overall narrative structure and planning

This picture shows our group gathering together everyone's ideas to create a spider diagram. Everyone within the group contributed their ideas to the come up with our main idea.











With the planning of the overall narrative structure we came up with a list of costumes and props. 









This is weapon that the clown in our story will be using. We chose a bat because we wanted to portray a violent character.

Focus groups-

As a class we split off into two groups boy and girls to focus on the target audiences of horror films, and to find out specific sub-genres that are popular within the audiences that watch horror films. As well as this it will help us find out what people detest in the horror film world and will let us know what to include and what not to include in our own film in order to make them as successful as they can possibly be. Here are both groups feedback videos;

Textual Analysis- Hush

Sound-

Birds chirping- This is to connote peacefulness and tranquility, which can be the a juxtaposition of what is really going to happen.
Rustling of the bushes and trees- Connotes also peacefulness which shows that the person that is living in the house is at peace and has no problems with where they live.
Ticking of the stove- Causes tension and puts the audience feeling scared and in danger when really its only the stove.
Pouring of the wine- shows that the character is relaxed in where they live and know what they are doing.
Chopping of the food- This important because it is a connotations of violence as the character chops with a knife, which is a weapon. This type of sound can cause the audience to feel tension and scared.
Whisking of the eggs.
Crushing of the garlic- This can be connoted as a form of violence and danger.
Shaking of the cat food- This is important because this is the only way of her communicating with her cat due to the fact that she is deaf.
Silence- The use of silence is important because it gives the audience an insight to what it is like to be deaf, as well as adding to the tension of the film.



Mise en Scene-

Trees and woods- It is set in the wood which can be seen as quite secluded and alone.This can be annotated as dangerous due to the fact that the character is deaf and is not able to hear whether anything is outside of her house or not.
Car- If there was to be danger could she use her car to get away with.
Stove- A stove creates fire which is a symbol of danger and death.
Cork- The cork pops which could make the audience jump which adds to the scare of the film.
KNIFE- The knife is a very popular type of prop that is used in the horror genre and this is because they symbolise death and danger, as well as blood.
Glass windows- There are glass doors and windows in the background of some of the shots and this is to show the audience that the deaf lady is not that safe in a situation where she may be in danger. If someone wanted to get in, they could easily be able to smash the windows. The glass doors aslo are there to show the audience what is outside of the house at all times which adds to the fact that the woman is vulnerable.
The picture of both her and another female- This is included to make the film more personal to the main character by showing the audience the maybe family members of the deaf woman.

Camera Angles-

Close up of wine and fire from the stove- This is done to create a sense of disorientation because the audience do not know where the character is in the house and all they are able to see is a extreme close up of an object. This can make the audience confused and wanting to see more of the shot.
Extreme long shot- This is right at the very beginning of the scene and this is done to establish what and where the film is set in and its surroundings.
Close up of all the food- This is done to maybe show an interest of the character and show the audience what is going on at this time in the film, dinner.
Close up of the female character- This is done to show the audience what the female, main character looks like and her features. It will help the audience get to know the character and understand what she looks like.
Extreme close up of ear- This is to emphasise the fact that the main character is deaf and may cause the audience to build their own opinions on her, whether that is feeling sorry or feeling as if that the fact that she is deaf empowers her in other senses.
Over the shoulder shot- There is an over the shoulder shot of the female character texting on her phone and this is done to make the audience feel more involved with the happenings in the scene as well as making it more personal to them.

Editing-

Opening titles- The institution that produces this horror film is Blume house Productions and this is because they are successful in the horror genre and make very good and popular horror films.
Titles- The titles of the film HUSH are black and bold, in capital letters. The background of the titles is white and this make the black writing stand out against it.
Establishing shot- This is of the house at the beginng of the film and this is to show the audience what the setting is
Fast-paced editing- This occurs during the start of the opening scene where the camera cuts to shots of different foods. This infers that the film is fast paced and everything is going to be happening quickly, which will make the audience gain adrenaline and want to watch more.
Blur- There is a blur from the writing on the laptop to the female character's face. This is to reveal the very first sighting of the main character as well as to disorientate the audience because a blur into focus shot is hard to understand.
Dead space- The dead space reveals a lot of the house and whats around it. As well as this, it shows the audience the female character is a good person due to the fact that the antagonist of a horror film is usually off centred in a shot but the female character is mainly in the middle of the shot.
Panning shot- A panning shot is used to follow the female character around the house to where she needs to go, as well as showing the audience what is happening around her with the mise en scene.
The camera is always moving- With the camera always moving it gives the sense that someone is watching the female character whilst she gets on with what she is doing which adds to the tension and suspense.

