Planning: Prop List

The props we will be using for our horror film are:

• Hammer- Antagonists weapon
• Blood material- Horror iconography
• Gag- to tie up the victims
• Rope- to tie the hands of the victims
• Food colouring- horror iconography

Planning: Location Floor Plans

This is the floor plan for the location of our horror film. We decided we would sketch out the floor plan so we can work out which rooms to use. We put a star next to the rooms that will be used in the horror film.



Planning: Costumes

These are the costumes for the parents which are just normal and then we see the contrast between the normal characters and the antagonists who are all dressed in black.

This is the protagonist and she is also wearing normal clothes which is something that helps the audience create a link with her.

Planning: Location

We decided that we would film the opening sequence at my house as we feel that it will help to highlight the element of the human psychopath. Also because the area is quite isolated then it will help with the horror elements.
It is a very local and this will enable us to film more frequently as it isn't far for us to travel to. Also because the filming is all done in the house and the street outside we wont have to move around to much.

Planning: Shooting Script

The shooting script works well with the call sheets however this allows us to see in more detail the scenes that we are doing and in what order.

Planning: Shot List

We have created this shot list within our group to show the different types of shots that we are using in the opening sequence.
When we are filming we can use this list to help us with the shots, we may also use some other shots that aren't listed if we feel this will make the opening sequence better.

Planning: Script

This is the script for the horror film. Both characters have an equal amount of speech and makes it realistic as they are having a conversation. We have used normall everyday language so that it is again realistic but we havent used any swearwords as it isnt appropriate for our horror film.

Planning: Call Sheets

These are the call sheets for our filming and they are used to show who will be need on the set. However with our filming we need all cast for both days but on the second day we have to film both interior and exterior and different costumes are required. These call sheets will help us keep track of who and what is needed for filming. 



Planning: Mind Map

This was our initial story board where we planned our first ideas. We were able to explore different ways in which the horror film could go and write down the sort of killer we would have and the characters. This was a starting point for us to begin the planning. Some of these ideas might be changed or developed as me move on through the planning.

This was our second mind map were we wrote down our actual idea we thought in more detail about the story line and what the key parts were. This allowed us to create a basic outline for the opening sequence. 





Planning: Story Board

This is the story board for our horror film. We have planned out each different shot for the opening sequence.
So in the first scene we will use a medium shot to show the setting. We will use close-ups to show the emotions and also the hostages.

This story board helps us to know what we need to film in our scenes and gives us something to follow when filming.

Planning: Complete Cast

Charlotte Savage will play the main protagonist within the opening scene.

Adam Williams will play the parent who has been kidnapped within the opening scene.

Vicky Ahmed will play the role of the mother who is also kidnapped within the opening scene.

John Barratt will play the role of the Antagonist within the opening scene.



Planning: Group and Job Roles

Group Members- Charlotte Savage and Laura Ticer

Producer/Director- Within our group we decided that Laura would be the best when using the camera as she has had more experience, however I will help her as much as I can when choosing the best angles and shots for the opening sequence.

Script Writing- When creating the script we are both going to work together so that it all flows together well and it will be the best quality.

Editing- Both myself and Laura will be responsible for the editing process and we feel we can work together well to make the decisions about the final product. I also feel that if we work together it will look more professional and we will both be happy with the final sequence.

Actors- We have decided that I will be acting in the opening sequence as I do A Level drama and have had experience with acting. However as there is only two members in our group and Laura is using the camera we have to use people outside of the group to act within the film. We have decided to use another person from my A Level drama class as the standard will be Higher and we will use Adam Williams to play the part of the Antagonist.

Research: Target audience; Graphs



I have used these graphs to show the results from my questionnaire. The first graph is showing what sub-genre the people I have asked prefer to watch, so from this graph you can see that most people prefer splatter of slasher and then less people prefer teen horror or supernatural.

