Colour & Symbolism

Colours play a big part in making horror movies as they connote specific things. There are suitable colours for every situation and it is very important that we get it right in our horror movie to make it look professional and realistic.

The antagonists in most horror films are usually wearing black no matter what genre of horror this is. The colour of black gives connotations of death, danger and gives an eerie atmosphere as it's a dull colour. Villains usually wear black to portray themselves as someone dark and un trusting. It is usually easy to spot the antagonists in movies just by the colours they wear and their actions. For this reason, our antagonist will be wearing black just so we can stick to typical conventions of antagonist.

Protagonists in films are usually wearing light colours to connote their innocents in the situation. The colour white is used connote purity and the colour blue connotes new life or something fresh. Red is sometimes also used to connote blood or danger which is used to foreshadow the unfortunate dilemma to come. In our film, the protagonist will use light colours to achieve the portrayal of innocence and cause the audience to feel sympathy for them.

                                            

Ropes are used for hanging in horror movies. They are effective as it can make characters look as if they hanged themselves when that might not be the case. The cyclical structure portrays to the audience that the event occurring is ongoing and can't be stopped.

Knives are one of the most common objects used in horror movies. Household items are effective as they're easy to get hold of in emergency situations. Using knives in horror films even just for cooking can foreshadow bad things to come where the knife has to be used again. The sharp edge on them connote something painful and sudden.

Diegetic and Non Diegetic sound

Sounds

As we are creating a horror sequence we have to pick the correct non diegetic and diegetic sounds to help build a typical horror atmosphere and add to the mise en scene. As a lot of the best horror music is already used on movies we may have to ask for copyright or compose our own music for our sequence. To ensure we have the ability to make the right choice I have done a little research into horror music sound designs.

these are a few ingredients

• very high pitched strings
• there is often no repeating melody
• if there is a melody there are a lot of tension keys/notes in them
• often very slow moving in pace (not exactly slow tempo)
• the begin of the composition is often very low pitched.

The tutorials are not exactly what we are looking to use, but the idea behind many sound designs employed can be used for what we want to do. Technological horror is fairly new genre of horror making more room experiment with various conventions of sound.
Diegetic sounds such as doors closing, glitches etc may have to be recorded post production, this may be a hard task to do as majority of the diegetic sounds are parallel and synchronous.

The main character of our opening sequence is not the final girl, the music she is listening to may have to portray her in a way that the audience are able to identify her as that. Also as there will be glitches added post production during editing the non diegetic music will have to accompany that with drum rolls and melodic white noise.
Our final decision was too find a non copyright music and sound effects. We needed relaxing music to create contrast between the high tension of the soundtrack used when the killer enters the scene.

Initial ideas: camera angles and shots

Initial ideas: camera angles and shots following the plot.

The first shot of the sequence would be a point of view shot of the laptop. In technology horror films I've researched, the first shot is always off the faulty technology.

    

High angle shot of protagonist leaving the room to answer the door after the bell rings, gives illusion of someone watching, audience are in a higher position as they can see what the protagonist can't. You can see laptop in background while it will be glitching.

        POV shot of protagonists partner neck down. Makes audience wonder who it is.

      

Close up of the couple holding hands. Has connotations of unity.
Close up of feet going up the stairs.

 

The couple will rush off into a room, We could possibly use a panning shot to follow the action and the thrill of them running in.

Low angle shot of protagonists partner running down the stairs. Making him seem superior after what might have just happened in the room. He then leaves the house.

 

Medium shot of protagonist back on his laptop so we can see them and what is happening on the laptop. The anonymous email will appear on the screen at this time 

Close up of computer screen when dead boyfriend shows up on the screen. The camera will then start to zoom out as the pictures starts to fade and change to the antagonist 

Close up of the protagonist to emphasise the feelings felt at this time in order for the audience to connect.

                      

                                                                

Ideas for Costume

Costume
There are three main characters in our horror film opening. These are a villain, a young teenage girl and finally a young teenage boy who plays the teenage girl's boyfriend.
The villain- the main costume feature for the villain will be his mask. When researching we came across these masks which we will purchase off of amazon and decorate ourselves. We also researched videos such as the below one, to see how we could possibly create our own paper Mache mask.

Character profile

Characters for film opening

Stereotypical characters in a horror movie:

• The typical character is the female victim who is typically vulnerable and in need of some form of protection. They are usually blonde, dumb and sexually appealing. They are also normally portrayed as annoying and dumb.
• There is normally a non-believer who often is cocky and over the top and informs all the other characters that everything is going to be okay. They may seem to be the voice of reason but when they are eventually killed all the characters panic. 
• Next, there's always a hero who is normally a strong, built guy who can overpower the evil. They tend to stay strong throughout the film and remain loyal to the other characters. 
• The evil character/ villain is the most important character throughout the film as he stays constant. The killer is normally wearing a mask or is disfigured. This character also inflicts fear upon an audience and also creates suspense. 
• in some cases there is a loved up couple who tend to both be killed either together or separately. Their love is the result of their downfall. 