Textual Analysis- Purge

Textual Analysis - Scream

Audience Pleasures of watching Horror films-

There are many different pleasures that are created when watching a horror film and examples of this include the audience theories. Audience theories put the public into different groups or sections that identify how a horror film effects them. One example of a audience theory would be the uses and gratifications theory. This theory is the idea that the audience actively watch certain films and seek specific gratifications from them. The audience that is usually associated with this theory are known as the active audience. For example, audience watch slasher horror films at home or at the cinema for their own enjoyment as it is their choice, because they are the active audience. This audience choses to watch a slasher film for their own enjoyment as well as for the adrenaline rush that is included whilst watch a horror film. There is a sense of escapism whist watching a horror film because the events that usually happen during a horror film are not relatable to the majority of the audience watching, therefore the audience that watches it are trying to escape to another world, and want to experience something they may never happen in their normal lives as much as possible, therefore they watch a film. An audience member that comes under the active audience have the chance to reject, use or play with what they are watching due to the fact they challenge what they are watching. An active audience form opinions on what they are watching as well as chose what they want to watch.

Another type audience theory is the two step-flow theory. This theory is the idea that the audience of the film forms their opinions revolving around the opinion of an opinion leader which are influenced by the mass media. Audience go to watch films that have been given a review by influential people explaining the pleasures that the film gives. This audience is seen as very passive therefore if they were to read a bad review on a horror film, or a review that was written by a person that does not like horror films then the reader will not watch that certain film. This type audience doesn't really experience  pleasures from watching the film due to the fact that they are passive therefore they can make their own decisions on whether to watch the film or not. Also they wouldn't watch a film for a reason such as escapism because they would inly be watching the film because of other's opinions.

Institution Logos

Dark Castle Entertainment

Blumhouse










Hammer Films

Miramax

Paramount




Warner Brothers















Me and my group chose the institution Miramax, and this is because Miramax is a very popularly used institution for horror films. For example the films that Miramax has produced Scary Movie 1,2 and 3, as well as Amityville Horror and Dracula.

Target audience for horror films.

Age -

The usual age for the audience of  horror film is etween 15-25. The certificate for most films are 15 and some are 18. Most yound adults in this age range ae wanting to explore life and wanting to learn new things therefor, in their developing age, horror films are good for helping them explore the world and what happens in it. This is because they want to experiment different emotions and feelings that they havn't had before and they want to seek all the thrill they can get. Therefore a horror film can help with gaining a thrill as well as triggering excitment that they  may of never had before, as well as affecting them  in a different way to what adults could be affected. A young audience is much likely to be put off by things like violnce and gore than adults and adults are known to have a negative opinion towards horror films.

Gender-

Males are the more-likely gender to watch horror films due to the stereotypical thrill seeker which is portrayed by men in the public. The male thrill seekers like to test their adult hormones by watching scary films that will stimulate them. Violence is also very popular in horror films and is one of the main features and conventions in a horror film, men also have a slight desire and long to be involved in a violent act therefore the scenes in horror films are more likely to entertain men. Male also like the thrill of violence, blood and gore due to there boisturous nature.

Class-

The class of the audience that mainly watch horror films are usually the working class of society. This is because of the level of thrill and excitment that you get from a horror film that will be able to be seen at a reasonabley cheap price. A higher class within society would usually go to watch a subgenre of a film such as an action or romance and this is because they have a higher level of expectation from a film therefore they expect a lot more satisfaction from the film that they are watching.

Certain groups of audiences-

There are many different types of family types that are more likely or unlikely to go to watch a horror film. A new, young couple would be more likely to go to watch a horror film, firstly because they are young therefore they seek thrill and excitment that a horror films helps to create. Secondly the comfort that is needed after the film is a good way in which the couple can connect with eachother as well as the conversation can be started by the horror film as it is a popular topic to talk about with someone of a young age. So horror films are popular within the young couple range. An unpopular type of family would be a family of four with young children, this would be inapropriate therefor a family with young children will go to see another genre of film like an actions or a kids film.

