What makes an EFFECTIVE HORROR opening sequence?

Micro features –

•Sound/Music, diagetic and non diagetic sounds to build up the mood, atmosphere, suspense and tension in the opening scene.

•Lighting, good use of lighting can make a horror opening very effective. It can represent many things, e.g. lots of dark shadows casting the victim to represent he/she is in danger.

•Camera angles, different series of shots can be used to help convey a horror opening sequence. Close up shots of the victims, over the shoulder shot can be used for the antagonist looking at the victim.

•Mise en scene, the setting of the scene, in an isolated area. Where props are placed, where the characters are in the room: where the antagonist is placed in the room etc.

•Editing, how the opening scene is edited to create an effective horror scene.

Macro features –

• Iconography, what in the mise en scene represents. For example a knife signifies a weapon, in a slasher film this would be the only weapon used for the series of killings. Music, eerie music represents that something bad is going to happen. Clothes, what the characters are wearing and why? Usually the antagonist/killer would hide their identity by wearing a mask. Setting, where and why would it be specifically set there.

•Characters. Who the characters are, if they are male or female. Usually in a horror genre film the antagonist is male and the victims consist of females/males. In a slasher film, it is usually a female character that survives. Also what the characters are wearing and why?

•Setting, where it has been set. If its in a open spaced setting or a closed space setting. Usually an open & isolated spaced setting for the horror genre.

Target Audience

When producing opening 2 minutes of a film, there are many things you need to consider such as target audience:

AGE RANGE - when targeting an audience with a specific age range, you must question yourself and ask which age range and why? By choosing a specific age range we are able to research what types of films middle aged teenagers watch. Or what is the most popular genre watched by that age group? The age range that we want to target, will be teenagers from the age of 15 and above, the reason for this is that as teenagers ourselves from the same age range, we have an understanding of what teenagers expect from a film.

GENDER GROUPS - for example, high school musical is targeted to both genders because it involves two main characters, one female and male which any of the two genders of an audience can relate to. The film also includes sports for the males and singing/theatrical for females. Another example is the type of films called 'Chick Flicks' which is specifically targeted to females and follow the conventions in which a female can enjoy for example a happy romantic ending. In our opening, we are going to be aiming for both genders by including a range of both male and female characters.

ETHNIC GROUPS - you can target an ethnic group when producing a film by the use a range of ethnicity in the cast. The race of the main characters can target people of the same race because the audience can feel related to the character on screen therefore the use of ethnicity in the case, can open a wide range of audiences. We are aiming for hopefully a wide ethnicity group so that anyone from any ethnicity can watch our opening.

Case Study 2: Scream

Micro features – Begins with the title of the movie showing across a blank black screen with the sound of a phone ringing and a female voice screaming running parallel with the title. Also the special effects sound of a knife being pulled out comes after the scream. This could be used to represent what the movie is about and to show the audience the routine order of how the antagonists kills its victims. Medium shot of the telephone is the first shot shown; the telephone is a very important use of prop in this movie as it is the signifier of a murder beginning to happen. During the conversation between the mysterious caller and the female character, the camera shots and movements are very steady and smooth. The shots last quite long as well to represent the calm quite atmosphere in the beginning. A close up of the victim, brings the focus on the victim. Dim lighting to set the mood of the scene; it also causes the shadows to be casted over the victim. Diagetic sounds, sounds that only the victim can hear in the mise en scene. Then non-diagetic sounds are played to build up the suspense and tension in the opening scene, it is also played to lead us up to the kill. Slow movement in camera angles and shots in the beginning of the scene of the victim and the space around the room to represent vulnerability/open space. Also the camera pans around the female character to emphasise the amount of open space around her. The editing of the shots speeds up and changes quicker as the tension rises.


Macro Features - iconography is used, such as the phone ringing in silence. This connotes the disturbance of peace. The phone is also iconic as it is used throughout the film and is significant to the killer as you only hear the antagonists narrative voice through the phone. The victim is female, this shows her vulnerability and signifies the final girl theory in a typical horror movie following its traditional conventions. Also the female characters personality and physical appearance portrays that she will be the first victim. She is a young blonde attractive female which fits into the stereotype of the traditional horror victims, they tend to be attractive females to represent the vulnerability and innocence of a victim. Her personality as it shows in this beginning scene, that she is ignorant to the fact that a stranger keeps calling her house when she is alone yet she continues to have a conversation with him. She is not aware of the dangers. She also plays with a kitchen knife whilst on the phone to the stranger, this shows a connection between the two as the only physical connection they will have is her being stabbed to death by him with a knife. The use of location, an isolated house in an quiet small village is the perfect location for a serial killer. The Scream mask is used to hide the killers identity, usually male actor is used for the antagonist to represent a more dominant character/villain.

