Research: The Importance of Sound in Horror Films

All films, not just horror films, use a variety of different sound techniques in order to convey or enhance the emotion in the scene.; such as subtle music cues. It is often the most overlooked aspect of the film, even though it is the most important part of setting the mood of the scene. Music may progressively build to a crescendo to signify that an important event is about to happen in the scene or trail away to silence in order to show that the action of that particular scene has ended. In the context of horror films, sound is used to build the suspense before a jump scare.

For example, it was the use of the screeching violins that made the Shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" of the most recognizable scenes in the history of Horror films and without sound, Psycho's shower scene would not be as dramatic (or iconic) as it is with the score. When Music is used in films it is put in at critical moments in order to elevate the mood of the scene and change how the audience perceives the scene.

Another example is Jaws, in which sound starts of subtly before picking up in speed and volume as the predator gets closer to its pray and the background music that expresses the child's vulnerability of the child on the lilo, who is completely oblivious to what is coming.

Research: The Importance Of Opening Titles

When first researching the importance of opening titles in Horror Films, I first went onto the website http://www.artofthetitle.com then I looked at the opening titles of several movies to get an idea of how they are presented and in which order they show the names of the people that were involved in the making and distribution of the film.

I then went onto watch to the opening titles of the movie "Se7en" to do some further research on the opening titles of horror films and learn how they are significant in films. Making notes on the time of each 'title' appeared during the two minutes.

Next, I wrote "Typography" on the other side of the piece of paper and began to make notes on the exact visual style of the credits that appeared on the screen in the two minutes.

I then re-watched the opening, albeit without the sound on, and wrote the words "Visual Elements". I then wrote a list of everything that appeared on screen during the titles in the order that they appeared.

In then wrote elements of sound on another piece of paper before closing my eyes and listening to the all the sound in the title sequence before I wrote down a list of them as they were heard

Planning: Producing A Storyboard For Your Opening

Before moving on further with our planning we thought it was necessary to make a storyboard to illustrate the shots we are going to use in our 2 minute horror movie opening, this is because it would give us a clear idea of what shot would take place next including all the important information such as dialogue, angle and location. in addition to this we could visually see what would need to happen in the shot with a brief drawing of the moment, giving the directors and the actors a better understanding of what should take place. Overall it was important we did this to keep our work organised and make the recording process easier for our group allowing us to move forward with our main task with ease.

  

Planning: Considering Mise-en-Scene For Your Opening

By planing ahead mise en scene we will know what props to bring on the day if props are needed. We will then know exactly what we want the characters to wear, what the lighting will be like and equipment that we need if any is required.

We will use this set up in our film opening as it looks like a typical classroom, it has basic tables and chairs as a normal classroom. We have chosen this room as the props in the room is suitable for our opening. This room is suitable as we don't have to bring anything in.

We will rely on natural lighting and also classroom lighting for our film opening as we do not have specific equipment to use for our opening. This will mean we have to rely on the timing we film as we will need to know what times it gets dark so we can plan ahead and avoid filming in the dark.

Costumes

Each member of our cast will wear the clothing of our choice to show they are normal teenage students in their school's sixth form. We have chosen casual clothing as we feel that if our characters are wearing smart suits and like it would be much less believable for our target audience.

For Kai (Craig Burton), we felt that it was vital to illustrate that he is a sixth form student and is just another stereotypical teenager. We will express this through what the character will wear as his costume; which will consist of a white t-shirt, black jacket, black jeans and black trainers; thus suggesting that, along with the character's actions in the intro, that he is defiant and is usually up to no good.

Jermaine (George Hales) we felt that it would suit the character if he wore a costume consisting of jeans, t-shirt and a black jacket, which were items that were easily available to us for use. The reason for this is to illustrate that he and Kai are part of the same social group.

Alisha (Evie Lewis) will wear a costume consisting of a hoodie, white shirt and jeans. The reason for this is that she is a tomboy, which contrasts the costume that Ellie's character wears in the intro.

Sarah (Ellie Allday) will wear a checkered dress with a white long-sleeved shirt underneath and tights. This was to illustrate the idea that she is quite studious; thus contrasting Alisha's costume and actions during the intro for our horror film.

Props
The props will include books, pens, tables, chairs, folders, etc.