The document summarizes the special effects used in the opening of a horror film. It discusses the use of non-diegetic sound effects, including a 999 operator call and phone ringtones, to build tension and signify danger. Final Cut Pro was used to add static, CCTV camera effects, and adjust brightness/filters. Copyright-free sound effects were carefully chosen to create an eerie atmosphere, taking inspiration from the film Insidious.

1. Stage 2 editing
Karin Falconer-Bailey

2. Special effects
In our horror opening, we used a variety of special effects in
order for our opening to seem unique but also conform to the
codes and conventions of the horror subgenre we were
addressing. Special effects are very important in horror films as
most of the time what makes an audience member jump or
scared whilst watching a horror film is the sound effects used
and the tension they build. In our horror opening, the special
effects that were used were:
• Non-diegetic sound
• Final cut pro special effects
• Copyright free sound effects

3. Non-diegetic sound and final cut pro effects
Non-diegetic sound of Amelia talking to the 999 operator was separately recorded from the
horror opening, using an iPhone. We used a different form of technology to record this sound,
this is because it would be difficult to hear what the character is saying whilst running. Using an
iPhone has allowed us to clear pick up the conversation the Amelia is exchanging with the 999
operator.
The special effects we used on Final cut pro was the static effect, the CCTV camera effect, also
adjusting the brightness and filter of our footage.

4. Copyright free sound effects
In our horror opening we used only a few sound effects to ensure a horrific atmosphere emerged. The sound
effects we used were the 999 operator, the ringtone of the phone and the eerie sound when the name
‘KARMA’ is shown on the screen. The first non-diegetic sound that is heard in our horror opening is the 999
operator. As we immediately used this sound as the opening have begun, this instantly signifies that someone
is in danger which relates to the horror genre of the film. We used the 999 operator sound effect throughout
the majority of our horror opening; just until Amelia is shown unconscious.
The next sound effect we used was the iPhone ringtone, we decided to use this as a non-diegetic sound rather
than a diegetic sound. We filmed our horror opening within the radius of a school whilst it was break time,
this means that in the background of the majority of our footage, there are children making noise. Because of
this, we had to ensure the background sound that was in our footage was muted which is the reason why we
had to add the sound effect of the ringtone rather than having it recorded alongside the footage.
The sound which is heard whilst ‘KARMA’ is shown on the screen, had been inspired from the film ‘Insidious’
which throughout the sequels have the same eerie, tension building sound just before the film title is
presented. By using a similar sound right at the very end of our horror opening, this creates a cliff-hanger for
the audience and draws them into wanting to continue watching the film.