Our film opening is about a young blogger experiencing the problems of technology going wrong. As a very successful youtuber she has gained the attention of many admirers. A supposed visit from her boyfriend turns out to be one of the last times she could blog happily. As she goes to open the door the power in her house is turned off by an Unknown character. What happens next
The plot for our story is as follows:
A young teen is 'blogging' her day and it is implied that the girl is a successful youtuber
since she is an internet sensation - it is clear that she relies heavily on technology
she talks about her boyfriend coming over and the planned day
door bell rings, she makes it to the middle of the stairs
power cuts off
audience see blackness & hear panting
young teen is forced to 'blog' her own death
scenes of struggling by the young teen
killer is seen, and has also killed her boyfriend
montage of bf death and fast cuts of killer with glitches will be shown
killer walks out of killing location (garage)
turns head and you can see the killer
(film title inserted after this)
What's the craziest video you would upload to youtube? What if others don't enjoy what you do? How do you think they should tell you they dont like what they do? There are probably so many answers the proper response will remain... UNKNOWN
Inspiration part 2: Ratter, Friend Request and Mr Robot
Throughout the whole process we have kept in mind a few movies and shows which we gained inspiration from. Both of these movies, "Ratter" and "Friend Request" are due to be released this year (2016) which reinforces that technological horror is an extremely contemporary genre. "Mr Robot" however, is an American TV series broadcasted on the USA network. The show looks into the world of hacking and how technology has become a threat to society.
Friend request Synopsis:
"Life as a popular student, Laura shares everything with her more than 800 friends on Facebook. But one day, after accepting a friend request from a social outcast named Marina, Laura’s life is cursed, and her closest friends begin dying cruel deaths. Before her time is up, Laura must solve the mystery behind Marina and her Facebook profile, in order to break the deadly spell"
Produced by Warner Bros studios which is a major conglomerate and directed by Simon Verhoeven
The movie explores the dangers of the internet, particularly social media websites such as Facebook
Emma, a graduate student living alone in NYC, is being watched by a stalker who hacks into the technology that surrounds her - laptop, cell phone, and other web connected devices.We're constantly connected through our phones, laptops and the Web every moment of every day. But while we look at our screens, who's looking at us? - Written by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Ratter is a similar movie which explores the vulnerability of young teenagers who are constantly surrounded by technological devices
The movie uses a variety of gliches and technical post production effects which compliments the movie extremely well.
Produced by Star Motion Pictures and directed by Branden Kramer
The TV series follows young computer programmer who suffers from social anxiety disorder and forms connections through hacking. He's recruited by a mysterious anarchist, who calls himself Mr. Robot.
Produced by Univeral Cable Productions and created by Sam Esmail
Distributed by NBC Universal Television
Again, this inspired us to create a technological horror film opening as it has elements of hacking and how large corporations have affected society with their technology and ideas.
The show set a 'Rotten Tomatoes' (a rating system for movies and tv shows) record of 100% in every episode
Each episode is titled uniquely in a way which represents the technological theme
For example, the pilot episode was titled "eps1.0_hellofriend.mov" and the season finale "S1.E10 eps1.9_zer0-day.avi"
Here is a link to an article regarding the shows high ratings:
The genre of technological horror is fairly new in the film industry and this is primarily the main reason as to why we chose it. Due to the genre being quite new, this would appeal much more to the audience as it is contemporary and modern.
Many people, especially teenagers are always using at least one form of technology in a day so it is hugely relevant in their lives
There are many codes and conventions of horror, these can easily be manipulated to fit into a technological horror or be copied exactly and used as they are typically used.
Power cut - adds elements of technology/ electricity - no power helps the killer murder their victim easily as they cannot run away. It also adds tension to the sequence
Main protagonist is using a device ie camera, phone, laptop etc
Main protagonist is usually a girl (final girl / promiscuous)
Involves a boy who is either in a relationship with the other character, or it is 'complicated'
the character is always home alone / with one other person
Filmed at night
gloomy night / stormy
low key lighting
weapons - knife etc
Often dark colours like red and black - links to evil, blood
glitches throughout - emphasises the technological aspect
After doing intense research on what our film opening title would be, we conducted another quick survey on the website "Survey Monkey".
