Drafting and Planning - Ideas for Film Content

After thorough research into different horror films, I decided to start coming up with some ideas for the basis of my own film.

Content:
My film is going to be about a group of young girls living in University accommodation who begin to experience strange happenings. There seems to be another presence in the flat which will later be revealed to be a previous house mate who has came back to haunt them and the place in which she was murdered.

Setting:
My film will be set in my sisters flat in Liverpool. I think it is a good setting for a typical horror film as it is always empty and in quite an isolated area. Also, the flat has many staircases, doors and a lift which I think will be helpful in creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

Actors/Actresses:
My film will consist of mainly a female cast (possibly all female) as I have recognised this is typical of a horror film. My film will contain 3/4 girls who have just moved into the new flat and 1 other female character who is the 'evil' one.

Sound/Music: 
As I have realised through analysing different horror trailers, not a lot of conversation is used. Therefore, I will use little conversation between my characters but fill the silence with eerie music or scary sounds such as slamming/creaking doors, footsteps or screams.

Props:
I plan to use very realistic props in my film to convey a sense of real life. I think this will be effective as it will cause more tension and suspense as the super natural events clash with reality and cause fear.

Research into similar products - Analysis of Horror Film Posters

As well as looking at magazine covers, I thought it important to also analyse film posters as it is one of the aspects required in my brief. Although the posters are not specifically 'teaser' posters they will still help influence my horror film poster. As I analysed 'The Conjuring' film trailer, I decided to take a close look at the poster which accompanied this.



The creator of this poster has clearly stuck to the typical conventions of the genre horror. The lighting of the poster - like the trailer - is dark and eerie which creates an unsettling atmosphere. The setting of the trailer is included in the background. The house looks small and inferior but still extremely ancient and strange. That it is placed so far behind the image of the tree in front could be significant as it could show that the entity is more superior and powerful then the house and those inside. The way the artist represents that the entity is present is by the rope on the tree and the shadow beneath it. The shadow is effective as it is a typical convention of a horror and creates suspense and mystery upon the viewer. The title of the film could be considered to be quite small, but I think the image is so powerful, the size of the font is just right. The names of two other horror films the director has created are also featured on the poster. I think this is important as it gives the viewer a sense of what the film could be like. Also, the tag line under the main title suggests the film is based on true events. This would intrigue the reader more and make them want to watch.




The second poster I chose to analyse was from the film 'The Eye.' The film verges on the horror genre but also has drama and thriller elements. I particularly like this poster as I think the main image is very effective and would attract the viewer's interest. Not only is the image of the eye in sepia-tones creating a mysterious effect, it also looks scared and worried possibly foreboding the actress in the film and therefore making the audience feel suspense and fear also. The main attraction the the image would be the fingers appearing from the eye itself. This could warn the reader of the content in the film and that super natural happenings may occur. In this poster, the image plays a more important role than the title of the film. The text is in all capital suggesting importance, but it placed near the bottom and is much smaller in proportion to the image. The actress' name - 'Jessica Alba' - is placed above the title as she is a well known actress so her importance is shown. That the text is in red could have connotations to anger and danger; possible emotions in the film. I think the use of the image of the eye is effective in creating the 'horror genre' and is a possible idea for my poster.

This is the poster for the film 'The Strangers.' I think this is effective as the artist uses the positioning and blocking of the characters effectively to portray roles of importance. The 'killers' or 'villains' in the film are placed in front of the victims showing their superiority and control over them. The victims are not facing the camera so their identity is not shown. This is effective as it reveals their lack of importance, it could suggest the victims identities do not matter to the killers which is supported by the tag line 'because you were home.' This implies that the killers are ruthless and do not have any real reasons for torturing their victims.The actor and actresses names - 'Liv Tyler' and 'Scott Speedman' - are placed above the title similar to 'The Eye.'

Research into similar products - Analysis of Magazine Cover 2

I decided to analyse the 'Inception' edition of Total Film magazine as, not only is it a well-known film magazine distributor, it is a similar film genre to the one I wish to create.



One convention I like about this edition of Film Magazine is the main image it uses on the cover. It portrays the main character of the film as scared which relates to the contents of the actual story line. The character is also shown as a somewhat dark, figure/silhouette which is effective as it creates a sense of mystery and therefore intrigue in the audience.
Another thing I like about this front cover is, again, the use of the color scheme. Like the previous magazine I analysed, the editor uses the simple colors of black, white and red in terms of the typeface. This is effective as it gives the magazine a professional feel but also relates to the genre of horror/psychological thriller as red has connotations to danger, anger and blood.
One of the main conventions I like about Total Film magazine is that they tend to emerge their masthead to fit the image or the film being advertised. I think this is an effective way of linking the brand to the film which I will try to do when producing my own magazine.  