Case Study 1: Shaun of the Dead

Micro features – Begins with the titles of companies such as 'Working Title'. There is use of non-diagetic music which sounds like classic horror movie music parallel with the Working Title logo then fades to black, music suddenly stops with the sound of a bell being rung. The film then starts with a medium shot of the main character showing his face, also viewing the behind scenery which establishes the location which is at a pub. The audience knows this because of the bell being rung which signifies the 'last rounds' at a pub. Camera then slowly zooms out from the medium shot showing what the character is doing.

There are many shot-reverse-shots used in the beginning scene to show the conversation between the small group of characters. The director may have used medium shots and shot-reverse-shots to symbolise that the group portrays a small and tight social bond between one another. Also to represent the community as well as it seems as though the pub is based in a small village.
Extreme close-up of ridicule actions, fast pace changes of scenes, bold titles, distortion transitions changes between scenes. slow panning shots are used, long wide shot to view as many characters possible that can fit into the shot. This shot could also be used to represent open space and vulnerability of an apocalyptic film. A wipe transition is used for a shot change, the car drives past and also wipes into the next shot in a different location, this sort of transition is used to signify the genre comedy as lively type transitions are used to convey a sense of fun atmosphere to the film.


Non-diagetic music, fast movement in camera angles. Parallel music to fit in with the action of the scene. Fast pace zooms in parallel to the action of the character getting ready for work, this type of editing has also been used in heroic films such as batman, when a superhero gets 'suited' up ready for action. Therefore this shows the audience that there is a connection between this 'normal' man and heroism. Extreme close ups, zooms and fast paced cuts are used to evoke excitement in this opening scene.

Macro Features - The use of iconography. For example the music, it is eerie and slow in the beginning but then the music changes to a classic horror music song and the dynamics get louder and louder until the actual film starts. This type of music is used to connote the Horror genre but specifically the more traditional style of horror films.

Narrative voice over. a comedic hero is used as the main character in this film, he triumphs over evil. A stereotypical everyday man in a horror situation which is not taken seriously connotes the 2 different genres combined. The use of location also helps signify a 'normal' life as the scene opens in a pub. The local pub represents the daily routine in which the character's gather to socialise. The cigarettes and alcohol could help reinforce the main character's personality, that he is a 'common' local man within the community.

My Chosen Sub-Genre

I have decided to make a film that is a hybrid of two sub genres. Comedy/slasher.

I think the two genres will work very effectively with each other.

Comedy - Mistaken identity, battle of the sexes, jumping to conclusions, and a tragedy storyline. Usually a hero (the main character) that triumphs in the end. There are many successful modern comedy/horror movies that been created such as 'Scary Movie', I have chosen to do comedy as a sub-genre because I believe that it would be easier to reach out and narrows our specific target audience through the sub-genre comedy.

Slasher - Knife is the main weapon. The antagonist carries and uses one weapon, and kills a series of people in one night/day. Usually masked and their identity hidden until revealed in the end of the story. My reason for this is because the knife is a phallic symbol for killing, it will be easy to portray and iconography the genre horror through the use of this weapon.

Characteristics of the Horror genre

Here are some of the characteristics of the horror genre:

Themes – good vs. evil, normal vs. abnormal, male vs. female, dark vs. light. These often lead to the messages and values presented in the movie.

Settings – isolated environment is used a lot in horror movies, set up the mise-en-scene in the way a horror movie would be set.

Characters – ARCHETYPE characters, these are typical characters you would find in this certain genre.

Costume/make up – What the antagonist, protagonist are wearing, their make up and how these serve to suggest their characters?

Antagonist – the villain of the story, ‘the bad guy.’

Protagonist – the victim, the good characters, usually the last or the only survivor. Usually the final girl is left alive.

Iconography – what features in a opening film that represents the genre horror, for example props, music, shots, setting.

Traits – consider the type of sub-genre or hybrid genre.

Sub-Genres of Horror

SUB-GENRES

Haunting and Demonic Possessions - These types of films play on the audience’s fear of the unknown, superstition and the idea that evil forces such as ghosts exist in the world. These forces are usually portrayed in spiritual presences such as witches, spirits, ghosts or demons. Often in this kind of plots there is a fight between good and evil by referencing religion. For example in the film 'The Exorcist, the catholic priest fight the devil for the soul of the victim.