This was a great source as it helped us create a quick, easy and simple survey in which many people could answer. We chose this particular website as it allowed us to distribute the question extremely fast and the analytical feature allowed us to track the results when ever we received a new response.
Here are is the result:
From this, it is evident that the most popular title that fitted best with our film opening was "The Unknown". This piece of research helped us to then create a film title opening on Adobe After Effects. The result turned out like this:
The BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released.
They watch films and videos all the way through and award an age rating and BBFCinsight to each one. They then reach an age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in the Classification Guidelines.
Typically, two examiners view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation.
With our film opening being in the technological horror genre, it is clear that we have to distinguish the rating in which our movie should be. This will allow younger and more sensitive viewers to avoid watching the film opening. There are a range of ratings for horror movies, these include:
Suitable for all - A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.
Parental guidance - his means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children. Cinema release suitable for 12 years and over - video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child Video release suitable for 12 years and over DIFFERENCE between the two- The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the cinema. The 12 is also a simpler system for retailers. It means they cannot sell or rent the item unless the customer is over the age of 12. Suitable only for 15 years and over - 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. - movies rated this may include:
strong violence
frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
portrayals of sexual activity
strong verbal references to sex
Suitable only for adult - not suitable for those under 18 and may include:
very strong violence
frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’)
strong portrayals of sexual activity
scenes of sexual violence
strong horror
strong blood and gore
After reviewing the types of ratings that we could give our film opening, it was decided that we should place a 15 age restriction on our film opening. This is primarily due to the blood and use of weapons within film. These items could cause upset to younger views and therefore it is a good decision not to risk harm to young people.
Research on production companies When researching production companies, we looked for the ones that specifically did horror movies and chose between the ones most suited to our film opening. We wanted to choose a production company that also was a smooth fit for our opening and didn't look out of place. These are the companies we found ...
Blumhouse productions
Founded by Jason Blum
Specialise in low budget films
Since it's launch in 2000, the company have been involved in over 30 films
The most popular movies include Paranormal Activity, Insidious and The Purge
Blumhouse productions is a multi media production company that has developed a new model of studio film making, producing high quality but low budget movies.
Ghost House Pictures
Robert Gerard is the founder of Ghost House Pictures.
Launched in 2002 and has produced 19 horror films
It's most popular movies include The Possession, Drag Me To Hell, Boogeyman and The Grudge 2
When first formed, the goal was to remake Castle's horror films but starting with RocknRolla, the company began producing films in genres other than horror. Initially, most of the company's films were mostly critically panned
Most popular horror films include: The Orphan, The Reaping, House On a Haunted Hill
Platinum Dunes
Created in November 2001 by filmmakers Michael Bay, Brad Fuller,and Andrew Form.
The company specialises in horror films, particularly remakes.
Platinum Dunes plan to branch out of the horror genre into action and thrillers with a new deal with Paramount Pictures.
Most popular horror movies include: The Purge, Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Friday, The 13th
Our Final Decision
After researching different horror film production companies, we decided to choose Blumhouse Productions as my group and I decided it was the best fit for our horror film as ...
Our film was low budget
The type of films they have already produced have elements of our horror film in it e.g Paranormal Activity using a cam recorder screen.
The other production companies I researched seem to be branching out to do other deals with other genres of films but as we have done a horror film, we wanted a company who's main focus is still horror films.
In this shot we were experimenting with the camera and how effective a fast pan would be to add tension whilst someone runs down the stairs as opposed to a low angle of the whole body. However we decided the mid shot from the side of the stairs allows a juxtaposition between the imminent danger and a seemingly neutral angle as opposed to an oblique angle which will instantly impose fear on the audience.
