Initial idea #2

Initial idea #1

Interviews on psychological horror

Questions asked:

1. What do you find psychologically scary?
2. What locations do you find scary?
3. What characters would intrigue you in a psychological horror?
4. What sound affect you most, psychologically?
5. Do you think the use of violence in a psychological horror film is effective?
6. What is your favourite psychological horror film and why?

Final Logo

This is the final production logo, I drew the Logo design then scanned it onto a PC then uploaded to paint where I inverted the colours, I felt this gave the logo more relation to the genre as the black surrounds the white.

Drawings:

Logo Drafts

These are sketch designs for the ZonFilms logo, for these designs I have looked at themes of horror connecting with the eye, as the eye is considered the 'window to the soul' a lot of emotion can be expressed by it. I wanted to make the logo are representation of what impact horror films have on the audience, when the audience is watching the film they will see images that will make them feel uncomfortable and want to turn away. So in my logo drafts we can see images of the eye being inflicted by 'needles' or having a sharp edegs incorparated. Our production name 'Zon Films' has evloved from the word zonular that is the part of the eye. I wanted to make the production name relatable to the logo and I also felt it had a abstract and sureal sense to it as it begins with the letter 'Z' with has a latin refference to 'Devil'
By Oliver Endersby

Logo Research

For the production logo I decided to research other logos from popular Horror film industries, This includes companys such as Lionsgate, Woodshed and Hammer films...

Looking at these logos I noticed that there colour scheme consisted of dark reds and blacks linking to the themes of horror (ex. blood, darkness & death) The Lions gate logo has a texture that makes it appear to have a metallic appearance, this links to metallic objects such as weapons and machines making the logo appear threatening. The red clouds behind also contrast the text and make it more distinct. The Hammer Logo is simplistic using the similar colour scheme yet effective font that gives the ‘H’ sharp ends that can be reference to fangs (the company was the studio for the 1953 production of Dracula). The Wood shack logo is clever in the way it incorporates the logos name within a simplistic image. The letters ‘W’ & ‘S’ are represented as blanks that create the image of the shack. This logo uses a black on white that distinguishes the cracks and ‘sketch’ effect of the shack.

By Oliver Endersby

Target Audience Research

From our target audience research we can establish that out target audience, people of ages 15-20, generally like the following:

1. Psychological horrors
2. Teenage/young characters
3. A female main character
4. An outdoor setting such as the woods
5. Do not feel violence is necessary to enhance a horror film opening

After discovering this we will try to include these elements in our film opening so we suit our target audience as best as possible. 

Using Tutorials

In order to actually create our horor opening we as a group had to use a programme called 'imovie', the programme imports video footage that we had filmed from the camera/memory card to the mac and allowed us to edit the raw footage into our final piece 'Shutter'.
To make the sound track for our horror opening we had to create a peice from scratch due to copyrigt issues, this meant using a programme called 'garage band'.
As none of the members in our team have had to use these programmes before we had to do reasearch into how to use them effectively. One of the ways in which we dd this was to watch tutorial videos of the programmes on youtube and follow instructions as best we could. This was a very effective and constructive way to become familiure with the softwear as we all very quickly became comfortable using it in our every day construction of the horror opening.





Camera shot requirements for a psychological horror film

 There are a number of standard approaches used in order to create the scene, mood and atmospheres of a typical psychological horror film .In order to capture this we needed to mimic the same camera shots and components in our opening 'shutter'. Below are the main techniques we used with an explanation of  how and why they are appropriate.

An Extreme Close Up - This is used to emphasise something, and focus on particular details in our opening we use this type of shot to zoom in on the main characters face to show her pure terror as it dawns on her that she is being followed, it allows us to see clearly the emotions she is feeling.  ECU's have a dramatic effect, and can cause the viewer to feel some discomfort to add to the excitement and intensity of a scene.