Apocalypse - in this sub genre, mankind is threatened with extinction of the human race by inhuman creatures or monsters. The antagonists in this sub genre may consist of creatures out of space or a threat of a plague or virus that threatens to spread and wipe out mankind e.g. 'Resident Evil.' usually the ending to this type of sub-genre ends with mankind dying out and the disturbing noises of the creatures dominating.

The Human Monster – This deals with horror or abnormality of the personality such as psychopathology and murder or psychosis and insanity. This sub-genre explores and takes the audience inside the mind of the killer who appears to be insane e.g. ‘Jekyll and Hyde.’ The characteristics of this sub-genre portrays the idea that some people are born with no sense of morality therefore leading them to become a killer.

ICONOGRAPHY

General symbolic images and use of mise-en-scene which recur throughout horror films include:

• Haunted house or setting e.g. forbidden chamber or small town
  
• Symbols of Death
  
• Disfigured and disturbing face or masks
  
• Screaming victim e.g. 'final girl'
  
• Phallic murder weapon e.g. knife, chainsaw etc
  
• Binary oppositions of good and evil
  
• Blood

Final Girl Theory - The final girl theory in a horror film refers to the last female alive to confront the antagonist/killer. Usually she would be the last left out of the victims to tell the story. The final girl theory has been included in many horror films such as Scream, Halloween, A nightmare on Elm Street and many more. The term was pioneered by Carol J. Cover in her book 'Men, Women and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film. The viewer begins by sharing the perspectives of the killer and also experiences a shift in identification to the final girl partway through the film.

My Chosen Genre

The chosen genre I am going to do is Horror. My reasons for this is because the genre horror is easy to identify in a opening two minutes of a film. Macro and micro features is easy to use for iconography. For example a knife is a perfect example of iconography for a movie trailer, the knife represents danger and a weapon. The chosen genre horror, I think is a good choice because many people the same age as me enjoys horror movies, I think horror openings are the most attention grabbing trailers because if involves, action, suspense, tension and sometimes an interesting hook and twist. This genre also gives me the chance to experiment with the sounds, lights and involves quite a bit of editing.

Effective film opening: Example 3

Transporter - Opening Scene

Micro Features

Camera & Editing - The first shot is from a security camera view at a high angle, the shot is in night vision and the titles overlapping the opening scene is also in a night vision green font. The scene begins with a wide, establishing long shot of a car park. Slow panning is used around the car park leading up to a slow medium shot of a black car. Close-up shot is used to view the car panning from the back, to the side, to the drivers seat at an eye-line match so it looks as though the audience is sitting in the passenger seat. The pace of the continuity cuts begin to speed at the part where the driver begins to get ready to set off in his car. Close-ups of his gloves, watch and hands setting up his car and turning the radio on gives the feel of a visual instruction and beginning ritual of what he must do before he drives. Close up of the driver in the car park when he starts his car reveals to the audience what the driver (main character) looks like. Tracking and panning used as the car is driving along the city, movement of the camera is smooth and match-on-action cuts are also used. Over-the-shoulder-shot is used when the driver is at a stop at the traffic lights, over the shoulder view shows two policemen watching the driver. When the driver has pulled up outside a large building, the camera views a low angle looking up towards the clock on top of the building. Then the angle of the shot changes fast and dramatically and views at a high crane angle looking down at the robbers running out of the building doors. This gives a strong contrast and quick change of action that has suddenly happened.

Sound - Non-diagetic and diagetic sounds are used in this opening scene. Slow intense music is played in the beginning at the car park, Also camera/TV static malfunctioning voices are played over as the titles appear over the scene. The music grows slightly louder and the pace gets a little quicker as the camera moves towards the car, this is to build suspense into revealing who is in the car. Music stops suddenly as the title of the movie appears over the camera finally reaching the driver. The driver then turns on his radio playing classical music but then non-diagetic music plays when he starts driving. The music the audience hears at this point changes from classical to action type music. The dynamics of the music varies, it goes loud then quiet but the beat of the drums keeps the music sounding intense - this music may be used to play on the audiences emotions. The music is not parallel to the action, when the robbers come charging out of the bank with guns and money, the music stays calm and at a normal pace. The music may not be parallel to action but it may reflect upon how the main character feels and gives the audience an idea of the main character's attitude.

