studying horror films

Studying Studying Horror FilmsHorror Films

Making a horror trailer for Making a horror trailer for a new horror moviea new horror movie

GenreGenre

A genre is a type of film: romance, comedy, A genre is a type of film: romance, comedy, horror, science-fiction, action/adventure…horror, science-fiction, action/adventure…

Now complete the ‘Genre Mix ‘n’ Match’ activityNow complete the ‘Genre Mix ‘n’ Match’ activity

Sometimes a film borrows from more than Sometimes a film borrows from more than

one genre, these films are called one genre, these films are called HybridsHybrids

Now complete the ‘hybrid’ activityNow complete the ‘hybrid’ activity

So You Think You Know So You Think You Know HorrorHorror

Name the films that the following characters appear in:Name the films that the following characters appear in:

The Conventions of Horror The Conventions of Horror FilmsFilms

List the conventions of horror movies List the conventions of horror movies (conventions are the elements you (conventions are the elements you expect in a horror film):expect in a horror film):

Complete the conventions sheet attachedComplete the conventions sheet attached

Horror Movie Conventions 1Horror Movie Conventions 1

BloodBlood DeathDeath KillingKilling VillainVillain VictimsVictims Haunted houses and isolated settingsHaunted houses and isolated settings MonstersMonsters Evil Evil

Horror Movie Conventions 2Horror Movie Conventions 2

WeaponsWeapons DarknessDarkness StormsStorms Chase sequencesChase sequences GoreGore ViolenceViolence ScreamsScreams GhostsGhosts

FearFear

What makes us scared?What makes us scared?

Suggested horror movies to Suggested horror movies to watch:watch:

ScreamScream The RingThe Ring GothikaGothika The OthersThe Others Blair WitchBlair Witch

Generic Horror Movie Log Generic Horror Movie Log SheetSheet

When you watch a horror movie complete the following tasks When you watch a horror movie complete the following tasks about it:about it:

What is the film called?What is the film called? Who directed it? (Have they directed any other horror films?)Who directed it? (Have they directed any other horror films?) WhenWhen was it released? was it released? Does it have any well known stars in it? If so who?Does it have any well known stars in it? If so who? List the Horror genre conventions in the film.List the Horror genre conventions in the film. What elements in the film created fear and suspense?What elements in the film created fear and suspense? What elements in the film failed to create fear or suspense?What elements in the film failed to create fear or suspense?

It is good to watch as many horror movies as you can. Some It is good to watch as many horror movies as you can. Some contemporary horror movies as well as some older horror contemporary horror movies as well as some older horror movies (Halloweens, Nightmare on Elm Streets, Friday 13movies (Halloweens, Nightmare on Elm Streets, Friday 13th,th, …) …)

Complete the geneComplete the generic horror movie log sheet ric horror movie log sheet when watching hwhen watching horror filmsorror films

Narrative and CharacterNarrative and Character Narrative: most, according to Propp, film narratives follow this structure:Narrative: most, according to Propp, film narratives follow this structure:

Equilibrium – disequilbrium – a new state of equilibriumEquilibrium – disequilbrium – a new state of equilibrium

According to Propp again, there are certain characters in films and stories According to Propp again, there are certain characters in films and stories with certain functions:with certain functions:

the herothe hero – the one on the quest and the one who saves the – the one on the quest and the one who saves the dayday

the villainthe villain – the evil one who causes the disequilbrium – the evil one who causes the disequilbriumthe helperthe helper – a person who helps the hero on their quest/the – a person who helps the hero on their quest/the

sidekicksidekickthe victimthe victim – at the mercy of the villain – at the mercy of the villainthe donorthe donor – someone who has something special which will help – someone who has something special which will help

the the herohero

Complete the narrative and character worksheetComplete the narrative and character worksheet on the horror movies that you watch on the horror movies that you watch

Brief Outline of the Film Brief Outline of the Film Industry 1Industry 1

ProductionProductionA small production company will form and have an idea for a A small production company will form and have an idea for a

new movie. They will then have to get funding for this movie. new movie. They will then have to get funding for this movie. Movies often cost many millions of dollars/pounds to make. Movies often cost many millions of dollars/pounds to make. The production company will go to a distributor for this The production company will go to a distributor for this money. money.