Long shot - This is a shot by which the whole setting fills the frame. This shot is often used so that the audience can establish what the setting is and emphasise the background and surroundings. This shot is often used in horror films to create atmosphere and tension and to also inform the audience of the creepy setting by which the scene is going to take place. We used this to film the main character walking home from school taking pathways that run through woods. We used it to show her as isolated and vulnerable in a potentially hazardous setting.

High angle shot- This is when the camera is above the character/action looking down on what's happening, this makes the viewer feel more powerful than the character. We used this shot when it dawned on the main character that she was being followed and pictured, the shot also makes the character seem harmless and insignificant and as a result vulnerable. High angled shots are sometimes referred to as the 'victim shot' and are sometimes used to end a scene the same way in which we did in our opening.

Panning- Panning is when the base of the camera remains still while the camera moves from left or right or vice versa, a following pan is used to follow a moving object from the side view and we used in the same shot the long shot to follow the main character waking thought the dodgy paths. The speed of the pan establishes and creates a particular mood.

Hand held camera/ steadicam- a hand held camera shot is used to produce a jerky unsteady shot, which we used when we shot our main character being chased through the woods. This type of shot can be used to intensify a scene of violence, steadicams allow fluidity in tracking, so that actors can be tracked while walking up stairs, riding motorcycles ect, and in our case being chased.                        

                                                                                                                         

Horror Sub Genres

9 frame analysis of clockwork orange

 

Equilibrium

Tristan Todorov is a Bulgarian literary theorist. Todorov suggested that most narratives start with a state of equilibrium in which life is 'normal' and the protagonist is happy. This state of normality is disrupted by an outide force, which has to be fought against in order to return to a state of equilibrium. 








This model can easily be applied to a wide range of films, including Horror. This would be a very good aspect to include in our film to create more of a contrast between the characters normal life and the negative events that occur during our Horror film opening.

Claude Levi-Strauss - Binary Oppositions

Claude Levi-Strauss was a French anthropologist. He examined how stories unconsciously reflect the values, beliefs and myths of a culture. He stated that there are usually expressed in the form of oppositions in the text.







Umberto Eco applied this theory to a group of Bond novels and uncovered a number of oppositions in them including:

Bond <-> M

Bond <-> Villain
Bond <-> M

Villain <-> Woman

Woman <-> Bond

Duty <-> Sacrifice

Love <-> Death

Luxury <-> Discomfort

Chance <-> Planning

and many more...

Binary oppositions are a key feature in many narratives and films and we should work to include these in our opening.

Propp's narrative functions

Vladdimir Propp was a Russian critic active in the 1920's who came up with a theory based on his observation. Propp stated that narratives did not have to include all the functions he noted, but they should be in the order listed. His functions were:

1. Preparation
2. Complication
3. Transference
4. struggle
5. Return
6. Recognition

As we are only doing a film opening if we were to follow Propp's narrative functions we would only need to include aspects from the "Preparation" category. 

Preparation:

• A member of family leaves home
• A prohibition or rule is imposed on the hero
• This prohibition or rule is broken
• The villain makes an attempt at reconnaissance
• The villain learns something about his victim
• The villain tries to deceive the victim to get possession of him or his belongings
• The victim unknowingly helps the villain by being deceived or influenced by the villain 

When we are planning our opening we should take these things into consideration, and if we decide to oppose them we should come up with a valid reason why we did this.

Horror Sound

In any film sound is a key element. With the horror genre there are typical element of sound you usually come across. In any film diegetic sound is used, however in horror films certain elements of diegetic sound are much louder, for example heavy breathing. These sounds are used in order to create tension and make the audience jump. Music is also an important element in all films. In horror films the non diegetic music is often composed of string instruments and tensional scores, building a sense of suspense. Parallel sound, created by events on screen is also a generic feature of horror films. Finally, possibly slightly less frequently used, is contrapuntal sound. This is sound that doesn't match the action on screen. This can be used very effectively in horror films because you can contrast violence and death with calm, peaceful music, creating a sense of unease.