An initial idea for the plot was to have a stalker in her house so we decided to see what it looks like to record her bed from the mirror. Not exactly sure how well it would work due to the small size of the room and no way of seeing the mirror through the door we scrapped the idea as it would be obvious they were in the same room and she should be able to see the killer.
Fun flickering light...was supposed to add suspense for the final scenes but it did not come out as planned. Could be edited post production though.
From this pie chart you can see I have asked about the protagonist for the film. From my results, it's clear to see that using a young girl would be most effective. This might be because they are stereotyped as being most vulnerable out of the options given. This will help gain sympathy from the audience as they will want her to survive.
As the mask in an essential prop to our horror movie, it had to be just right. Picking the right colour is crucial to making the film effective. I think black was the most popular choice as the dark colour connotes danger, death, eerie atmospheres and the end of things. Perfect for a horror movie!
Titles are one of the first things to grab the audiences attention so I chose this question from the survey as I wanted to find out what the demographic would like. 'The unknown' was the most popular choice so I will use that for the horror movie.
For our film opening, we decided to firstly test the types of cuts and bruises that will be used in the killing scene. We brought and used the following products and researched on YouTube tutorials that would help us in this process:
Liquid latex
Fake blood
Face paint
Paint
Foundation
Eye shadow
Bronzer
Make up brushes
Thread/string
The following videos were extremely helpful to us when we were trying out the types of wounds that would look good:
These were some of the few that were extremely helpful as they were easy to understand with the step by step guides. The video below is an example of what our experiments turned out like, there you can see some of the bruising make up and an open wound. The open wound was created by adding a mixture of liquid latex, foundation and tissue in order to create the 'scar' effect.
Masks
We decided quite early on that we were going to have a masked killer, and for our initial inspiration, we looked at the typical masks that the successful slasher movies had. These included masks from Scream and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, here are some of the masks that we took inspiration and ideas from:
From research, we found that masks were typically white so we decided that our background colour of the mask would be painted in a thick layer of white acrylic paint. We purchased the base of our mask which was made from hard card and papier mache, this look extremely realistic.
Our mask:
We did several trials on the masks, including a black version, however we decided that the mask looked extremely amateurish and was not completed to a high enough standard. Therefore we stuck to the white idea and added splashes of red and black. The eyes were covered with thread and painted red also. The colour red is extremely symbolic and is a colour that is always associated with horror movies.
The final product
This is our final product, we decided to add a 'mouth' like feature which would grab the attention of the audience further. The white contrasts greatly with the dark and sinister red and black colour scheme.
Costume Girl - jumper, girly colours preferably pink, with hair down, black jeans, slippers (as the character is at home, they need to relax)
Boy- jumper, jeans, trainers
Villan - black jeans, plain and simple t-shirt, dark coloured hoodie
Villain
As a technological horror film we would like to keep common conventions of dark coloured clothing but we think by clothing the killer in more recognisable clothing for the modern theme of technology.
The mask the villain is wearing says ignotus which is Latin for unknown, we chose this as the whole essence of a mask is to cover someones faces and conceal identity.
The more recognisable clothes of the killer helps add to the mise en scene of technological the Killer is using it very well
After researching different horror movie titles, there is a clear convention throughout all the ones i looked at. Conventions that in saw was the consistency in colours used. The main colours for the title appearance in the openings was the colours red and black probably because these colours connotes death and danger. It foreshadows bad events to come which is usually the case in horror movies.
Movie titles can make or break the film. The title is the first thing people are going to experience about the movie. People are not going to watch some movies unless they like the title. Movie titles are the marketing tools and they should help you market your projects.
Some horror movies use direct titles because they are straight forward. They tell you about what you are going to see..
Jaws
Human Centipede
Psycho
These are just a few things to consider when making our movie title. Audiences look for certain things when thinking about a film. Our title should...
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.