If the distributor likes the idea: in other words that the film has If the distributor likes the idea: in other words that the film has a winning formula (similar films have been successful before) a winning formula (similar films have been successful before) or that it is so brilliantly original that it amazes them (this is or that it is so brilliantly original that it amazes them (this is most unlikely to be the case). Also the idea must meet the most unlikely to be the case). Also the idea must meet the conventions of the genre to which it belongs. Then the conventions of the genre to which it belongs. Then the distributor may well lend the money for the production distributor may well lend the money for the production company to make their film.company to make their film.

The distributor can force changes to the idea and demand that The distributor can force changes to the idea and demand that certain stars appear in the film.certain stars appear in the film.

Production…Production…

The production phase itself is split up The production phase itself is split up into 3 sections:into 3 sections:

1.1. Pre-production: planning, design, Pre-production: planning, design, storyboarding, casting…storyboarding, casting…

2.2. Production: the actual shooting of Production: the actual shooting of the moviethe movie

3.3. Post-production: editing the movie Post-production: editing the movie together, adding sound and special together, adding sound and special effectseffects


Distributor/DistributionDistributor/DistributionThese are the people with money. They are often the large These are the people with money. They are often the large

studios: Universal, Twentieth Century Fox and Warner studios: Universal, Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Brothers. They are often part of huge media Brothers. They are often part of huge media conglomerates: Vivendi Universal, News Corporation and conglomerates: Vivendi Universal, News Corporation and AOL Time Warner. They are wealthy and own much of the AOL Time Warner. They are wealthy and own much of the world’s media. world’s media.

Once the film has been produced (made) then the distributors Once the film has been produced (made) then the distributors start marketing the film: posters, interviews with stars, start marketing the film: posters, interviews with stars, merchandise, soundtrack, trailers…merchandise, soundtrack, trailers…

Seeing as the distributor lent most of the money for the movie Seeing as the distributor lent most of the money for the movie then they scoop up the majority of the film’s profit.then they scoop up the majority of the film’s profit.

The distributors are often American, hence this is why the The distributors are often American, hence this is why the American Film Industry dominates our screensAmerican Film Industry dominates our screens


ExhibitionExhibitionThe showing of the film. This can be The showing of the film. This can be

either:either: CinemaCinema DVD (rental and sales)DVD (rental and sales) Video (rental and sales)Video (rental and sales) Satellite/digital TV and Box OfficeSatellite/digital TV and Box Office Terrestrial TVTerrestrial TV

History of the Horror Movie History of the Horror Movie Condensed…Condensed…

Horror movies have been around since silent movies (Nosferatu). Obviously being scared Horror movies have been around since silent movies (Nosferatu). Obviously being scared is something the audience want. The horror movie received a huge revival in the late is something the audience want. The horror movie received a huge revival in the late 70’s early 80’s (Omen and Nightmare on Elm Street) but died a sad death in the late 70’s early 80’s (Omen and Nightmare on Elm Street) but died a sad death in the late 80’s and throughout most of the 90’s. 80’s and throughout most of the 90’s.

However, with the advent of the horror smash parody Scream the genre is, once again, However, with the advent of the horror smash parody Scream the genre is, once again, extremely popular. extremely popular.

What was frightening back in the silent movie days and what is frightening now may well What was frightening back in the silent movie days and what is frightening now may well have changed. As society changes so do our fears.have changed. As society changes so do our fears.

For example, when moving image was first invented footage of a moving train caused For example, when moving image was first invented footage of a moving train caused fear in the audience because people really believed that the train would come fear in the audience because people really believed that the train would come straight out of the screenstraight out of the screen

www.darkwebonline.com/top100horror1.aspwww.darkwebonline.com/top100horror1.asp

The web address above will take you through the top one hundred horror movies.The web address above will take you through the top one hundred horror movies.