In our horror film opening we will need to incorporate some of these elements to ensure we are using codes and conventions of horror films, and successfully sticking to the genre.

Horror Camerawork

The Camerawork of a film is arguably one of the most important aspects. In order to create a successful horror film opening we need to identify and apply some generic camerawork used in horror films. The camerawork in horror films is often expressive and not very natural, emphasising unknown, alien qualities. Depth of field is one of the key elements of camerawork. In horror a low depth of field is often used in order to distort the background, creating potential to hide the villain/monster, making the audience wonder what is there and creating a sense of danger. An element i observed in most of the films i have looked at is the use of close ups and extreme close ups. Throughout horror films they are used numerous times in order to show the heightened emotions of the characters. Varying angles are also used a lot. High angle shots are used with the victims to make them look small and vulnerable, in contrast to this low angle shots are used with the villain to emphasise power and control. Point of view shots are another aspect we should try to include in our opening. They are used in order to put the viewers in the place of the characters, helping them relate and making the film even more scary. Finally a aspect sometimes used is handheld shots. They are used in order to create a sense of fear and unknown and distort the action, creating a more realistic feel.

Horror Editing

When creating our film opening we also need to consider the typical editing used in Horror Films. There are a number of aspects I picked up on when looking at the editing or horror films. I noticed that there is a lot of use of slow-pace editing contrasted against fast-pace editing. This builds tension slowly then allows the action to unfold at full speed. Lots of fast cuts are also usually present, this again is used to build tension in the scene. Shot-reverse-shot editing is another type of editing seen a lot in horror films. This is a series of fast cuts from one point of view to another and back again. This is often used to track both the villain and the victims actions in sequence. Finally I noticed that eyeline matches are commonly used, allowing the viewers to look at the action through a point of view shot, making it easier to emphathise and relate. These shots are often followed by reaction shots.

Horror Mise en Scene

One important aspect of any film is Mise en scene. Mise en Scene includes aspects of film such as Costume, Lighting, Colour, Costume, Make-up, Location etc. The Mise en Scene in horror films is often similar and there are some typical features often seen. 

Locations chosen are primarily dark and unpopulated areas, such as woods and graveyards. These are used to create isolation and fear of the unknown.

Typically in horror films the colours used will be dark colours, reds and black, used to symbolise danger, fear and injury. 

Costumes vary in horror films. Often the Villain will be wearing dark colours, again to sybolise danger. In contrast to this the victim may be put in light coloured clothes, sometimes white, symbolising purity and emphasising the contrast between them and the villain.


Props also play a key role in horror films. Typical props used are weapons and other objects used to signify the outcome of later events.

Finally lighting is a very important aspect. In horror films expressive, non-naturalistic lighting is used a lot, this emphasises the alien situations that occur. Low-key lighting is another feature seen, used to emphasise the shadows, creating the unknown. Finally under lighting distorts features again creating tension and unknown.

We need to consider all these aspects when creating out horror film opening. 

Horror Certificate Ratings

The British Board of Film Classifications (BBFC) give films certificates in order to show the ages they are appropriate to be shown too. The different certificates that can be given are:

•   U – (universal) – All ages can view
•   PG – (Parental Guidance) – All ages admitted but cetain scenes may be unsuitable for young children
•   12A – Considered to be unsuitable for young children, those under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult
•    12 – No one under the age of 12 is permitted to view
•   15 – No one under the age of 15 is permitted to view
•   18 – No one under the age of 18 is permitted to view
•    18R – (18 Restricted) - Can only be shown at licensed adult cinemas or sold at licensed sex shops, and only to adults, those aged 18 or over