In the second graph it shows what horror location people prefer and from these results it is clear that the prefered location is abandoned bulidings, and then a smaller precent of people prefer it filmed in a house or in a remote location and nobody likes a horror film to be filmed in the countryside or a forest.

The final graph shows what horror film they prefer to watch and overall Saw is the most popular and Halloween and Scream are also popular but not as much as Saw.



Research: Target audience; Questionnaire

To find out what my target audience like to see within a horror film I decided that I would create a questionnaire and then give them out to a few people within my target audience.
I gave it out to 4 Boys and 4 Girls so that I could get a fair representation of what they like within a horror film and I can then go on to use this when creating my opening sequence.

Research: Opening titles and credits

The opening titles for Saw are shown under a green filter and this creates a very eerie effect is shows the audience that it is a horror and also by the items shown on the screen you can see there will be some sort of twist to the story.
The font that is used for the text is very creepy and again shows the genre of the film to the audience.


The opening titles are used to introduce the actors, production team and directors.

This is the opening credits for Saw and this is showing the name of the production company.

Horror iconography is used with the barbed wire around the name to help show the horror genre to the audience.

There is also more horror iconography used when the stake comes down through the words.

Research: Targeting an audience

To target an audience the film distributors use a wide range of methods to help attract people. They use film trailers which is a sequence of clips from the film and this helps to give the audience an idea of what the film is about. They also use adverts on television which contains a short trailer and this helps to attract a wider variety of people. Junkets are also used which is where members of the cast are interviewed and they answer questions about the film.

Another very common method is used to target audiences and this is film posters the colours used within that film poster usually represents the genre of the film and this shows the audience what it will be about.

For example in this poster for Saw VI a lot of black is used and this helps to show the audience that it is a very dark and scary film and also the red in the middle which is usually symbolic of blood and this also helps the audience to realise the genre of the film. There is normally a picture of the protagonist or a motif that is linked to the film and this is called the central image.

In  this poster we see the red spiral and this is a reoccurring image within Saw as it is saw on the dolls face, the antagonist. This shows the audience that the films are carrying on and the same franchise is making more films.

Film reviews and word of mouth are also other ways that films are publicised. Film reviews are usually shown in magazines and also on the Internet and if they are good they will encourage people to go and see the film however the can also discourage people if the review is bad.

http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?DVDID=9010

This is a review that is taken from Empire magazines website about the film 28 Days later, this review is accessible for anybody with the Internet and could seriously affect the films sales depending whether it is good or not. Also through word of mouth somebody may discourage or encourage you to go and see a particular film.

Research: Introduction into target audiences

When creating a film the director will have to first think about the audience that they want to target and this will alter the way in which the film is made. The target audience is called the demographic.

Age- The normal age range for horror films is around 15-30 year olds, however films that are classified as being 15s are not as graphic as an 18 rated film. We feel that we can target this audience well and we will ensure that it is suitable for this age range. 
It is said on the BBFC website that "Older audience often pay to see horror films because they like being frightened or shocked."

Ethnic Groups- Horror films normally appeal to white ethnic groups, lower and middle classes, this is because the main protagonist is normally white and the monster fodders that are killed off by the antagonist are the ethnic minorities.

Gender- Horror films are usually targeted at young males as they enjoy the rush that comes from watching them, also because they show female protagonist that is being chased by a male antagonist. However females do also enjoy the thrill of horror films and I hope that within our opening sequence we will be able to target both a male and female audience. 

Research: What makes an effective horror opening sequence?

An effective horror opening sequence should show the genre of the film through the use of iconography, setting and lighting. So for example if the film was a zombie movie then it should show the genre by using iconography and showing a zombie on screen with ripped clothing, blood on its face and blood shot eyes and this will show the audience the genre.

I also think it is important to introduce the characters very early on as it helps the audience to build a connection with them and follow their story throughout the film. So if the protagonist is introduced in the opening sequence it will help the audience to follow the events within the film. I also think monster fodders should be used in the opening as again this helps to show the genre of the film and gives the audience an idea in to what will happen throughout the film.