Lighting - Begins with night vision lighting then flashes to the actually lighting in the scene. The main key-lighting looks as though it is coming from the car park lights. In some areas of the car park, it is brightly lit and in others there is strong shadow. The car is black therefore it is very visible to see the car park lights reflecting off of it, this gives the car a more slick appeal to it. The driver's identity is hidden by dark shadows, only his face is lit slightly, this gives the character a sense of mystery.

Mise en Scene - Night vision from a security camera view represents surveillance which is in relation with the law, this shows that what is going to happen in the scene may or may not be illegal in the film. The leather gloves indicates that the main character does not want to leave fingerprints anywhere he touches. The main character is dressed in a smart suit. black and white. This may show that the character is presentable, smart, masculine and shows that he may be of a profession. A large bank which is filled with money could end up being robbed. The car with many gadgets such as the changing of licence plate has a 'James Bond' appeal to it.


Macro Features

Iconography - Guns, the weapons signifies the genre of action. The main character casted in the shadow in the car gives the character an identity of being mysterious. The location and city is usually where an action film takes place as the everyday things such as parked cars, people, police, city roads etc are seen or used as obstacles which trap someone from getting away. The use of intense music also reinforces the genre of action.

Genre - The Genre for this film is Action, this genre includes continuous high energy, physical stunts and activity and extended chase scenes. This opening portrays the beginning and preperation of a car chase, the main character is employed as the driver or 'Transporter' for the robbers traveling from the bank to safety. The main character in this genre is usually a male action hero/protagonist portrayed by very masculine actors. Classic action films such as 'James Bond' have a male character and the characteristics of this character is usuall well presented, the character in this film reinforces this image therefore connoting the typical 'hero' character.

Narrative - The narrative in this film is diagetic, this keeps the film realistic. Although we do not hear the voice of the main character until he speaks to the robbers near the end of the opening scene, this helps build suspsense and mystery of the main character.

Effective film opening: Example 2

Kick-Ass - Opening Scene

Micro Features

Camera & Editing - Titles are used firstly in the opening scene across a first person view shot flying through the sky. A high crane, establishing shot is used to show the location of the opening scene. Slow panning and tracking is used to follow what is happening in the scene. Matched cuts are used to keep the flow of the shots seem smooth. High angle shots are used from the lower crowd of people looking above at the superhero, this angle is used to represent that the superhero on top of the building seem to have a superior higher power than the people in the city streets. Slow zooms are used on the superhero to create a dramatic effect of the characters introduction. Close-ups are used on the super-hero in the opening scene to introduce him. When the scene location changes from the city to a high school, the shots changes to hand-held but still quite steady. Over shoulder shots and medium shots are used with the hand-held. This is used to make the audience feel more involved in the scene as it tracks and follows the main character as he enters the school. Camera pans onto the film title, gives the title introduction a comical effect like it swipes slowly onto the screen.

Sound - Non-diagetic sound is used to begin with as the titles appear on the screen. The music begins slow and calm, it sounds adventurous and hero like, a slow kind of fanfare to build up excitement to the characters introduction. Voice over narrative talking about old traditional superheroes play over the music, the voice sounds like a speech through an old microphone - gives an old fashioned feeling. The voice over narrative then changes to a teenage voice, the main character. Diagetic sound is used when the characters and location is established. The background music's pace is parallel to the action of the superhero, it grows louder and faster as he falls from the building. The music cuts off instantly when the superhero dies, this is done to create a sudden dramatic end to the superhero's life. When the location changes from city to high school, the non-diagetic music is playful, exciting music - It is a band music to represent high school.

Lighting - It appears to be natural lighting from the sun that shines down on the superhero and the other characters in the opening scene. The lighting is from high above, this gives the lighting a spotlight appeal to it. The bright light shines down on the people on the streets and it looks as though the source of light comes from the superhero on top of the building. When the location changes, the lighting is still bright. The light shines on the main character, this same use of lighting could show a relationship between the two characters, the teenage male main character and the superhero.

Mise en Scene - The clouds indicate that the camera view is in the sky flying. A large city landscape is usually where a superhero is based deep within, this shows the traditional setting for a superhero comic. Also the everyday career oriented people in the city comes across something different to their routine lifestyle is usually the basic plot for a superhero film. The superhero costume signifies that this film is about superheroes and the genre would be action as there would be many action in a superhero film. The main character wears big glasses, the glasses on the character gives the appeal that he is intelligent or shows the stereotype of him being a 'geek.'