Research and produce your own power point presentation of the history of the horror Research and produce your own power point presentation of the history of the horror moviemovie

Textual Analysis of the opening Textual Analysis of the opening sequence to Screamsequence to Scream

The opening sequence to Scream is The opening sequence to Scream is Wes Craven at his best: he Wes Craven at his best: he deliberately uses some of the most deliberately uses some of the most common horror conventions in the common horror conventions in the genre…genre…

Complete the worksheets on the opening sequence to ScreamComplete the worksheets on the opening sequence to Scream

Textual Analysis Textual Analysis Important definitionsImportant definitions

Denotation: a description of what is Denotation: a description of what is actually there in the frameactually there in the frame

Connotation: what are the Connotation: what are the suggested meanings of the elements suggested meanings of the elements you have identified under the section you have identified under the section of denotationof denotation

Complete the denotation/connotation activitiesComplete the denotation/connotation activities

Camera AnglesCamera AnglesExtreme Close Up:Extreme Close Up:This is used to This is used to

Emphasise something.Emphasise something.

What is this image What is this image

Emphasising? In otherEmphasising? In other

Words, what is the Words, what is the

Connotation of this Connotation of this

Image?Image?

Camera AnglesCamera Angles

Close Up:Close Up:This is where the This is where the

subject fills the framesubject fills the frame

it shows emotion. it shows emotion.

what is the connotationwhat is the connotation

of this of this

close up?close up?


Dutch Tilt:Dutch Tilt:Where the subject is Where the subject is

tilted. Often used in tilted. Often used in

horror to create horror to create

disorientation. What disorientation. What

is the connotation of thisis the connotation of this

Dutch Tilt?Dutch Tilt?


Extreme Long shot:Extreme Long shot:This is where the setting This is where the setting

Fills the frame. It is Fills the frame. It is

An establishing shot whichAn establishing shot which

Sets the scene…what is the Sets the scene…what is the

Connotation of this shot?Connotation of this shot?


Long shot: Long shot: this is wherethis is where

we see the subject we see the subject

in relation to theirin relation to their

surroundingsurrounding

the setting dominates.the setting dominates.

what is the connotationwhat is the connotation

of this image?of this image?


Medium long shot:Medium long shot:this is where the setting this is where the setting

and the subject are and the subject are

in equal proportion.in equal proportion.

What is the connotationWhat is the connotation

of this still?of this still?


Medium Shot: Medium Shot: thisthis

is when the subject is cut is when the subject is cut

off at the waist. You off at the waist. You

can still see their costumecan still see their costume

but also some of theirbut also some of their

emotions. What is emotions. What is

the connotation of this still?the connotation of this still?


Medium Close Up:Medium Close Up:When you can still seeWhen you can still see

some of the subject’ssome of the subject’s

physique but their emotionsphysique but their emotions

are clearly evident. Whatare clearly evident. What

is the connotation of this is the connotation of this

still?still?

Camera MovementCamera Movement

Zoom = when zooming in the camera does Zoom = when zooming in the camera does not movenot move

Tracking (dollying) = the camera moves Tracking (dollying) = the camera moves smoothly towards or away from the subjectsmoothly towards or away from the subject

Pan = the camera moves from left to right Pan = the camera moves from left to right following a moving subject.following a moving subject.

Hand-held camera = produces a jerky Hand-held camera = produces a jerky movement, creating a sense of movement, creating a sense of reality/chaosreality/chaos

Steadicam = a hand-held camera worn Steadicam = a hand-held camera worn with a harness to achieve a steady shotwith a harness to achieve a steady shot

EditingEditing

This occurs everytime that a film is cut. A film is This occurs everytime that a film is cut. A film is never shot in the order that the events happen. never shot in the order that the events happen. This would cost a fortune: all sequences with the This would cost a fortune: all sequences with the same location will be shot at the same time same location will be shot at the same time regardless of where they appear in the narrative. regardless of where they appear in the narrative. Sometimes the opening sequence to a film will be Sometimes the opening sequence to a film will be the last sequence to be shot. When a sequence the last sequence to be shot. When a sequence has high octane action the cuts/editing is fast and has high octane action the cuts/editing is fast and numerous…numerous…

Chase sequences are very good to demonstrate thisChase sequences are very good to demonstrate this

Soundtrack and Sound Soundtrack and Sound effectseffects

Soundtrack: this is the music playing in the background. It Soundtrack: this is the music playing in the background. It can be diegetic or non-diegetic. If the sound is part of the can be diegetic or non-diegetic. If the sound is part of the narrative, the action (eg: a radio playing in the shot) it is narrative, the action (eg: a radio playing in the shot) it is diegetic. However, more often than not, the soundtrack is diegetic. However, more often than not, the soundtrack is non-diegetic. Music playing in the background which is not non-diegetic. Music playing in the background which is not evident in the action.evident in the action.