Most Horror Films are given a certificate rating of 15 or above due to the graphic violence and disturbing content. There are a few U rated horror films, however these are only very mild films such as The Ghost Train and The devil Bat, there are some PG rated horror films, again very mild but possibly disturbing to some young children. There are slightly more 12 rated horror films around, however again the numbers are low, as they are limited to a relatively child friendly plot. However the content deemed suitable for a 12 year old to watch has changed a lot over the past few years. Things before seen as completely unsuitable for a child of the age of 12 to view, such as bad language and mild sexual references, are now seen as the norm. 15 is the certificate rating where you start to get more stereotypical horror films. There can be a certain amount of gore and bad language used as children of this age are seen as capable of dealing with this. Overall though the vast majority of Horror Films are seen as only being suitable for adults, and therefore have a rating of 18.  They contain very disturbing content, and often extreme language and sexual scenes, meaning they are unsuitable for children to view. Many horror films are also very psychologically scary and could be seen as damaging to young children and possibly even dangerous. Some horror films are seen as unsuitable to pass a rating for and are therefore banned, This could be for a number of reasons. An example of this is ‘The Human Centipede 2’, this was banned in the UK as it was seen to be too disturbing, containing scenes of graphic rape, and grotesque surgical operations.

Famous Horror Directors

Alfred Hitchcock -He was an English film producer and                 director. He pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological horror genre. His films: psycho, the birds, virtigo, rear window.

Tim Burton- an american film writer, producer,artist and animator.

His films include: dark shadows, Beetle juice, Edward scissor hands.

Steven Speilberg- He is an american producer, screen writer, director and studio entrepreneur. HE has been famous for a career of more than four decades and his films cover many genres. His famous films are: Jaws, poltergiest, twisted.

Roman Polanski- Is a polish-french director, producer, writer and actor. He has made films in poland, united kingdom, united states and france. A truly international film maker. Films include:the ghost writer, rosmarys baby.

Iconic Directors in Horror

George Romero
George Romero, born in 1940, is a very iconic director in the horror genre. He kick started the huge usage of zombies in horror, depicting them in a way they hadn’t been considered before, as cannibalistic monsters. Every zombie horror film since has taken elements of Romero’s ideas and incorporated them into their own films. Romero uses all American themes such as loss of individuality, consumerism and authoritarianism throughout his films. Romero is most well known for his films: Night Of The Living Dead (1968), The Crazies (1973), Martin (1977), Dawn Of The Dead (1978), Day Of The Dead (1985)

Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock, 1899-1980, was another particularly iconic director in Horror. He was often referred to as “The master of suspense” because all of his films build so much tension. He was one of the first people to direct what is now referred to as a “slasher movie”. Hitchcock’s movies were not known for their gore, but instead for their ability to manipulate the audience. His films often included plausible plots, for example ‘The Birds’ referring to nature striking back, making them even more terrifying. Alfred Hitchcock is best known for: Shadow Of A Doubt (1943), Psycho (1960, The Birds (1963)

Wes Craven

Wes Craven, born 1939, is a less iconic director to the genre of Horror, however he has created a few very iconic Horror films. He started off in the porn industry, then jumped into torture porn, kick starting his horror career. His movies sever boundaries and often depict particularly disturbing events. Craven is best known for: The Last House On The Left (1972), The Hills Have Eyes (1977), A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984), Scream (1996)

Terence Fisher

Terence Fisher, 1904-1980, directed some of the earliest iconic Horror films. Fisher was very well known for his gothic horror and was the first to create it in full colour. Terence Fisher was very bold for his times, the sexual overtones and explicit horror in his films, while mild by modern standards, was very unique and forward in his day. Terence fisher is best known for his films: The Curse Of Frankenstein (1957), Dracula (1958), The Revenge Of Frankenstein (1959), The Mummy (1959), The Brides Of  Dracula (1960), The Devil Rides Out (1968)

