Considerations for producing a horror genre film opening

To achieve an effective finish for our film opening, we as group have to consider the various implications that could arise pre-production, whilst filming, and during the editing process.

I have explored the various aspects we need to include in order to create a successful opening, taking into account codes and conventions of the horror genres and sub genres - at this stage we have not yet decided on our sub genre. 

Music/ sound - the diegetic and non-diegetic sound must be effective for the piece. In order to achieve this, we need to pick appropriate sounds for the sound scape, such as an eerie ambient sound for any characters involved, incidental music and volume control to set the atmosphere. If the sound is weak or ineffective, the piece have less impact and not depict a real horror opening - tension needs to rise and we want apprehension to build via the music used. 

Location - although currently undecided, the location should be strong and denote a place of fear. The area will bring setting, atmosphere and visually effect each scene, so this is really important to get right. Some ideas we have for a phycological sub genre are hospitals, or dark abandoned tunnels, outside at night. 

 

Saw

The Exorcist

Costumes and characters - to produce a really successful opening, skilled actors are required to portray a convincing role. We want to form a strong character(s) who can really connect to the audience. Especially for horror genres, good acting combined with costume can show the large difference between something that is quite amateur or weak (a running screaming girl) compared with a truly petrified or possessed human being, who is almost monster like and uncontrollable. 

Lighting - for the horror genre in particular, low key lighting, hard lights and bottom lighting are commonly used. This is to achieve a menacing, eerie, dark textured image, so we plan to incorporate these styles to help give a sense of time and place, and to set a sinister atmosphere. If the wrong type of lighting is used it may take away the professionalism of the piece. 

Bottom lighting used in Insidious

Narrative - we don't want to reveal too much information, as it's only an opening, therefore the short amount of time should provoke intrigue and interest, but still leave some mystery to the story for people to want to continue watching. For the opening to be strong, we need to devise a sequence which would suggest continuity and to make the opening seem more realistic, projecting meaning and intrigue for the audience, leaving lots to confusion, mystery and anticipation (this is important for the horror genre as it ignites the watchers attention, which we need to happen in order to make an impact).