  

I think that the main Antagonist should be shown later on in the film, as this helps to create a sense of mystery for the audience and leaves them questioning who is behind everything.

Music is another important aspect for the opening of a horror film, and eerie non-digetic music should be used to help create tension and fear for the audience.

Research: Effective horror film opening: Halloween 2

  http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=uzKuFMU459I

Micro

The opening of Halloween starts with very dark lighting and there is a storm outside which can be heard, we hear thunder and lighting whilst she is lying in the hospital bed and this helps to create tension. It shows the audience the genre of the film.
It then moves to the nurses and we see a medium shot of them talking and laughing which then changes to a close up a shows they are happy, this is in contrast to the previous scene as that was very dull and negative.
We also see a close up of the girls face which is very scared and this shows that it is a follow on film as she has already been through a trauma.
A low angle shot is used to show the girl struggling down the corridor and we see that she is very ill and again injured. We also see long shot and this shows the audience her isolation and there is tense music playing in the background to show the audience something is about to happen.

There is a long shot showing the nurse walk in with blood all on her face and then the thunder sounds in the background again this shows the horror aspect and then the Halloween man walks in and screams are heard. The opening ends with the nurse laying dead on the floor and this is shown through a high angle looking down on her.

Macro

The setting for the opening sequence is typical for the horror genre and shows the audience straight away what sort of film it will be. It is set in an isolated hospital with hardly anyone around with dark lighting.

We see the main protagonist who is the main girl and we see how she escapes from the antagonist. A monster fodder is also used and it is a nurse who is of ethnic minority and this is something that is reoccurring within horror films and the ethnic minorities are often killed of first.

There is Halloween decorations around the hospital counter and this shows what time of year it is and ties in with the title of the film this is also something that helps to show the genre of film to the audience. Horror iconography is used when we see the scars on the patient and the blood that is covering the nurse. 

For example in the picture this is the perfect way to use iconography to show the horror genre.



Research: Effective horror film opening: Saw 2

Micro Features

The film opens with a very blured image and this is a pulled focus shot. It is a point of view shot and shows a man that is coming round from being drugged. The pulled focus shot is used to help show this to the audience and it shows to the audience the effect it has had on him. A hand held camera is also used in the opening and this makes the shot very shaky and adds an eerie effect to the film, it also helps the audience to connect to the film.

It then uses a 360 degrees pan around the man to show the confined room and setting that the man is in and this is when the audience see that it is the horror genre.

An extreme close-up shows the mans eye when he is told that he has a key behind it, this helps to show the audience how he is trying to cut the key out and it enables them to feel close to the action and see the struggle he is going through.

A green filter is also used to give this eerie effect to the opening of the scene which is shown in the above picture. It also gives the audience a clue about the genre.

The digetic sound of a clock is use to help create tension throughout the scene as he tries to unlock the head clamp and break free. It also shows a montage of images which quickly flash on the screen alongside some tense music to create suspense and again raise tension.

Macro Features

There is a wide range of horror iconography used within the opening of Saw and these all help to create the horror. They use a very large head clamp that the man is trapped in and this helps to show the audience the horror of the situation for the man and this is shown from the start.

There is also the horrible doll that appears on the televison screen and this shows how scary and weird the person is that has put him in this position.

The man has a lot of blood around his eye which also helps to show the horror genre, but it also links to what the doll is saying about putting the key behind his eye and this creates fear as you realise the position he is in.

   They also help to show the horror genre by using a monster fodder which is the man that is killed within the opening scene and we are also introduced to the antagonist straight away. The antagonist helps to narrate the scene and this is something that helps the audience gain a picture about what is happening.

   The setting is very run down and appears to be a very grim and dirty basement and this creates horror and makes it seem scary and creepy.

