makes the scene more
impactful and adds to the fear intensity the editor is trying to inflict onto the
audience. Slow, lingering shots of something intense or disturbing also have the
same effect. The longer the camera lingers on something unpleasant, the more
uncomfortable it makes us feel, once again making us feel like we are
experiencing what characters in the film are experiencing. Editing controls
what is on the screen and is in control of the whole movie. A lot of good editing
is reliant on good timing, knowing when and how to scare the audience to
generate as much fear and suspense as possible before hand instead of
releasing it all at once which would have a more underwhelming effect on the
audience.
21. When making a horror film there are a lot of very
important components in making sure your film is
effective, and you're able to convey the emotions you
want to convey to your audience. One of the most
important elements of a horror film is sound design.
Sound design is essential in creating tension and
communicating with the audience on a personal level
and really getting under their skin. The most
terrifying scene is never completed without the power
of sound design, and most existing iconic scenes in
horror are very underwhelming when they are
removed of soundtrack, sound effects etc. Powerful
sound design can help manipulate the audiences'
expectations and emotions. The sound in a horror film
can act like a character of its own and helps us to
understand what we should be thinking and feeling
during a certain scene, even if it's only by using a
single sound que like an eerie thud or a slow
humming soundtrack that generates suspense and
mystery.
22. After Dark Analysis. (2019) Colour Theory in Horror Movies | Film Theory
(3) Color Theory in Horror Movies | Film Analysis - YouTube
GammaRay. (2018) The art of Editing Horror | Dissecting Fear
(3) The Art of Editing Horror | Dissecting Fear - YouTube
Gold, Kristina. (2004) Genre Theory: The Horror Film
SOSC4319 Home (yorku.ca)
Granbacka, Viktor. (2016) How is Horror Illustrated in Movie Posters?
Microsoft Word - How Is Horror Illustrated In Movie Posters Viktor Granbacka
050516.docx (theseus.fi)
Navarro, Megan. (2019) The Psychology of Colour in Horror
From ‘Suspiria’ to ‘Midsommar’: The Psychology of Color in Horror - Bloody
Disgusting (bloody-disgusting.com)
24. Q1: Out of these 3 choices, which aspect of a Horror film appeals to you the most?
Most Popular Answer: Sound
Analysis: The fact that my audience believes Sound is one of the most important aspects of a horror film
highlights to me that I need to make sure to include and execute good sound design in my product, as this is
one of the main aspects my audience will be looking out for when watching my film. As I have already
investigated sound design (film theory) for my research, I feel that this research already conducted will help
me greatly during the production of my work, as I will be able to go back and review it, looking over the
importance of sound design and the role it plays in scaring the audience. Colour came in second with Lighting
being deemed as 'least appealing', highlighting that lighting does still play a big role, however it's not my
audiences top appeal when watching films, which is understandable due to the fact that many scenes in
horror films don’t need to rely on specific lighting or good lighting in order to scare the audience, despite this
however I do still want to make sure my lighting is as professional and as captivating as possible.
Q2: Which of these colours do you think corresponds best with the 'Paranormal' Sub-Genre?
Most Popular Answer: Blue
Analysis: The reason I asked this question is because my film will be running with a psychological /
paranormal theme and atmosphere. I want colour to play a big part in my product, but I don’t want to use
colours for the sake of my product looking good. I want to use colours that symbolise different emotions and
that reflects the mood and tone of the film. For my Film Theory research, I looked at how different colours
symbolise different meanings when applied to the context of horror. I talked about how the colour blue is
often associated with 'ghostly and paranormal' imagery, as that’s how the stereotype of 'ghosts' has been built
up in our culture for centuries. With these results, I will make sure to utilise the colour blue during the
editing of my product, for example, scenes with a ghostly presence will have a deep blue hue to them,
symbolising the paranormal side of the film. Ive talked about how colours also reflect emotions, and that the
colour blue often reflects 'depression' or 'sadness'. As my product is running with this theme, I plan on having
a blue aura of light constantly subtly surrounding or appearing in different scenes to highlight this theme
throughout the film.
25. Q3: Do you think the topic of Mental Health is a good topic to convey respectably
through a Horror Film? If so, why?
