ELLIE GILLINGHAM
AS MEDIA STUDIES BLOG
After some research into different types of film genres we decided that we wanted to film a supernatural horror film, so we researched some of the conventions to get a better understanding of what we would need to think about.
INITIAL RESEARCH
CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF A SUPERNATURAL HORROR
one of the first things we thought about was location. typically the setting of a supernatural horror film will be set in the protagonist's home, which might be quite derelict or rundown to give the effect that something paranormal could also be living there. As well as this the lighting tends to be quite dark and gloomy. Low key lighting is used frequently in horror films to create a mysterious atmosphere. If there is music it might be quite eerie to build tension. Alternatively there might be no non-diegetic sound to build up the atmosphere So as not to divert the attention away from the events in the scene, the costumes might be quite plain and simple.
OUR INITIAL IDEAS
From this we decided that we wanted to film our two minute opening in some kind of abandoned/ derelict locations and that the plot should provide the audience with an idea of what the supernatural/paranormal thing is, but still maintain an air of mystery. To offer the feeling that the antagonist is an evil entity we decided we wanted to use a younger person as the victim in this scene because children
are usually seen as the most vulnerable. As well as this we wanted to keep the costumes plain and simple so that the attention is not diverted to the events happening on screen.
Examples of supernatural horror films:
The babadook
The conjuring
Paranormal activity
The woman in black
It follows
As above, so below
The grudge
Sinister
Oculus
The omen
Session 9
Insidious
Last shift
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CONVENTIONS OF A FILM OPENING
Usually in a film opening we are introduced to the main character(s) and given an idea of what the genre is through sound, mise-en-scene and the title itself. Film opening always begin with the film production logo and are then sometimes followed by an establishing shot to show the audience the setting or the main character. As well as this the title is shown at some point in the opening, which will usually reflect the genre therefore giving the audience more of an idea about the film. The title can be shown in a variety of creative ways.
