Here are our examples of the top 10 horror shots...
A close up on the weapon
This is important in horror because it draws attention to the weapon and creates tension, showing the weapon suggests that the victim is in a lot of danger as it shows what they're going to be killed with. In our example, the killer is using a screwdriver. This will make the audience sympathise and attach emotions to the victim even more because the screw driver carries connotations of a slow, painful, gruesome death for the victim.
This is important in horror because it draws attention to the weapon and creates tension, showing the weapon suggests that the victim is in a lot of danger as it shows what they're going to be killed with. In our example, the killer is using a screwdriver. This will make the audience sympathise and attach emotions to the victim even more because the screw driver carries connotations of a slow, painful, gruesome death for the victim.
A high angle looking down on victim
This is important because it creates a sense of danger and gives the audience the feeling that the victim is powerless and vulnerable as they get to look down on her. This again increases the tension felt by the audience while watching the scene because if they're given the impression that she is really vulnerable, the chances of her defending herself and getting away safely are low.
This is important because it creates a sense of danger and gives the audience the feeling that the victim is powerless and vulnerable as they get to look down on her. This again increases the tension felt by the audience while watching the scene because if they're given the impression that she is really vulnerable, the chances of her defending herself and getting away safely are low.
A close up on the victim's face
This is another important shot that is normally seen in horror. It shows the audience how the victim is feeling, how they are reacting to the murder scene and their facial expressions when they see the killer. This creates a greater connection between the victim on screen and audience, it makes them want to continue watching to make sure they know what happens to her in the end.
This is another important shot that is normally seen in horror. It shows the audience how the victim is feeling, how they are reacting to the murder scene and their facial expressions when they see the killer. This creates a greater connection between the victim on screen and audience, it makes them want to continue watching to make sure they know what happens to her in the end.
Over the shoulder shot of killer
This is often an interesting shot to use as it shows you the scene from the killer's perspective and also gives the audience an opportunity to identify the killer's clothing/hair and perhaps analyse the way they act too. However, it keeps the suspense as it isn't a full view of the killer and her face. Keeping the killer unidentifiable in the beginning is something you often see in horrors. This makes it more of a mystery for the audience.
This is often an interesting shot to use as it shows you the scene from the killer's perspective and also gives the audience an opportunity to identify the killer's clothing/hair and perhaps analyse the way they act too. However, it keeps the suspense as it isn't a full view of the killer and her face. Keeping the killer unidentifiable in the beginning is something you often see in horrors. This makes it more of a mystery for the audience.
A shot reverse shot of killer and victim
This shot is important in horror films and is often used at the end. it shows the victim after they have died and then shows the killer standing above them. It implies that the killer has ultimate power and again that the victim is weak and obviously couldn't get away in time. This can be great entertainment for the audience to see realistic wounds on the actors and can make the audience feel sympathetic towards the dead victim and like they want to help the victim but are unable to because it's too late! |
360 degree shot
This is used in horror to show the audience how the victim is feeling when they're dying, it implies that they're confused, feeling in pain and dizzy. It's often used just before the victim falls down and dies. To the audience it can seem like the victim's final hope of getting help but typically in horrors, nobody is there to help. In the shot we also positioned the camera so that it was off kilter, this shows the audience that the victim is in danger and that things aren't right.
This is used in horror to show the audience how the victim is feeling when they're dying, it implies that they're confused, feeling in pain and dizzy. It's often used just before the victim falls down and dies. To the audience it can seem like the victim's final hope of getting help but typically in horrors, nobody is there to help. In the shot we also positioned the camera so that it was off kilter, this shows the audience that the victim is in danger and that things aren't right.
Fake killing
The part of the scene that shows this is important and tricky to get right. It's important that the killing process is showed in some way during the attack scenes in horrors as they are the ones that engage the audience the most and provide entertainment.
The part of the scene that shows this is important and tricky to get right. It's important that the killing process is showed in some way during the attack scenes in horrors as they are the ones that engage the audience the most and provide entertainment.
Pretending to use the weapon
This is tricky in all horror films because it's the most intense part of the scene for the audience but also because it's hard for the killer to look like they're killing someone without actually hurting them. Actors can have lots of makeup used on them to create fake wounds/bruises and you can also buy trick weapons.
This is tricky in all horror films because it's the most intense part of the scene for the audience but also because it's hard for the killer to look like they're killing someone without actually hurting them. Actors can have lots of makeup used on them to create fake wounds/bruises and you can also buy trick weapons.
Low angle on killer
This is an important shot because it shows the power of the killer and also shows the killer from the victims point if view. It implies that the killer is the stronger character and makes them more intimidating for the audience.
This is an important shot because it shows the power of the killer and also shows the killer from the victims point if view. It implies that the killer is the stronger character and makes them more intimidating for the audience.
What went well?
The filters used on the shots in the video helped make it darker to fit the eerie atmosphere as it was filmed in an inappropriate and high key lighted location. An effective use of props including a screwdriver and fake blood. These worked well with the camera shots to create the tension and suspense we wanted.
What did we learn?
When filming we learnt that different camera shots are used for different things. When editing the film we learnt how to use software called 'Movie Plus'. This software allows you to crops clips, put suitable audio over it which we found on YouTube, it also allows you to put filters onto the clips to create a more chilling atmosphere for the audience.
What were the problems?
Finding an appropriate location was difficult as it was filmed in the day time at school and a bright, clean location is normally the opposite to what a stereotypical horror scene would look like.
What would we do differently?
If filmed again we would definitely consider changing the location as we had to add filters to the clips to make it darker. We would also consider the space available because it was quite cramped and hard to get good shots using the tripod when there was lots of artwork around.