Most Popular Answer: Mostly 'Yes' mixed with 'No'
Analysis: Personally, I feel that this was one of the most important questions in my
survey. Since my preproposal I have wanted my product to revolve around the topic of
mental health, and to use my product to tell a story and to show a different
perspective of mental health that many people may not understand or underestimate.
This topic is important to me, and I felt my FMP project would be a great opportunity
to spread awareness through my passion and love for horror films and filmmaking.
Looking at the results, most of the answers are agreeing to the idea that mental
health is a good topic to convey respectably, whilst there are other answers claiming
that it's not too much of a good idea. Many perspectives can be taken from this;
however, I feel that because my story is a personal story, I will be able to convey this
theme in an understandable and respectful manner. The last thing I want is for my
product to offend anyone, so I will be taking the proper steps to ensure that my
product isn't too offensive or 'over the top' when it comes to the topic of mental health.
Looking at my audience's responses, many of them agree that using the foundation of
a horror film to tell a story about mental health is a very positive thing due to the
high popularity and traction horror movies have, which would definitely help spread
awareness and perhaps even change the way my audience thinks about mental
health. I also believe this is a good thing and is one reason I chose to convey this story
through a film. Because of the day and age were living in, conveying stories and topics
through films is a good way to reach out to people to get them to listen and provide a
stage for you to stand on.
26. Q4: In your opinion, should a Horror Movie put its scare factor (jump-scares etc.) before suspense?
Most Popular Answer: No
Analysis: Its clear to see from these results that it's important to make sure when creating a horror film that
cheap ways of scaring people such as jump-scares should not be held above other means of building up tension
and fear such as creating suspense. These results show that my audience are perhaps tired of seeing the same
scare tactics used throughout hundreds of different horror films and want a different reason to feel scared,
rather than having something jump out at the screen whilst making a loud noise. I believe there are multiple
different ways to scare an audience rather than using jump-scares, which is something I plan to utilise when
making my product. I want my product to have a very creepy, eerie and disturbing feel to it, and I don’t
believe jump-scares are the best way to achieve this feeling, and neither does my audience. My main goal is to
create suspense and getting under my audience's skin, as I believe this has a lot more impact and a lasting
effect that will make them think about the film long after watching it.
Q5: Is lighting vital in creating suspense?
Most Popular Answer: Yes
Analysis: Lighting does play a big role in setting the mood for a scene as well as conveying how the audience
should be feeling when watching a particular scene. Lighting can have a big influence on the overall mood
and tone of the scene. For example, during scenes where a character would be walking around an abandoned
building at night, the lighting wouldn’t be bright and colourful, instead it would be dark and unpleasant as
this reflects the setting of the scene and what the character is experiencing. It's clear that from these results
that my audience expects good lighting to work hand in hand with the scene, creating good suspense on
screen. When making my product, I plan to rely a lot on lighting to convey the mood of my characters, as well
as using lighting to highlight characteristics of the characters to my audience, hopefully helping them
understand the characters feelings and emotions better when watching the film. The majority of my film will
be dark, as it reflects the theme I am going for. I feel that if it wasn’t dark, my audience wouldn’t have the
right connections with the characters and be able to feel what they feel, and experience what they experience.
27. Q6: What aspects of cinematography appeal most to you?
Most Popular Answer: Camerawork
Analysis: These results highlight to me that my audience
pays attention to the camerawork when watching a horror
film and they feel that it is one of the most important aspects
of the films cinematography. When creating my product, I will
make sure to utilise camerawork much like how I am with
colour and lighting, making sure very choice has meaning. I
want to also convey emotions through my camerawork as I
feel like this is one of the best ways to do it. I feel that the
camerawork is a way to translate directly to the audience the
tone of a scene, how a character is feeling, if something is
wrong or not etc. Using this data, I will make sure to put a lot
of emphasis on my camerawork and plan out how I am going
to film certain scenes and how I will convey emotions to my
audience. I think that planning out storyboards and taking
test shots will help me greatly with this. Lighting came in
second showing that my audience still believe it is important
along with some believing that colour is the most important. I
feel that my product will appeal greatly to my audience as I
will be putting a lot of emphasis and focus onto all these three
aspects of cinematography, making sure they are as good
looking, meaningful and as professionally looking as possible.