The Cabin in the woods- young couples

Strangers- young males

A nightmare on elm street- couples

Texas chainsaw-  males

Textual Analysis- Paranormal Activity

How institutions work in synergy for production and distribution and Institutions that mainly produce horror

Opening credits in own piece

Opening credits within a horror film are very significant. This is because they list the most important people who are in the film as well as who was involved in the making of the film. This includes the directers, writers and cameramen as well as the key main actors within the film. The title of the film is shown at the start of the film usually after the titles have been shown and this is to tell the audience what the film is actually going to be about as well as the genre, due to the font of the title. After the audience seeing the title, it will give connotations to them on what they will think the plot will include and will be like. Some examples of horror films that have significant credits and titles are;

Annabelle 2014-

The titles within this film are bright red and bold. The colour red is a connotations of danger as well as blood. This colour is used to let the audience know the danger that will happen in the film. The background of the title is black and this is done to connote the darkness of the film as well as to emphasise the importance of the title. It helps to make the title stand out.





Opening credits of our own piece- 

sound in horror

Music-

Music in horror films is very important. This is because it is very good at creating the mood of the scene. It is also Very good at contributing to the atmosphere in the film and adding to the emotion of the audience whilst watching it. There are commonly different instruments used to connote different feelings. For example- Isolated instruments are used right before a key moment in a horror film because this is to create Build in emotion for the audience and connote vulnerability of the characters.  Long prolonged notes can help with the contrast of the short sharp notes. This is used when a jump scare is about to happen. Also the contrast between the two notes are used help with tension or the action that will be happening in the scene.  

Voices-

There are many different types of voices that  are used in a horror film. Voices are used to connote the feelings of the actor within the film. For example in the Saw films jigsaw  has a very distinctive voice that is well known to many people. This can automatically cause fear because of the low tone that he speaks in. His voice is very unique therefore the audience will know who is speaking immediately. The voice is very husky, strong tone therefor this would cause a sense of intimidation.  Here is a video that shows many different types of voices that are used in the horror genre;

Sound Effects-

There are many well known used sound effect that are popular in horror films. examples of these could be-

-crows

-bats

-owls

-church bells

-witches laughing

-doors slamming

-footsteps

-bangs

Ghostly and echoed voices can become a well used sound effect in a horror film.This is because it will add to the eary atmosphere of the film as well as reinfoce the tension building within the film.

Here is an example of a door opening and foot steps, which is a very well known used sound effect in the horror genre-



Mise en scene in Horror films

Setting-

In the mise en scene of a horror film there are many different factors that contribute to reinforce the genre and its purposes. One example of a contribution to the mise en scene could be setting. Locations like a wood or forest and a cabin  could be a good contribution to a horror film. This would be because of how it can emphasise the tension that is being built throughout the film and cause a frightening atmosphere. The locations that are used are stereo-typically cut off from society with no contact and in the middle of no where. As there is no help that can be found in a fast period of time, this then adds to the alarming atmosphere of the film. If there was help available the film would be a lot less scary. An example of a film that's location is important for the story line and also the following films that were made after it would be 'Friday the 13th'. In this film the setting is a forest. By using the forest it creates a stranded atmosphere, and makes the characters feel as if they are lost and cannot escape. This particular location is mostly used at night. Due to the limited lighting it reinforces the atmosphere as terrifying and creates a more easy way of using the technique of jump-scares as there are a lot of trees that are in the forest that can be used to hide behind.  Some horror films can be set in haunted houses of the characters therefore this would be seen as a little more personal to the audience because they would be able to relate to the characters. 

