Reflective Analysis

Short Horror Film:

Our Objective was to produce a small sequence, from 1-2 minutes long, which would fit into both the horror and thriller genre. In order to make this effective we included conventions from both genres, this includes the types of shots used such as; long shots, mid-shots, close ups. We filmed these shots In various different ways, examples of these are; tracking shots, zooms and panning. All of these were used in order to create nervousness within the viewers and to also keep them wondering what is going to happen next. We used a familiar setting as well as characters which are easy to relate too, this helps the audience to feel fear as they can imagine themselves in that position.

The first half of the film was set in an open environment and as the sequence progressed the setting changed from into a confined space of a building and then a small room. The setting of a small room or corridor is a major horror convention which we thought would add to the audiences fear. Buildings are used as it shows the audience they are in a confined space and it is difficult for them to escape if needed. In our film we showed the victim walk into the building shortly followed by the stalker, this would have emphasised the 'trapped' feeling and would have heightened the feeling of panic in the viewers. As well as this the lighting suddenly changed from high-key when outside to very low-key when inside, this would have gave the building a sinister feel and also created uneasiness in the viewers.

The age group to which this is aimed at is teenagers and adults which is why our rating would be 12 or 12A. This is because of  the themes that the sequence projects such as stalking and murder would not be suitable for children under the age of 12 to see.