28. Q7: Can you give me a location example that would work best for effecting the
audience on a personal level?
Most Popular Answer: A House
Analysis: The reason I asked this question because I wanted to determine what
kind of a place my audience would be more effected by when making my film. As
I have mentioned before, I want to try and effect my audience on a personal
level, so I believe that showing them something horrific or scary happening in a
place personal or relatable to them would have much more of a lasting impact. I
do plan on filming a good portion of my product in a home. Due to lockdown
restrictions, I don’t have many other options, but I feel that I will be able to use
this location to my advantage. I believe that having a horror film set in a place
where you're supposed to feel warm and safe takes away the audience's security
and can make them feel completely hopeless or helpless when watching the film.
Overall, I will be filming my product in locations that the audience will be
familiar with and be able to relate to. I wanted my product to have a mix of
indoor shooting and outdoor shooting to make it feel more varied and
interesting and not just secluded to one location. I like a lot of suggestions my
audience gave and I feel that they are all really good and interesting responses
that I will take into account and refer back to during the planning and
production of my project. Overall, I hope the locations chosen when filing my
product will have a lasting and personal effect on my audience, making them
feel scared long after watching the film and making them feel insecure about
their own location.
29. Q8: In your opinion, do you believe that 'less is more' in the context of horror?
Most Popular Answer: Yes
Analysis: I'm very happy with these results as I am planning to create my product in the 'less is more' horror
style. Ive always been a fan of horror films that leave a lot up to the imagination and this is what I plan to do
with my own film. I personally believe that when a lot less is shown on screen it has a much more terrifying
effect, especially when something scary is seen from a distance or only shown for a split second, as it makes
the audience question what they saw and almost makes them jump in their seat without having them
actually be jump-scared. I like when films leave a lot up to the audience's imagination, as they create own
images in their head of what they think they saw. I think the more you show something scary on the screen,
the audience starts to become a lot more desensitised to it and it starts to lose the horror effect, which is
something I want to make sure doesn’t happen with my film which is why I will be going for the less is more
approach. Overall, it's clear to see that my audience expects this style and I plan on utilising it in my product.
Q9: Out of these four locations, which would you find to be more unsettling when applied to horror?
Most Popular Answer: A House / Home
Analysis: This question links back to question 7, when I asked my audience to name a location they feel would
personally affect them when watching a horror film. Once again, these results show that they best way to
affect my audience on a personal level is by setting my film in a place that is personal to them. I think the
reason why this answer is so popular is because people find horror a lot more scary and impactful when they
themselves can relate to it. No one would want anything horrific to happen to them, especially in their own
home where they are supposed to feel the most safe and secure. As I have mentioned before, my film will take
place mostly in a house, which should hopefully strip away that feeling of safety and security knowing that
the character isn't safe no matter where he goes. I hope with all of the right filmmaking tactics I plan to use
such as the appropriate colours, lighting and camerawork I will be able to achieve the right effect and really
make my audience unsettled and scared when watching my film. At the end of the day one of my films main
purposes is to scare, so I need to make sure that I utilise all of these things properly.
30. Q10: When watching a horror film, would you prefer to have
the antagonist (villain) revealed to the audience? Or have the
look of the antagonist be left up to the imagination?
Most Popular Answer: I'd rather have it be left up to the
imagination.
Analysis: This question links back to the 'less is more'
question. I am a big fan of the less is more concept, and I feel
that this should be applied to the aggressor / the antagonist.
The feeling of having something stalk or oppress you is one
thing, but not knowing what it is or what it looks like is much
scarier in my opinion and I feel like my audience can agree
with this. I do plan on keeping the antagonist of my story
rather ambiguous. When it is shown on screen, it will only be
shown for a short amount of time and will either be shrouded
in darkness or only be seen from a long distance. Personally,
the idea of something menacing in the distance is a lot scarier
for me, especially when applied to dark lighting where the
figure is merely just a silhouette. I plan to portray my
antagonist like this in a lot of scenes where it is set to appear.
I want my audience to rely a lot on their imagination and
make them want to rewind the film and brighten up the
image out of curiosity as to what the antagonist looks like,
which highlights that they will be much more engaged with
the film.