The characters in our horror film introduction are going to be:

• A young, teenage girl
• A young, teenage boy who plays the boyfriend
• A villain who will be masked throughout the whole opening scene

The lack of characters will make this opening scene much more intimate and therefore the effect on the audience will be much more bigger as we are turning a normal week day routine into something sinister and evil.

Mise - en - scene for our plotline / technological horror

Mise - en - scene for our plot line 

For our story line we decided to use a house rather than hotel rooms, this is because houses are much more practical and easier to obtain rather than book out rooms. Additionally, as we are filming our opening in a house we will especially focus on the aspect of mise en scene which includes props, lighting, camera angles/movement, locations, makeup and costumes.

Camera angles and movement
For the camera angles we have discussed using a variety of shots that are typically used in the horror genre. Moreover, the fact that our genre is technology horror, the camera angles may come from the computer or laptop point of view too.

• Close up shots
• Oblique/canted angle
• Point of view shot
• Eye level
• Medium shot (2/3 people)

Props
Props are used in order to create a realistic and true portrayal of the narrative/plot line. Typically in the horror genre, the use of props is extremely important. For instance, due to the technology side of the opening we must include some sort of electronic device such as laptop or phone.

• Since we will be filming the main parts in a bedroom, it is clear that background detail is vital. Shelves, books, magazines, make up and lamps may be used to demonstrate the personality and character of the girl/boy
• Typical young teenager items, messy bedroom, studying items, phone, tablets, TV
• For the killer, we may choose to use weapons such as knives/guns as these follow the typical code and conventions of a horror film
• We can also take into account the use of ropes, chains, tape and blindfolds which are used to scare, kill or kidnap the protagonist
• We will be using a mask for the killer - the 'unknown' 
• Some technological horror movies do not use props but instead kill the characters over the use of technology itself. This is presented well in the movie 'Unfriended' where the characters die one by one, without the appearance of an actual killer. 

Costumes/make up

• As our main protagonist will be young and in their teenage years, the types of clothing will be modern showing no signs of horror compared to the killer
• Jeans, t-shirts - as the setting is at home, the clothing should be casual in order to make the opening realistic 
• Killer - dark clothing, red/black again to link in with the conventions of a horror
• The use of black clothing has connotations of something sinister, almost a dark figure lurking around
• Minimal make up, - nothing too noticeable 
• Jewelry  - preferably a small watch and necklace
• Hair - a fringe, that could cover the character, or hair in a pony tail - something simple and casual due to the location of the opening.

Lighting

• We have discussed the different types of lighting which can be incorporated into our opening, this includes low key lighting which is popular in horror movies.
• The use of low key lighting creates a creepy and mysterious atmosphere as darkness is normally associated with evilness. The darkness is used to make our character feel scared and vulnerable, especially being home alone. 
• Makes the scene dramatic and there is a constant fear of the unknown due to the darkness
• Creates shadow and contrast 
  

Sounds

• Use of the 'static' noise sound, when the screen flashes black/goes to static image (Non-diegetic) - we will use this to create tension and suspense in order to 'scare' our audience
• Digetic sounds such as the ringing of the door bell, slamming the door, footsteps

Typography

• Common titles used in the opening scene include the colours red and black.  - red demonstrates the blood
• The most popular fonts have blood dripping down the text
• Mainly long and narrow fonts

Location Choice

Location 1

Location 2

Location 3

Location 4

Location 5

OUR CHOICE

From the pie chart, you can see we conducted a questionnaire for choosing the best location for put horror film. For our audience we focused on young people aged 15+ that are interested in horror movies. 

We decided to conduct a survey asking the audience as they will know what they are used to seeing in horror films. We decided to choose location 1 as that was the most popular choice. We are happy with this decision as the white connotes purity and innocence which will signify the teenager and then the slight red will foreshadow the danger to come ...

TRAILER VS OPENING

TRAILER VS OPENING

 

 

 

 

TRAILERS

Trailers consist of a series of selected shots from the film being advertised. The shots selected are usually from the most exciting, funny, or otherwise noteworthy parts of the film but in abbreviated form and usually without revealing spoilers.

• Montage of scenes shown throughout the film
• Usually fast pace 
• Shows interesting parts of the movie 
• Gives insight into storyline and genre
• A voice over is often used
• Have website links, Facebook and Twitter sign at the bottom of the screen so audience is encouraged to find out more
• Introduces protagonists and antagonists 
• Non diegetic sound
• Shows productions logo e.g. pixar
• Usually 2mins 30secs long

OPENINGS

Film openings are used to set the scene of the movie showing the audience the type of surrounding it is based in. It is important for openings to be interesting and contain a bit of action to grip the audience so they carry on watching the film to find out what happens.