Steven Spielberg

Spielberg, born 1946, is again not particularly known for being an iconic horror director, however he has directed a very iconic horror film, Jaws. He has created possibly the widest range of films, from comedy, to real life. Spielberg based some of his work on Alfred Hitchcocks trying to mirror the suspense he put into his work. Spielberg is well know for his films: Schindler’s list (1993), Duel (1971), Jaws (1975), Jurassic Park (1993), Gremlins (1984)

Tobe Hooper

Tobe Hooper, born 1943, directed one of the most iconic Horror films in existence, The Texas Chainsaw massacre. He went through his career exploring the primal urges of outsiders and developing these in to complex horror story lines. Tobe Hooper is best known for his iconic horror films: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), Poltergeist (1982), Salem’s lot (1979)

James Wan

James Wan, born 1977, is responsible for arguably the largest Horror franchises of all time, the Saw films. He directed the original Saw film and has produced the sequels. James Wan is best known for his use of gory props, often said to be tasteless and outlandish by critics, but loved by some. His story lines are complex and twisted.  James Wan is best known for: Saw (2004), Dead Silence (2007), Death Sentence (2007), Insidious (2011)

William Friedkin

William Friedkin, born 1935, is an American film director known for his horror/thriller films, in particular The Exorcist.  The Exorcist was Friedkin’s most successful film, and ended up being nominated for 10 Academy Awards. Friedkin is most well known for his films: The Exorcist (1973), The French Connection (1971), Sorcerer (1977)

Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola, born 1939, is again not known solely for his work in the horror genre, however has directed some iconic horror films. Coppola directed Bram Stoker's Dracula an iconic gothic horror film, combined with a bit of romance. Francis Ford Coppola is best known for his horror films: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), The Haunted and the Hunted (1963), The Terror (1963)

Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick, 1928-1999, is not well known for directing horror films, however directed The Shining, a very iconic horror. His methods of directing were very radical, in order to produce the desired emotions he would deliberately scare his actors/actresses whilst filming was taking place. Stanley Kubrick is best known for his iconic horror film: The Shining (1980)

Iconic sounds

Soundtrack - Music is used to heighten the scenes tension or add to the impacting action. Horror films typically consist of high pitched strings that play a quick rhythm or low strings that give depth to a tension-increasing scene. An example of effective music in Horror is the 'Shower Scene' from Alfred Hitchcock's 1960's film 'Psycho'.

Typical Synopsis for Physcological Horror

As we have decided to create a physcological horror for our film opening I researched typical synopsis for this sub genre of horror.
This Sub Genre relies on character fears, guilt, beliefs, and emotional instability to build tension and further the plot. Psychological horror is different from the type of horror found in "splatter films," which derive their effects from gore and violence, and in which the object of horror does not always appear as a monster or a visious stalker, but usually another person or a supernatural presence, whose horrific identity is often not revealed until the end of the movie.

Examples of Phsycological Horrors

The Other (2001)

A woman who lives in a darkened old house with her two photosensitive children becomes convinced that her family home is haunted.

Silence of Lambs (1991)

A young FBI cadet must confide in an incarcerated and manipulative killer to receive his help on catching another serial killer who skins his victims.

The Ring (2002)

A young journalist must investigate a mysterious videotape which seems to cause the death of anyone in a week of viewing it.

Iconography of Horror

Below are a selection of images that portray different aspects of horror...

Horror Film Title Conventions

To see the conventions of the titles in a horror movie I analysed the opening sequence of The Descent. From this, the main convention I noticed is when the names of the cast are coming up there are no accompanying words such as "starring" or "featuring" just the solitary names appear. Another aspect I noticed was that the titles run the whole way through the opening, they are not all together at one time. A further convention I observed in the opening of The Descent was the fact that the titles were appearing in all the different places around the screen, however they are always placed out of the way of the action and what is happening on screen. In The Descent white capital letters are used for all the writing on screen in order to ensure it stands out and can be seen and a medium sized font is used to ensure it is not obstructive. 

We took all of this into consideration when constructing our film opening.