Props- 

Props are used throughout the horror films and they are really important for emphasising the genre and atmosphere of the film. Different props are used for different sub-genre horror films because what props are used depends on the story line and the plot. Props can range from a weapon like a gun to a spiritual artefact like a cross or bible. In a possession film the props that are most likely to be used would be things like a cross or a bible. This is because  these props can contribute in the religion side of things throughout the film as well as the faith. An example of a possession type film that uses these kind of props would be 'The Exorcist'. This film is jam-packed with props to reinforce the loss of faith within the character. Another popular prop that is used in many different horror films could be weapons. Different types of weapons would be used in different sub-genres of a horror film. A weapon that would be used in an action horror would mostly be a gun. Guns would connote the violence that is taking place in the film and would add to the tense atmosphere. An example of a action horror that uses many guns to create a violent atmosphere would be 'The Purge.' Another type of weapon that is frequently used throughout other violent horror films would be a knife, a machete or a chainsaw. These weapons would usually be seen used in a slasher film to add to the gore affect. This type of weapon will associate with the antagonist in the film and would connect the weapon automatically to the villain. Weapons like this would not stereo-typically be used by the victim as it makes the antagonist look more crazy.  A prop like a gun could be used by the victim in a horror film and this would only be for self defence which would make the audience feel sorry for the victim as they are only defending their life.  An few examples of films that reinforce the weapon of a knife, saw of a machete could be 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre', 'Friday the 13th' and 'Halloween.'

Lighting and Colours- 

The lighting in horror films play a huge role into adding to the mysterious atmosphere of the genre. The most popular used lighting would be dark, dimmed or mysterious. This is used to create a sense of surrounding for the character and helps to emphasise and enlarge jump-scares that will occur in the film or scene. Darkness has a huge impact on the characters in the film as they are unable to identify what is lurking within darkness, which would then furthermore add to the unknown atmosphere. The dark is also a very common fear for many different people therefore the usage of it is a play off of the common and generalised fears of the public. Without the dark affect in lighting, it would not be as near scary as when it would be dark. A bright lighting would not contribute to the atmosphere that is created. 

For colours there are three main generalised colours that are used in different sub genre horror film. In a slasher horror film, the colour red will be used frequently. This is because the colour red connotes the amount of blood that appears in the film. It also portrays the danger in the film and foreshadows the death that is going to occur. In a stereo-typical horror film, the colours that are used most frequently are black and white. These colours are used to contrast the context of the horror film as good vs evil, pure and lost and hero and villain. The colour white on its own represents purity so when used in a horror film would portray a virgin character that is innocent and pure. Or it could represent the heroic character of the film. Lastly the use of black in a horror film clearly represents the the darkness side of the film which portrays the loss of soul. 

Hair, make up and costume- 




These three features all contribute into helping shape the character's personality and it will give an automatic representation whether they are good or bad in the plot. It will also determine the style of the character straight away for the audience. There is generalised costumes to suit frequently used characters in different horror films. For example a white dress will be worn on a little girl in a horror film. The girl will usually have black, tattered and messy hair that does not look washed or done. The make up in horror films also help tp identify the antagonist within the film. Certain features of the character can automatically identify the antagonist and proagonist. There is a lot of blood  used in make up in horror fims because this is a connotation of danger an death. Disfigured faces are used frequently within horror films to scare the audience and signify how the story is going to be layed out. Sweat, scars and cuts on a protgonists face can tell the audience that the character has gone througha journey and they will knw the struggles of the charater.

Here is an embedded video that has mise en scene that sets the scene of the film and shows the audience what the film is going to be based around- The Woman in Black;

Camera angles and movement in horror films

Birds eye view-

The birds eye view is used throghout a horror film for a very significant reason. By using this shot it creates a sense of the victim of the person that is in the shot is powerless and vulnarable. This is a key feature in a horror film as it will imply to the audience watching that that person is in danger and could be at risk of harm.

Close up shot-

Close up shots are generally used to create a sense of reaction form the character. By the camera zooming into the character's face it shows their reaction and emotion. These shots are also used to capture key details of the scene that it is in. This is imprtant in a horror film as the audience need to be updated with what the character is feelingand this can have an impact on the audience themselves.

 

Tracking or Panning shot-

The tracking shot and panning shots are used in ahorror film to portray the movement throughout the film. This is used very productively in horror films because it can connote a character being followed or watched in a scene. It al;so can be used to create a sense of location in a film as the audience is able to see where everything is happening and they have a full view of the surroundings of the characters. Suspence and tension is building throughout the movement of the character because of the way that the audience is unable to know what is going to happen next.

Reverse shot-

A reverse shot that is used in ahorror film is mainly used to show the audince a consequence of an action and what would of happened if a character done something differently. It helps the audience to identify the realization of the character and their actions in the film. This can then  add to the suspence that is built up in the scene. Reverse shots are also used to connote potential flashbacks in the film fo ther characters. This is highly significant in a horror film because most events in a horror film are based on regret and hwo the character shouldnt have done something.