• May start with an establishing shot
• Introduces protagonists and antagonists 
• Introduces the pre plot/narrative
• To entice the audience so they continue watching
• To establish the genre
• A key event might occur
• Non diegetic music 
• Key credits and Studio productions
• Shows productions logo e.g. lionsgate

Proposed plotline and technological horror research

Ideas

We have decided to do a technological horror, the conventions of this sub genre of horror are very similar to the typical horror story, which we have already research into. The main difference is the use of technology in the propagation of horror. Most of our inspiration comes from sources such as
Pulse
Unfriended
Ratter
This is mainly because the sub genre is only emerging and there are not many examples of it.

The typography employed here takes simple bold white writing on a completely contrasting background.  To allude to the idea of technology being used the title typography is blurred on the letters and has been edited to suggest it was moving, this glitch effect connotes an electronic (technical) error.

Proposed plot lines

Synopsis 

A couple are in a hotel, no reason is given, the girl is video blogging about their journey and the guy walks in. She stops the recording and puts the laptop off but leaves it open, with the camera facing them she puts the laptop on a desktop. The next scene is in the morning with her sleeping and the guy dressed and leaving the room. After a while she gets up and checks her laptop and sees a picture on the screen of her boyfriend half alive with blood all over the place. She then hears a voice (or answers a Skype call)that states if she doesn't do what they say she will be next. The final shot would be a eye level from behind the screen with her face towards it and a voice saying good good whilst someone walks in.

Synopsis

A girl opens the door for a boy to leave (the light only comes when the door opens) you hear sound effects of what not. When she goes back to her room she sits at computer preferably but maybe laptop, she then sees a picture of the boy dead. And gets a Skype call of a guy with "no mask". The face the audience see would then drop off during a low angle of the killers feet at the end of the sequence. Whilst subverting the stereotypes of the killer not showing their face by showing the killers face with no mask. It will conform to them as the face seen will not be the actual face of the killer.

Ideas for locations

Initial ideas for locations

For locations, we decided to look into a variety of different rooms especially bedrooms. Below, are a few images and the pros and cons for each room. We also analyse which rooms would be appropriate for us to film parts of our opening in by looking at colours and items. 

1) This particular room has lots of items which may be stereotypically aimed at more 'girly' girls. For example, items such as magazines and dressing table which includes lots of makeup and beauty products.

• The colour white is a dominant colour throughout this room, this may reflect the character being innocent and pure
• Lighting in this room is very effective as everything stands out and you are able to make out the items extremely clearly. 
• Location wise, this room might be a possible candidate as it can reflect the personality of the character well, with plenty of items that can be used for the mise en scene aspect
• 
  

2) This room might be a possible location for us to use for our filming, it is extremely spacious and  includes a variety of colours which can be useful for the audience in getting to know the character.

• Items inside the room include books, instruments and electronics. These again can give us an insight on what the character is like and so viewers can guess what the sequence will be like. The books could suggest that the character may be extremely intelligent and has an interest in musical instruments. 
• The location gives a warm and homely sense and therefore this could be a great location to film our sequence in.
• Colours such as browns and reds are prominent in this room, these colours have connotations of comfort and warmth, all the colours you would suggest with a home.
• The location offers plenty of light through many windows - this would be extremely useful when filming but could also be a problem if there is too much light or too little. This means that it may be difficult to control the lighting.

3) Location 3 is quite similar to location 1 in terms of colours such as white, however this room there are less decorative items which means that the audience are unable to get an idea of what the main protagonist is like - in terms of personality etc. 

• Some items include a electronics such as a kindle on the bedside table, linking in with the whole genre of the film opening - technological horror. 
• The images on the walls allows a decorative touch to the room
• The main advantage for this room is that there is also a large amount of natural light coming in from the windows this again will allow good light when filming.  - however, again the light may be difficult to control as the sun/ clouds might change during cuts. 
• Overall, this location could be a possible choice for filming as the lighting is a huge plus in this location but it lacks in items that can contribute to mise en scene compared to the other two locations

4) Another possible location could be this bedroom as includes several items which could contribute well to the aspect of mise en scene.

• Firstly, the colours at this location are of a variety and range from creams to blues. The room includes plenty of patterns which contrasts greatly with the plain, white bed. 
• Items such as a teddy bear/stuffed pillow again might give the audience a clue into the character. If we were to choose this location as our filming point, we might also choose to add more items and decorate it in order to portray the personality of the character through the background items. 
• One possible advantage of this particular location is that it has a cosy feel to it and the window again might be an opportunity for great natural lighting. 
• However, one problem if we decide to choose this location is that it could be quite small and therefore might be difficult to move characters around and film.