Sound effects: these are the effects added during post-Sound effects: these are the effects added during post-production. For example, explosions, birdsong…production. For example, explosions, birdsong…

Jaws: watch a shark approaching sequence without the sound and Jaws: watch a shark approaching sequence without the sound and then with the sound!? Notice the difference…then with the sound!? Notice the difference…

www.filmsound.org

CostumeCostume

Costumes tell you something about the character Costumes tell you something about the character (the genre too)? What are the (the genre too)? What are the

Connotation of the following costumes?Connotation of the following costumes?

PropsProps

What are the connotations of the props What are the connotations of the props in these images?in these images?

LightingLighting

What are the connotations of the What are the connotations of the lighting used in the stills below?lighting used in the stills below?

Mise-en-sceneMise-en-scene

If you were to pause a moment in a film, that frame If you were to pause a moment in a film, that frame would be mise-en-scene. Textual analysis of would be mise-en-scene. Textual analysis of elements within this frame, in terms of denotation elements within this frame, in terms of denotation and connotation, is mise-en-scene. and connotation, is mise-en-scene.

Mise-en-scene…Mise-en-scene…

Your practical production 1Your practical production 1 You must first form a production team and invent a name for You must first form a production team and invent a name for

your production companyyour production company You must then begin your primary researchYou must then begin your primary research

The target audience is very important in any media product. The target audience is very important in any media product. You must meet their needs in order for your product to be a You must meet their needs in order for your product to be a success. So, decide on your target audience (teen…) and success. So, decide on your target audience (teen…) and create a questionnaire which sets out to discover what horror create a questionnaire which sets out to discover what horror movies are popular with this audience, what their fears are, movies are popular with this audience, what their fears are, what conventions they rate as the most important in a horror what conventions they rate as the most important in a horror film…film…

Hint: make your questionnaires easy to fill in and give the Hint: make your questionnaires easy to fill in and give the participants choices to choose from. Don’t ask a random participants choices to choose from. Don’t ask a random question like: Why do you like horror movies? Instead, give question like: Why do you like horror movies? Instead, give them a list of possible reasons to choose from to state why them a list of possible reasons to choose from to state why they like horror movies – this will make your analysis much they like horror movies – this will make your analysis much easiereasier

Your Practical Production 2Your Practical Production 2

Once your questionnaires have been Once your questionnaires have been completed and your results have completed and your results have been analysed (together with your been analysed (together with your knowledge of the horror genre and knowledge of the horror genre and your knowledge and analysis of your knowledge and analysis of horror movies + clips) you will be horror movies + clips) you will be able to begin brainstorming possible able to begin brainstorming possible ideas for your own horror movieideas for your own horror movie


Once you have decided on an idea for Once you have decided on an idea for your own horror movie then you your own horror movie then you must write the TREATMENT for your must write the TREATMENT for your film. A treatment is a 200 plot film. A treatment is a 200 plot summary of what happens.summary of what happens.

When the treatment is complete you When the treatment is complete you may begin inventing your PITCHmay begin inventing your PITCH


The Film PitchThe Film Pitch

This is a very short sales pitch about This is a very short sales pitch about your film designed to get distributors your film designed to get distributors interested in your product. interested in your product.

Films have been sold with pitches of Films have been sold with pitches of only three words: the film Alien was only three words: the film Alien was sold on the pitch: Jaws in Spacesold on the pitch: Jaws in Space

The Film PitchThe Film Pitch

www.thewww.thefilmfilmexperience.net/news/experience.net/news/

www.scripthollywood.com/id29.html www.scripthollywood.com/id29.html

www.chickenhead.com/stuff/moviewww.chickenhead.com/stuff/moviepitchpitch/index.asp/index.asp

www.geocities.com/fidelio1st/www.geocities.com/fidelio1st/filmfilm//pitchpitch.html .html


Once you have pitched your film and created your Once you have pitched your film and created your treatment. You are ready to move straight from treatment. You are ready to move straight from production into post-production.production into post-production.

The distributor ‘farms out’ the job of creating the The distributor ‘farms out’ the job of creating the trailer for a film to a post-production house. trailer for a film to a post-production house.