Research: Effective horror film opening: 28 Days Later

Micro Features

The film starts with a long shot of the town and this shows how deserted it is and sets the scene for the film it also makes the opening apear creepy and eerie. This helps to show the genre of the film. We also see a high angle and this helps us to see how vunerbale the protagonist is as he is alone is a very vast city. A dutch angle is used to create a sense of disoriantion and its makes it feel strange and unusual.

An alarm, digetic sound, is sounded in the opening scene and this stands out from the tense background music that is heard throughout the opening scene and this is used to make the audience jump and again helps to show the horror genre.

The lighting throughout the opening scene is very natural as it is mainly set outside, however when the protagonist moves in to the church, a place where you would believe he is safe, the lighting is used to show otherwise. It is extemely dark inside the church and this helps to build up the audiences tension as they can not predict what will happen and there is only a small amount of lit coming from the window.

Macro Features

The costumes that are used for the zombies show the audience the part that they are playing; they are wearing red lenses and old torn clothes. The main character is wearing hospital clothes and has messy hair which shows that he has been unconcious for a long time.

   The setting is very important for the film as it shows the audience the genre and gives them an idea what the film will be about. The first setting is a deserted hospital, we are able to see that it is deserted by all of the over turned chairs and drinks cans that are spread across the floor. When the protagonist walks out in to the centre of London there is other items scattered on the floor such as souvenirs and there are over turned buses and cars. The protagonist also see's a missing persons wall which shows that there has been something terrible going on. All of these settings are used to show the audience the genre of the film.

There is a limited amount of characters in the opening scene and these are the main protagonist and you see a few of the zombies and this helps to make the opening a lot more intense

Sub Genres and Hybrids

Within a film genre there is normally a sub genre which is more specific to what the film is about. For example within a horror film there is the sub genres; slasher, psycological horror, vampires and splater films.
A Splatter film is a film in which there is alot of blood and gore, Slasher usually shows the antagonist with a knife as his weapon, vampire horrors focus around vampires and psycological is about a disturbed human.

A Hybrid film is where two genres of films are put together for example in the film 'Shaun of the Dead' they put horror and comedy together to make the film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfDUv3ZjH2k

The Shaun of the Dead trailer is the perfect example of a Hybrid film as it shows both comedy and horror.

For my horror film i have chosen to do a psycological film as it shows a human killer.





Characteristics of the Horror Genre

1. Settings- The setting for the horror film is a very important aspect and normally consists of a very isolated location. This could be a house in the middle of nowhere, away from anyone else. This also leaves the main characters alone in their trouble with noway of gaining help from people around them. There is also the diaster film in which a whole city of country is wiped out leaving the main characters on there own in a vast place, for example in '28 Days Later.' These are both very effective film openings and help to show the horror genre.

2. Characters- There should always be a Protagonist in a film; this is the hero/ heroine and this character will normally be the last surving character. If the Protagonist is a girl then the will be called the 'final girl' and this derived from Carol J. Clover's book, in which she says it is important for there to be a final girl who beats the male Antagonist.

The Antaginist is the character in which the trouble comes from, they will either be a supernatural killer or a human psycopath. There will also be the stock characters; such as the monster fodder which is a character that is normally killed very early on in the film and this helps to show the audience who the antagonist is and the genre of the film.

3. Iconography is also another important aspect and these are used to show the horror genre. Horror iconography are items such as masks, knives and guns and these are usually owned by the antagonist.

My Chosen Genre

I have to chosen to create the opening sequence to a horror film, I feel that this will be easy for an audience to identify through the Micro and Macro features. I can use horror iconography such as masks, blood and knives to portray the genre, and by killing of a character this will help to show the genre. You can also use a variety of camera angles and lighting effects to add effect; for example dark eerie lighting.

For example in this screen shot from saw, it uses green filters to create and eerie effect alongside a low close up angle to show the horror of the film. The head trap is part of the horror iconography and helps to represent the genre.