Research into similar products - Analysis of Magazine Cover

I have now decided to analyse film magazine covers in order to get an idea and inspiration for my own film magazine. I have decided to analyse 'Empire' film magazine as it is a well-known, popular name meaning it should abide by the typical codes and conventions of a magazine. 

Now, I have decided to analyse film magazine covers in order to get a feel of what my own film magazine should look like. I have firstly decided to analyse an 'Empire' magazine cover as they are well-known and popular. 

This edition of Empire magazine is based on the horror film 'Hannibal.' I think the editors of the magazine have tried to keep with the horror genre by their use of color. The editors have kept the color scheme to red, white and black. Not only does this give the magazine a professional film due to the simple pallet, it also relates to horror. The color black has connotations to darkness and evil. The color red had connotation to danger and blood.
The image the editor has used is very effective as it presents the character - 'Hannibal' - as mysterious. The dark lighting only displays half of the character's face and draws attention to his eye. That his eye is red as opposed to a typical, human eye color suggests that he is something of the supernatural which would cause suspense in the reader. That his eye is red and his face has been edited to be dark and kind of 'reddish' color agrees with the color scheme.
The title of the film is highlighted in bold and colored red. This is effective as it draws the reader's attention and informs them of the film's name. The editor carries on this idea by including all the important information in red to attract the reader and all the general information in white.
The editor has stuck to the traditional conventions of a magazine by including a barcode, date and website address. However, the editor has tried to make them as unnoticeable as possible in order to avoid distracting the reader.
At the top of the magazine, there is also a header highlighting new films released and an exclusive on a actress. This is effective as it informs the audience of extra information which would encourage then even more to purchase the magazine. As the magazine is a well-known title, it is normal that they would not merely advertise one film. 

Research into Similar Products - Analysis of Teaser Trailer

As well as looking at the typical conventions of a horror trailer, I also thought it important to look into the conventions of teaser trailers. The trailer I am going to analyse is that of 'Skyfall' as I thought it was an effective teaser trailer. Although it is not of the horror genre, it does contain some elements I wish to include in my trailer.




Things I like about this trailer:

• Firstly, I think the camerawork and editing at the beginning of this trailer is effective in creating interest in the audience. I like the way the camera fades into different shots of the main character and different settings in which the film takes place. The close ups initiate to the audience who the main character is which would cause immediate interest as he is a well-known, famous actor. Furthermore, I think this is effective as it gives away little about the film but enough to arouse interest. 
• Another aspect I like about this trailer is the lack of sound used. Other than synchronous background music, little conversation is had. I think this is effective as, again, not much information is given away. Moreover, I think too much conversation - especially in a teaser trailer - ruins the atmosphere the editor wants to create. 
•  A further aspect I like about the trailer is that, towards the end of the clip, the moving images shown become more dramatic and tense. This is effective as by the end of the trailer, the audience are excited to watch the film. 
• Another aspect I like is that the editor preserves the information of the film, such as the film and title, until the end. I think this is effective as, again, it leaves the audience on a climax and wanting to watch and find out more. 

Research into Similar Products - Analysis of Horror Trailer 2

I then analysed the trailer of the film 'The Lovely Bones.' Although it is not a typical, slasher horror film, I thought it would be good to look at as it does contain some horror elements - a girl being kidnapped, exposed to pedophilia and then murdered.