31. Interview 1, NAME: Isabelle, (Sister) Age: 16 - Horror Movie Fan
Q: Does the concept of short horror films with a simple story appeal to you, if so why?
A: Yes, I like the idea of having a simple story because I think it is a lot more captivating and easier to pick up on. I think that it’s an easy watch and easy to pick up on
what’s happening regards to the story. Short simple stories have always interested me.
Q: Is there anything in particular that you like about horror film aesthetics, any lighting styles, colour choices that stand out to you?
A: I like colours that link with the film's genre and the tone of the film. I think the colours contribute a lot to the feel of the film as well as the lighting. Darkness in
general can have a big impact on the film and add more of an impact towards the scare factor. I like how films like ‘Evil Dead’ (2013) use colours that reflect the mood and
emotions the film is trying to portray.
Q: Which out of these two elements do you think contributes more to the ‘horror’ element of a film, sound effects or music?
A: I think both of them contributed massively, though I do think music contributes more than sound effects. A film like ‘Insidious’ (2010) has some of the scariest music
I’ve ever heard and is something that has had a lasting effect on me and is one of the first things I remember about the film when it comes to mind.
Q: Finally, when watching a short horror film, would you expect the element of suspense to override the ‘scare’ factors of the film?
A: I think it’s important to make sure that the film features some scares, but I also think there should be a balance between suspense and things like jump scares. If jump
scares are used too often the film can become quite boring and predictable, I think jump scares are an uninteresting way of scaring people, but as long as it’s mixed with
suspense and build up I think they’re ok to use as long as they aren’t used too often.
32. Interview 2, NAME: Georgina, Age: 17 - Horror Movie Fan
Q: Does the concept of short horror films with a simple story appeal to you, if so why?
A: Yes, because they're quick and easy to watch, and usually scarier as there isn't time for dumb filler stuff and cheap jump-scares.
Q: Is there anything in particular that you like about horror film aesthetics, any lighting styles, colour choices that stand out to you?
A: I like when they have a foggy blue aesthetic, like when you can't quite see what's happening in the background, as it adds to the suspense cos something could be
hiding. Plus, it just looks really nice.
Q: Which out of these two elements do you think contributes more to the ‘horror’ element of a film, sound effects or music?
A: Depends, music is good at signalling a change or that something is about to happen, but sound effects can create a really scare atmosphere and keep you on edge
throughout. For a shorter horror film, I'd say sound effects.
Q: Finally, when watching a short horror film, would you expect the element of suspense to override the ‘scare’ factors of the film?
A: I'd expect a balance of both, but for shorter films I'd say lean more to the scare factors, like hiding things in the background or good jumpscares (not cheap ones), but at
least some suspence is still really important for any horror film. Because of such a short runtime I think it's best to try and weigh out the two so that none of the scares or
suspense in the film feel 'overdone' or too drawn out.
33. QUESTIONNAIRE &
INTERVIEWS
EVALUATION
Overall, I'm happy with the responses from
my questionnaire as well as the interviews and I feel
like they have helped me in getting to know my target
audience better as well as what they will expect from
my product. Looking through the response's highlights
to me just what my audience is looking for in horror
films, what appeals to them and why. Using this
information, I will be able to create a product that will
hopefully appeal to the whole of my audience, as well
as executing my product's main goal which is to scare,
entertain and inform. Ive learnt my audiences likes
and dislikes, how they like to see horror films portray
certain filmmaking techniques and styles such as
colour, camerawork and lighting, as well as other
factors of horror films such as locations and themes. In
conclusion, I believe that my questionnaire has given
me a good insight into what my audience expects when
watching a horror film as well as the different
filmmaking techniques that would appeal to them,
which I will reference when creating my film.
35. Primary Audience
Gender & Age: Male & Female, 16-24
Psychographics: Belonger, Emulator,
Needs Driven, Type A, Balanced
Class: Middle, Upper
I chose this demographic for my primary audience
as I feel this group is more suited for my product. As
my product is a Horror Film, I felt that a young age
group of both males & females was appropriate due
to the young appeal for Horror Films. In 2018, a
study by Stephen Follows highlights the younger
appeal for horror cinema amongst a group of varied
ages.