5) We decided to also look at hotel rooms, as they extremely popular in the horror movie genre. However, using a hotel room could cause problems as we would have to book a room and let the management know that we will be filming in the room. For example, screaming and the use of fake weapons and makes could provoke fear to those staying at the hotel. Therefore if we decide to use this location we must consider the factors and issues regarding it before we start to film. 

Stay Alive Deconstruction

I have created a deconstruction for the opening to this technological horror film. I analysed this clip from the minute 3:15 - 7:15

SOUND

• As soon as the movie starts, there is this non diegetic sound of wind, air and thunder which automatically creates an eerie atmosphere. 
• The non diegetic violin sound is added on top of the wind which increases in speed building tension. The volume also gets louder. 
• The non diegetic heartbeat noise is to highlight the fear the demographic might be feeling. As you can hear a heartbeat, it can cause your heart to beat also as you're waiting for something to happen.
• The diegetic noise of the telephone was effective as after the protagonist had finished his video game, it brought him back to reality reminding him it's not real. Furthermore, as it was so silent, it could have been contrived to scare the audience as a loud sound suddenly appeared.
• The diegetic thunder and lighting sounds are added to create an ominous atmosphere. The creaking of the rocking chair also gives the same effect making the whole scene seem scary.

CAMERA ANGLES/MOVEMENT AND EDITING 

• The first shot is a close up of one of the protagonists. This was so we can familiarise ourself with him and know the movie has something to do with him or is about him. The close up shot was also used so we could connect with his character and know how he was feeling. After playing the video game, he looked scared.
• The high angle used at the stop of the stairs was effective as it made the audience feel as if they were watching over everything the protagonist did. It also made him seem very small and weak which he is.
• The medium shot allowed the audience to see the settings of the protagonist more clearly. As the protagonist was slowly coming up towards a door, it built the tension as the audience also wondered what was behind the door.
• The director used panning to follow the protagonist while he was in the kitchen. This gave the sense that something mysterious was following the protagonist as he kept looking back.
• The over the shoulder shot is to emphasise that something is present within the scene. You can see the shadow
• The camera tilts slowly to show the confusion on the protagonists face as he hears noises.
• There is continuity editing to make the scene more realistic to the audience. It shows the action with smooth shots so there is no interruptions. 

LIGHTING 

• Back light is used throughout the opening with dim light coming from lamps around the scene. The dull light could be contrived to create a bad atmosphere and a scary one. Darkness has connotations of danger and death so maybe that's how it should be.

MISE EN SCENE

• Protagonist is a grown man who plays video games. His glasses, messy hair, house robe and messy room give the impression of laziness. I can infer that he is a bit of a 'geek' with hardly any friends.
• He lives with his brother and his brothers girlfriend which shows he's quite lonely making him play video games.
• The fact he's drinking Redbull energy drink shows he's tired but stayed awake for the game. It was important to him maybe.
• The fact he flinches at lighting shows he could be soft and scared of a lot of things.

Pyschoanalysis Theory Freud

Freud's Pyschoanalysis Theory

Freud’s Theory: Came up application of psychoanalytical theory (Oedipal complex), these include:

• Sadism: here he states that this is a post Oedipal attention switching from the mother to the father, or in horror terms where the (soon to be victim) can identify with the killer (shared history e.g. in the case of the final girl). 
• Masochism: Pre Oedipal states that the mother is all powerful (sense of authority). So we as the audience we are put in a state of masochistic because we take pleasure in identifying with the female.

Clover v.s. Freud’s Theory Clover Theory:

In relation to the final girl theory, Clover indicated that we as the audience are structured and thus are ‘forced’ to identify not with the killer, but with the surviving female (final girl).
Instead of identifying with the sadistic voyeur (the killer), she suggests that our identification has switched to the victim, who she calls (a masochistic voyeur).

Comedy Horror

Comedy Horror

Comedy Horror is a genre that is aims to scare the audience whilst maintaining a comical theme as the plot unfolds. It can place twists in the usual horror clichés to create a comical ambience,  use a different perspective or completely change the story.

Pros

Our audience are young adults, however not everyone can watch horror films, but with a light hearted spin on it the film becomes easier to digest.

It is not hard to come up with a story line for it as the basis if most comical horrors are the same, and we do not need to build up any characters from scratch.

The preconceived ideas of any character we pick to use do not need to be lived up to as the spin is placed on the characters

 

Cons

It can very easily be confused with other horror genres if the light entertainment is not implemented well enough.

If the film is really comedy saturated the horror essence can disappear quickly and it will become a comedy, which is fine but we do not intend at this point in time to make a comedy.

It may not be easy to communicate your idea of comedy to the audience (especially in the short amount of time we have)