Camerawork:
One of the main reasons I like this trailer is because at the beginning, the director creates a contrast between the girl's life before and after the murder. There is a two shot of the main girl and her grandmother which is used to reflect the close relationship between the two. The grandmother is being stereotypical of her age by teasing the girl about a young boy she fancies. This is effective as it creates a happy mood, the grandmother is joking which distracts away from the serious message of the film. There is then a shot reverse shot of the young boy looking at the girl and then her becoming embarrassed due to her grandmother's behavior and walking away. This, again, distracts away from the serious tone of the film and reflects her normal, everyday life. It also would interest the viewer as it is possibly suggesting a future love story/ tragedy. There is then a mid shot of the young girl riding her bike. The camera then switches to shots of her mother and father watching her proudly. There is also a two shot of the mother and the girl sitting on the bed laughing and then a two shot of the girl and her father bonding. All of these shots are effective as they initiate to the viewer the close, loving relationship between the family and therefore highlight the huge effect it will have on their lives when their daughter is murdered. There is then a wide shot of the girl standing in what appears to be a field/park. The music cuts which initiates a change in mood, the girl is alone in an isolated, wide open space in which any of the public are allowed access to - including her killer. The camera then takes a close up shot of the girl standing on her own in which she appears young and vulnerable. There is then a wide shot of the police standing in the same spot in which the young girl once was. This initiates to the viewer the time change in the film and that now she has been murdered. There is a close up of the mother showing her crying, again, initiating the young girl's death and her families distraught reaction to it. There is later a two shot of the young girl becoming face to face with her killer. The killer has his face away from the camera which is effective as his full identity isn't revealed so he remains a mystery. There is then a wide shot of the murderer in his own home watching the girl from the window. This would make the audience fearful of him and his intentions. There is then a close up of the murderer showing anger in his face as he realises there is an intruder in his house. This would cause fear in the audience as they know it is the young girl's sister who could be tempting her fate to be the same as her sister's. There is then an extreme close up of the killer's face highlighting his contempt and then the camera pans and follows him as he chases the girl upstairs. This would excite/frighten the reader which is effective in a film trailer. As the trailer commences, there is a high angle shot of the killer at the top of the stairs from the cellar - the place in which he acts out his killings. This is significant as it shows him as superior - typical of a horror villain.

Sound:
The trailer begins with happy, upbeat music, expressing the normality of the girl's life before the murder. When the young boy says to the girl, 'Susie, you are beautiful' it is effective as it suggests a possible love story within the film but how the tragic events will change this. When the young girl says 'I was fourteen when I was murdered' the music stops and changes into more eerie and melancholy music. This initiates a change in mood and contrasts with the previous love scene. The killer then says 'You're the Salmon girl, right?' which is effective as he later repeats this to the young girl's sister which would make the audience fear for her and forebode what is to come of her fate. There is then a ring of a telephone and a smashing of glass which could be effective as it creates an almost frantic atmosphere as her father is trying to trace her killer. It could also reveal his frustration. As the young girl's sister is in the killer's house, she tries to escape however catches his attention by the creaking floorboards. Creaking floorboards are often used in horror films to create suspense and tension. The music then becomes more dramatic as he begins to chase her and the film trailer comes to and end. The trailer ends with the young girl's ghost saying 'Don't be afraid' which has a supernatural/eerie feel.

Editing:
At the beginning of the trailer, the editing is of normal pace which is effective as it reflects the girl's normal life before she was stalked and murdered. The editing becomes fast paced towards the end of the trailer when the sister is being chased and the frustration of the family's inability to find her murderer increases.

Mise-en-scene:
At the beginning of the clip, there is bright/natural light when the the young girl and grandmother are in what appears to be a shopping center. The young girl is wearing a lilac jumper which is effective as it could present her as a typical, innocent girl who is therefore vulnerable. When the girl is riding her bike, again, her innocence is shown. The prop of the bike is effective as it suggests she is learning to ride a bike/has just learnt which highlights her age. The use of the roses are also effective as they are typical symbols of love and affection. That her parents are the ones with the roses shows there utmost love for their child and that they wish to protect her. Susie is typical of a horror film victim in terms of appearance as she has light blonde hair suggesting femininity and innocence which would create more sympathy from the audience. The 'baddy' could be seen to be against the typical stereotypes of a horror villain which is significant for the film's content as he is thought to be merely a member of the community. When the camera switches to the scene of Susie's muder - the killer's own basement - the lighting is dark creating a sense of fear and mystery.

Research into Similar Products - Analysis of Horror Trailer 1

I have decided to analyse a horror trailer as I think it will help and influence me in producing my own horror teaser trailer. Due to my recent research, I am now aware of the definition of horrors and the typical conventions they obtain. Now I am going to look in more detail at how the genre is portrayed in the trailer and how they evoke fear and intrigue in the reader. I will look closely at the camerawork, sound, editing and mise-en-scene and if any representations are produced that I can use in my own trailer.

The trailer I will analyse will be 'The Conjuring' as I think it is similar to the type of horror I want to produce.