The typical audience for horror films is usually teenagers this is because they enjoy the thrill of watching them. A majority of the people that watch horror films are males as they enjoy the different aspects.
I will look at a few openings to horror films to see what makes them effective. I will also carry out some other research methods to see what interests teenagers in horror films and these will help me to understand what attracts and audience to horror films.

Research: Effective Film Opening Case Study 2- Casino Royale

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epxYm3OouQA&feature=related

Micro Features

The opening credits for Casino Royale, where we see the MGM logo are in black and white and this is to show that the company has been rebooted and taken back to when it first started.

The scene opens with a long establishing shot to show the audience where the film is set and we also see a ditch angle (Slanted) which gives the idea of madness of insanity. Non- digetic music is then heard and this gives a sinister effect and helps to build up tension and this goes along side the clock which is counting down again helping to create tension.

Durring a fight scene a hand held camera effect is used and this makes the audience feel involved in the fight as it is very shaky. 
We then hear the theme music and the trade mark image is shown; of Bond looking down the barrell of a gun and there is then the digetic sound of a gun shot.

(Print Screen taken from Youtube)

When the opening credits are shown we see spades and clubs to represent the Casino in the title.

It shows side lighting when introducing the character and this leaves an element of mystery and shows that he is a bad character.

Macro Features

To help with the narrative we see text at the bottom left of the screen and this says where the opening sequence is set.
It falls under the genre of a spy film and this portrayed in the opening through the use of guns and the protagonist is wearing a suit. The theme is also shown through the first two killings that Bond makes and this helps to portray this to the audience. 
The setting of the film shows to different aspects of the spy genre one being a dirty bathroom and the other is a very posh board room and this is something that shows the glamorous side and the reality.  

Research: Effective Film Opening Case Study 2- Borat

Micro Features

Borats opening credits are translated from Kazakhstani to English and this automatically shows us where the film is set and makes it seem very low budget as the text is simply placed over the top. There is also traditional Kazakhstani music which also shows us where it is going to be set.

The camera is hand held and shows us that it is a documentry and can also show that it will be a comedy as it isnt very serious or professional.

The setting is in a very poor country and this is shown by the old shacks and cramped spacing, however high key lighting is used to make the film apear friendly.

Macro Features

We first see and establishing shot of Borat walking through Kazakhstan and this helps us to see the setting and as he is walking we see the area around him filled with old shacks and this shows it isn't very well developed.

When Borat speaks in the film he adresses the audience this is called intransitive narrative and this makes the audience feel involved and shows that it is a documentary.

However there are aspects of the film that makes it clear it isn't a documentary but a mockumentary or comedy. For example comedy iconography is used in the Mankini to show this.

Research: Effective Film Opening Case Study 2- The Emperor's New Groove

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CmEqtPOFFw





Micro Features
The opening sequence starts with dark low key lighting and this not only shows the audience it is night time, but it reflects the mood and shows that it is very negative. We then hear a non-digetic voice over which follows on from the negative tone and we hear the protagonist as he explains what is happening in the scene. He tells the audience how he used to be an emperor but now has nothing. This is very effective as it sets the scene for the audience.

The opening credits then appear and they are in gold and this reflects the emperor when he had all of his riches and the colour shows this well. Comedy Iconography is also used showing the llama and this helps to show the genre, however it is also foreshadowing the emperors future when he is turned in a llama later on in the film.

(Picture taken from Youtube video)

We then see flash backs to the castle to show how the emperor fell from grace and there is some very upbeat happy music to show that that was a good time of his life, and this contrasts well with first time we see the llama.

Macro Features

We see a shot that pans down to an establishing shot and this shows the llama in the jungle. We then see the shot change from the jungle to the palace.

The prominant colour gold in the film shows how rich the emperor was and his dominant body language shows he is in power.

(Picture taken from Youtube video)

It is very obvious from the start that the film will be a comedy and this is something that is shown well through the talking llama.

I think this is a very effective opening and shows the genre well it is clear to the audience that is is a family film and this is something that is important in the opening of the film.