This document discusses conventions commonly found in thriller films. It explains that conventions are technical elements that signal to audiences that a film belongs to a specific genre, like using low lighting to create shadows. It then describes some key aspects of thrillers, including vital settings that add suspense, intelligent villains and vulnerable victims, and popular themes involving science experiments gone wrong, investigations, and haunted places. An example film, 28 Days Later, is discussed for its use of shadows to heighten fear and inclusion of real media to feel realistic.

1. THRILLER CONVENTIONS
By Jordan
Hogston

2. WHAT IS A CONVENTION?
 Conventions are the way in which technical equipment is used
to show an audience they are focusing on one specific genre.
These elements are commonly found in the specific films. For
example, using low level lighting to create shadows in
thrillers.
 As we are tasked with creating a thriller we will show the way
in which thrillers are usually conveyed to audiences.

3. SETTING
 The setting of a thriller is one of
the most vital aspects which
needs to be per fect. The setting
adds its own ef fect. It can help to
create fear and suspense. Thriller
films can var y largely in the stor y
of them. Because of this there
are no real typical settings for
thriller s.

4. CHARACTER T YPES
 In thrillers the villain is usually intelligent and has things well
calculated and ready. They usually cause shocking, evil crimes
such as murder and kidnap. Often their motive for the
destruction they are causing stems from traumatising
childhoods or past experiences they regret largely.
 The hero is often tested throughout the film and in the tests
has their own life endangered. There is often a thin line
between good and evil in the hero as they often commit bad
deeds to save others this then highlights the good and bad in
everyone.
 The victim in thrillers are often those who are looked upon as
venerable, women or children.

5. T YPICAL MOVIE THEMES
Thriller/horror films often share the same popular themes.
Some of which that have been used in prestigious thriller films.
 Unleashed supernatural/ alien monster - science gone wrong,
curiosity gone wrong.
 Detective investigation- Good VS Evil
 Zombie Apocalyptic theme- Survival, After death
 Murder helpless themes - Haunted house, Supernatural,
Childhood issues
 Overrun Mental Asylum- Madness, Insanity

6. EXAMPLE: 28 DAYS LATER
 The conventions in 28 Days Later that are similar to our film
are:
 In 28 Days Later shadows of the running zombies are use well to
exaggerate the speed and intensity this is something that helps create
fear and suspense.
 Real media such as Radios and Newspaper are used in the film. Because
of this it makes it much more realistic to the audience.