Camerawork:
At the beginning of the trailer, there is a mid shot of the family entering their new house which immediately informs the audience of the main characters within the film. This is also effective as it automatically creates suspense in the viewer as the family are entering unfamiliar surroundings presenting a fear of the unknown. There is then close ups of the youngest daughter spinning her mother around and the other children running around the house joining in with the games. This is used near the start of the trailer to show the audience an example of their normal family life and possibly forebode the contrast of strange happenings that are to come. A wide shot is then used showing the mother blindfolded and looking for her daughter. The fact she is temporarily 'blinded' could cause tension in the audience as she is at a disadvantage to the evil entity present within the house. The shot also shows an ancient wardrobe in the background which would draw the audience's attention as it is unusual. There is then an over the shoulder shot of the mother facing the camera and the wardrobe doors opening by themselves and a pair of clapping hands appearing. The mother then hears her daughters' laugh from another room in the house and a close up is used of her frantically removing the blind fold. A wide shot it then used showing the young girl running into the room and the camera pans into a close up of the mother showing her terrified reaction to what she has realised. There is then an establishing shot of the house which contrasts to the image of it presented at the beginning. It does not look like an average, family home anymore and instead looks isolated and unwelcoming. There is then a wide shot of the mother carrying on her daily life folding up what appears to be clothes. It is night time and she is alone, again, putting her at a disadvantage to the entity within the house. The shot also shows the room quite clearly; like the wardrobe of the other room, it seems to be old and ancient creating an eerie atmosphere. The camera then pans and follows the mother out of the room as she leaves to find out where the strange noise came from. As the camera pans up the long corridors from the mother's point of view, it shows her surrounding are dark and, again, she is alone. This would create fear within the audience as she is a female so would assume she is vulnerable and weak. There is then a high angle shot of the photos falling off the wall creating an image of chaos and destruction. The camera then fades into shots of the mother walking down the stairs and into various rooms of the house. The audience would feel on edge as they are aware something bad is going to happen. There is then a wide shot of the mother holding herself against the wall in fright and the door to the basement opening by itself. There is then a low angle shot of the mother as she peers into the dark of the basement. There is then a close up as the mother tries to escape the basement however is knocked down by the closing of the door. There is a moment of darkness and shrill screams and the camera moves into a close up of the mother with only a match flame to protect her from the darkness. The camera zooms into the flame which highlights the mother's fear as her hand is shaking. There is then a high angle shot from the point of view of 'something' standing behind her showing the mother as inferior. The camera then shows the hands clapping and the trailer cuts.

Sound:
At the beginning of the trailer, music is played as the mother and her children play a typical family game. The music does not particularly portray a happy atmosphere but is not typical of a horror film. However, as the the wardrobe opens, the music stops abruptly and the only sound left is the creaking of the door. The sound of claps within the trailer are significant as they initiate the presence of the entity. As the mother realises something strange is present, eerie sounds are played in the background throughout to add to the atmosphere. There is then a loud smash as the photos fall and break alarming the audience and creating fear. The door of the basement then bangs shut loudly and the mother is left alone in the room. There is then another significant clap and then loud, shrill screams to end the trailer.

Editing:
The main editing technique used throughout the clip is normal paced editing to highlight the every day life of the family before the strange happenings begin and stir normality. Another device the editor uses is the break in editing. At moments of high suspense, the editor cuts the clip into text which reveals information about the upcoming film. This is effective as it creates increased suspense and tension in the audience.

Mise-en-scene:
The film is mainly set in a grand, old house which is the typical setting of a horror. Immediately, the viewer would assume, with the house, comes old, ancient apparitions. That the family are new to the house also causes suspense as they are not comfortable or aware of their surroundings yet, putting them in possible danger. The main lighting used within the trailer is low-key lighting. This is effective as it creates a dark and eerie atmosphere agreeing with the theme of the film and possibly foreboding what is to come.The lack of bright colors in the trailer is significant as it helps show the mood and feeling the editor wanted to create. The dark, sinister tones, therefore, foretell what is to come and stir away from a happy atmosphere. The editor has thought carefully about casting in order to create the most fear and terror possible. The main family consist of a mother, father and six daughters. That the editor has made the female casting outweigh the male  would create more tension in the audience as the typical stereotype of females is that they are weak and powerless. Furthermore, the male character within the film is not your typical strong, 'macho' man, again, creating more fear when disaster strikes.

Definition of a Horror Film

I then decided to research what defines a horror film. Wikipedia's definition of a horror is 'a film genre seeking to elicit a negative emotional reaction from viewers by playing on the audience's primal fears. Horror films often feature scenes that startle the viewer; the macabre and the supernatural are frequent themes. Thus they may overlap with the fantasy, supernatural and thriller genres. 
Horror films often deal with the viewer's nightmares, hidden fears and terror of the unknown. Plots within the horror genre often involve the intrusion of an evil force, event or personage, commonly of supernatural origin into the everyday world. Prevalent elements include ghosts, aliens, vampires, werewolves, demons, vicious animals, monsters, zombies, cannibals and serial killers.' 

Some examples of horror films I will be researching are; 'Paranormal Activity' 'The Strangers' 'The Human Centipede' 'The Conjuring' and 'The Exorcism.'