Tilted angle shot-

Tilted angle shots are used particually to create a sense of disorientation for the audience. This shot could simplify a supernatural being present as well as giving th audince a different shot of an incident across to the audience. Another way a tilt shot can be used is to create a sense of point a view for a character that could be on the floor looking up. This can reval to the audience that the character is in danger.

Extreme long shot-

This shot can be used in a horror film to establish the location and surroudnings of where the film is taking place. This shot can put into perspective how deserted a town can be in a horror film. This is done in ahorror film to add to the suspence and creat the tension for the audince straight away at the start of the film. This automatically tells the audince what the film is going to be like as well as what kind of epople will be in it.

Low angles-

Low angles are very important in horror films as this shot can connote to the audince how scray and intimidating the villain is in the film. This could make the audince feel like the victim in the film may feel insignicant and powerless. The weakening of the character will then build the tension for the audince as they dont no what is gonna happen next with the antagonist.

Hand held camera shot-

This type of sot is used in a horror film to give the film a sense of reality. By using this kind of shot it draws the audience in and makes them feel as if they were more involved.

Point of view shot- 

This shot is used to help the audience see the point of view in the eyes of the character in the film. This is popular in horror films because it helps the audience feel more involved in what is happening in the film at the time. For example in the scene the character could be going down into a dark room therefore the audience will feel a lot tension as they will feel as if it is them that is in the action. There could also be a scene where the character in the film is being held at gunpoint therefore the audience will feel threatened by what is happening. 

Embedded video of an opening that shows a very specific camera shot- a head shot;

Example of Hybrid Genres in Horror

A hybrid genre is a mixed origin or composition. It is a way of categorising films. It is a film that combines two film genres in order to create a combination of both the films. 

Western and Horror- 'Deadlands' 

Sci-Fi and Horror- 'Aliens' 

Action and Horror- 'From Dusk till Dawn' 

Body and Horror- 'Teeth' 

Comedy and Horror- 'Beetlejuice' 

Psychological Horror- 'The Exorcist' 

Science Fiction and Horror- 'Pitch Black'

Slasher and Horror- 'Psycho' 

Romance and Horror-'Bram Stockers Dracula'

Opening Credits in general and Opening Credits in horror films-

Opening Titles in general-

Opening credits are a big part of the film industry and it is becoming a much bigger importance in the film industry. Originally opening credits were only used to state any copyrights of the film where as now they are used for a lot more different infomation on the film and the institution. The most important type of film credits that are used in a film are firstly the film title. This tells the audience what the film is exactly about and can determine the hints of the story line. Another set of important titles that are used are a list of actors and actresses that are in the film. This can then determine the popularity of the film as the actors that are acting the film can be famous therefore this will cause publicity fr the film and make the audience come to watch it. More now than before, directers are starting to state their names at the start of the film  by adding their name to an opening title. This is done to cause publicity of that directer's other films, so if the audience decide they enjoy this film they might want to go and watch another film made by that directer. The colour and boldness of the fil titles will also determine the popularity of the film because it depends on whether the titles will draw the audience in or bore them. The colour of the titles will also let the audience know what kind of film it will be, for example if the titles were red this would convey a horror film as the red can represent danger or blood. If the titles were silver or white the film titles may represent a Sci-Fi feeling it. The usage of titles throughout the time period of media has been a very big change as it has progressed and been made a lot more popluar as well as advanced.

Opening titles in Horror Films-

The opening credits in a horror are the most important in a horror film. They can vary in colours as well as shapes and sizes. All opening titles are important within a horror film due to the fact that they can determine, for the audience, what the type of subgenre the horror film can be. For example red writing can connote danger or gore within a horror film because the colour red can usually be associated with blood. These openign titles are usually large and bold to convey death and violence. They usually involve loud music in the background to inform the audience that the film may be a slasher.  A set of white titles in a horror film are usually associated with the supernatural and ghosts. They are known to appear slowly to give the film an eary feel right at the beginning. As well as this they are usually small and the writing is staggered. This is to put the audience on edge right at the beginning of the film to add to the tension and suspence.

                           

Examples of opening Credits-