Horror films are associated with thrill / sensation
seeking which further highlights just why there is a
bigger appeal amongst young adult and teen
audiences. The films are highly popular amongst avid
filmgoers, as well as audience members who aren't as
avid. Younger people tend to visit the cinema on
occasions such as for Halloween or mostly with
groups of friends, as horror is usually best
experienced with other people of the same age.
Source: How do movie genre tastes change with age? (stephenfollows.com)
36. Secondary Audience
Gender & Age: Male & Female, 25-34
Psychographics: Belonger, Emulator,
Needs Driven, Type A, Balanced
Class: Middle, Upper
Ive chosen this demographic for my secondary
audience due to the large market for older audiences.
Whilst not as large as the younger audience market,
the appeal for Horror Films still exists within older
audiences. In the Uk, the estimated age percentage of
audiences aged 25-34 for box office contributions was
a mere 19% with just over 5% of this estimated data
being horror movie audiences of this age group, while
in the US the data shows that in 2018, the
horror market consumption for adult audiences was
66%. It's clear to see the appeal for horror in this age
group is much more in the US, which is likely due to
population differences. Despite my product mainly
being catered towards a younger audience, I feel that
it will also greatly appeal to this demographic, which
is why I have chosen it for my secondary audience.
Source: How do movie genre tastes change with age? (stephenfollows.com)
Source: • Favorite movie genres in the U.S. by age 2018 |
Statista
US Data:
UK Data:
37. Cotton, Shannon. (2012) Conventions of the Horror Genre
Research: Conventions of the Horror Genre | Shannon Cotton (wordpress.com)
Follows, Stephen. (2018) How Do Movie Genre Tastes Change With Age?
How do movie genre tastes change with age? (stephenfollows.com)
Gruvi. (2016) Know Thy Audience: Marketing the Horror Film 'It Follows'
Know Thy Audience: Marketing the Horror Film It Follows - CMF Trends (cmf-fmc.ca)
Palmer, Will. (2017) Who is your Audience in 2017?
CinemaCon 2017: Who Is Your Audience in 2017? - Boxoffice (boxofficepro.com)
Statista. (2018) Most Popular Movie Genres Among Adults in the US by Age Group
• Favorite movie genres in the U.S. by age 2018 | Statista
Variety. (2016) Horror Movies Scare up Big Bucks at Box Office
Horror Movies Scare Up Big Bucks at Box Office - Variety
39. Overall, I know that my research will be extremely helpful towards making my final product. I
wanted to make sure that my research was relevant, as I have strayed off relevant research in past
projects and waisted time with things that wouldn’t help me during production. However, Ive
now researched everything that I feel is necessary and that I know I can use to help me during the
production for this project. I believe that both my primary and secondary research have helped me
understand my target audience a lot easier, and I now know what they expect from my product which
I can use to my advantage during production. It's also helped me understand how I should execute my
product. Now that I know what elements of a horror film my audience like and dislike, I know this
will help me build a better product. Looking into film theory was very interesting and Ive learnt more
Indepth ways of how I can convey emotion through all kinds of techniques such as colour grading and
camerawork which I think will go a long way into making my product more interesting and
professional, which should hopefully further appeal to my audience. Looking through existing short
films has also helped me understand what works best for a short horror film and what doesn’t, how I
should create suspense, good scare tactics and execution, how camerawork creates tension and how to
build up a scare. In conclusion, I know my research will benefit me greatly when creating my product.
It will be something I can constantly refer to, expand upon and look back on when creating my
product, as I constantly expect to be generating more fresh and new ideas for my product as this
project moves along.
40. What I will be looking into when planning problem solving:
• Preparing for production, possible pros & cons / things that could go wrong.
• Preventing damaged equipment when filming.
• Making sure to have the right amount of cast and crew.
• Health and safety on set.
• Making sure crew members know how to use specific equipment.
• How to light low light scenes.
• How to work under very low light conditions.
• Making sure there is no kinds of miscommunication between cast and crew.
• Acquiring and looking into filming locations.
• Finding the best appropriate filming locations.
• Working under COVID-19 rules and regulations with cast and crew.
• Setting up all equipment appropriately.
• Making sure important files are always backed up.
• Keeping important files stored in safe locations.
• Services such as food and drinks for everyone on set of filming.