You, in effect, will become that post-production You, in effect, will become that post-production house and create your own trailer for your new house and create your own trailer for your new horror moviehorror movie

The Film Trailer 1The Film Trailer 1Film trailers are between 2-3 minutes long. They have about Film trailers are between 2-3 minutes long. They have about

100 cuts in them. They are designed to make the audience 100 cuts in them. They are designed to make the audience feel both:feel both:

The pleasure of the text – the audience recognises familiar The pleasure of the text – the audience recognises familiar conventions and narrativesconventions and narratives

Suspense in the audience – by the use of engima codes. Who Suspense in the audience – by the use of engima codes. Who is the killer? What happens in the end…?is the killer? What happens in the end…?

The film trailer itself tends to be structured in the following The film trailer itself tends to be structured in the following way: this structure is not ‘set in stone’ and can be moved way: this structure is not ‘set in stone’ and can be moved around to have a greater effectaround to have a greater effect

The film trailer 2The film trailer 2

1.1. The distribution company logoThe distribution company logo2.2. The production company logoThe production company logo3.3. The narrative establisher – a series of longer sequences which establish The narrative establisher – a series of longer sequences which establish

the fundamental storyline of the filmthe fundamental storyline of the film4.4. The stars or the USP – the unique selling point – often stars or directors. The stars or the USP – the unique selling point – often stars or directors.

Horror movies traditionally don’t always use well-known stars because Horror movies traditionally don’t always use well-known stars because the audience feel more uncomfortable with actors they don’t recognise the audience feel more uncomfortable with actors they don’t recognise and that don’t make them feel secure. In the trailer for the horror movie and that don’t make them feel secure. In the trailer for the horror movie Scream the director Wes Craven is the USP because he is famous for Scream the director Wes Craven is the USP because he is famous for directing the cult horror film Nightmare on Elm Streetdirecting the cult horror film Nightmare on Elm Street

5.5. A series of quick, exciting, sequences that are full of suspense from the A series of quick, exciting, sequences that are full of suspense from the film – this is the convincer in that it should create enough suspense to film – this is the convincer in that it should create enough suspense to ensure that the audience decide to go and watch the filmensure that the audience decide to go and watch the film

6.6. All through the trailer will appear the conventions of the genreAll through the trailer will appear the conventions of the genre7.7. The black and white film listingsThe black and white film listings

Complete the trailer analysis worksheetsComplete the trailer analysis worksheetsGo to www.virgin.net/movies for film trailersGo to www.virgin.net/movies for film trailers

StoryboardingStoryboarding

Now, in your production teams, please storyboard Now, in your production teams, please storyboard your film trailer using the conventions of trailersyour film trailer using the conventions of trailers

StoryboardingStoryboarding

You must number each You must number each image/sequence on your image/sequence on your storyboardstoryboard

Underneath each image on your Underneath each image on your storyboard you should include storyboard you should include some notes as to camera angles, some notes as to camera angles, lighting, etc…lighting, etc…

Please see attached blank storyboardPlease see attached blank storyboard

Prop ListProp ListCast ListCast List

In order to organise In order to organise yourselves effectively you yourselves effectively you must complete an prop list must complete an prop list and a cast list for your and a cast list for your trailer…trailer…

Please see attached blank listingsPlease see attached blank listings

Production ScheduleProduction Schedule

Your production team must complete a Your production team must complete a production schedule. You must not production schedule. You must not go over schedule as you will go over go over schedule as you will go over budget and the distribution company budget and the distribution company would lose profits…would lose profits…

See attached blank production scheduleSee attached blank production schedule

Edit ListEdit List

Now you have shot your footage; you Now you have shot your footage; you must now look at the footage on your must now look at the footage on your tape and number the sequences + a tape and number the sequences + a description of them in the order they description of them in the order they appear on the tape. Then you have appear on the tape. Then you have to, using your footage list, prepare an to, using your footage list, prepare an edit list of the sequences you will use edit list of the sequences you will use and the order they are to be edited and the order they are to be edited in…in…

See blank sheets attachedSee blank sheets attached

Evaluating your productEvaluating your product

You must evaluate your product and You must evaluate your product and the stages of production. the stages of production.

Please see attached evaluation structure Please see attached evaluation structure

studying horror films

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