Horror film Conventions

Conventions of any genre are important when making a film. The horror genre is no exception. What I like about horror film conventions is that they are obvious, yet very hard to do well. If I’m intending to make a short horror film i need to look into the conventions and note what i already know and research other aspects.

Cinematography

Dark scenes are ALWAYS key. The use of motivated lighting, shadows and other earryvisuals is always key when lighting a scene.

Location

Without a good location a horror film will FLOP. Isolation is key, making the audience feel like the character(s) are alone. I.e. Alley ways, run down houses, hotels & Insane Asylums.

Camera Work

• High and low angles can connotate nightmares/surrealness.
• POV shots allow the audience to see through the characters eyes therefore putting themselves within the films world.
• Depth of field allows things to approach the camera slowly therefore causing suspense.
• Handheld shots can help disorientate the audience

Sound

Audio is key when editing, using Foley sound will help build suspense.

• Exaggerated diegetic sound will allow tension to build within the film world
• Fast and loud non diegetic sound can add to making the audience jump or feel scared I.e. the music in the shower scene in Psycho.

Mise-en-Scene

The use of props and locations within the film world is KEY. Ways to add to the visual film world are:

• Pathetic Fallacy such as thunder and rain can add to the isolation of the scene as people associate these types of weather with negativity.
• Props can be used well as people don’t associate things such as flowers and rainbows with films of this genre. Items such as weapons, antiques and other aged objects help build the scene.
• Colour Themes such as the use of red or black often tend to be affective as they are associated with things such as blood, death and danger.

 Plot/Script

The story is obviously the key part to the whole film, which unfortunately is my weak point. If I was just solely directing the piece then I know my skills would make the piece a success. However a plot is key!

• Plot if done right will allow the audience to connect with the characters therefore allowing the audience to place themselves in their shoes
• Making it modern is very important in horror films around today. Incorporating the use of social media could be interesting.

Characters

Stereotypically in horror films the same type of characters appear in nearly every modern horror film, such as:

• The blonde – Often represented as being stupid and slutty, and often dies first
• The Athlete – Often the macho character that every looks at for guidance
• The Virgin – This character is normally the only character that survives as she represent “purity” which is something not associated with evil.