Macro Features

Iconography - In one shot, the camera pans onto the license plate of the taxi with the title 'Kick-Ass,' the tail lights on the car are in shape of wings. This makes the title look almost like a superhero logo or symbol as many other traditional superheroes have an iconic symbol or logo e.g. Batman's logo is in the shape of a bat. This also reinforces the genre of superhero/action.

Genre - This film is from the Comedy and Action genre which is a hybrid genre. In the Comedy genre the main empasis is to evoke humor, typical Comedy gilms usually have a happing ending. Also these types of films put much more focus on an individual character in which this film opening has done; focusing on one character who is also the narrative, this shows the audience that this specific character is the main character of the film. The other sub-genre is action, this is represented through the core concept of a superhero film. Typical superhero films contains actioned packed fights. Although in this film opening there is no sign of action or violence but shows death of a superhero 'wanabe.'

Narrative - The narrative Kick-Ass' film opening follows the true conventions of the Comedy Genre; it begins as a 'Situation-Comedy' as the film is told within a narrative.

Effective film opening: Example 1

Blood Diamond - Opening scene

Micro Features

Camera & Editing - Begins with titles and facts fading slowly in and out in front of a map outline of Africa, this establishes where the location of the film is shot. Also it provides some facts that gives the audience a clue to what the plot is to the film. Extreme close-ups are used in some shots, e.g. when the main character is fishing on his boat, this shot is used to show the importance of what he is doing, it draws the audience attention to him. Medium shots when the characters are indoors in their home, this shows the audience how little space they have to live in. Many location/establishing shots are used in the beginning to establish the location and show the scenery, displays that the country is exotic and hot. Fast zooms are used when the action begins, the camera zooms fast into the killing of the innocent villagers. Fast pace cuts when the action occurs, this creates a dramatic and thrilling feeling.

Sound - Non-diagetic and diagetic sound is used throughout this opening scene. Music plays over the titles in the beginning, the music with the drums grow louder and faster as it gets to the end of the titles then cuts off when the scene begins - this gives the beginning of the scene a dramatic opening. The characters narratives varies from English to African with subtitles. This symbolise that there is a theme of contrast between English and African or Ethnicity throughout the film. The non-diagetic sounds are parallel to the action that occurs in the opening scene.

Lighting - The lighting used in this opening scene seem all come from a natural source, e.g. the lamp. A lamp is lit in the beginning shot and in the other shots the only source of light comes from the sun.

Mise en Scene - The props used symbolise many things in this opening scene. The lamp, tells us that the country or area which the characters live in is poor as they do not have access to electricity. Poor housing, the families houses are made from branches - all natural materials not man-made. This shows the audience that again, the area is poor or that the country is in poverty. The clothing also tells the audience about the poverty in which they live in as they can not afford better quality clothes. The main character is seen with his shirt unbuttoned, this may symbolise masculinity as the main male character is muscular and shows bare skin. He saves his family first before himself which shows heroism, he may be the hero in this film. The location of the film is exotic, calm and peaceful. But the sun shines bright and intense, this could symbolise that the peacefully scenery can be broken with intense conflict.

Micro Features

Iconography - Guns and weapons are used in this scene, this signifies that this film maybe in the genre of action. Conflict between innocent villagers and 'rebels' signifies that this film may also be in the genre of drama.

Genre - The genre for this film is Adventure/Drama. Adventure films consist of an exciting plot, new experiences or exotic locales. The Adventure genre is quite similar to action films, they are designed to provide an action-filled, energetic experience for the audience. The film creates a major male heroic star and the characteristics are that they are courageous often fighting for their beliefs and struggle for freedom in which this film portrays. In the beginning scene we see a heroic character saving his family from the rebels invading and killing the people living in the area.

Narrative - The narrative in the beginning of this film is all diagetic. The contrasting use of two languages the characters speak in establishes the location, also reinforces the conventions of the genre as the location of the film is set in an exotic country.

What makes a good opening to a film?

To make a good opening to a film, the opening scene must grab an audience's attention and keep them intrigued in order for them to carry on watching the film:

• There needs to be a hook, finding an interesting storyline that will keep a viewer watching the film.



• Characters, to keep the audiences interested in the characters. Possibly a character that anyone can relate to or a character that is very like-able.



• A cliff-hanger at the end of the opening scene would be good, especially for a horror opening scene as it keeps the audiences on the edge of their seats wanting to watch more to find out what happens next.



• Good Macro and Micro features.



• Macro - introduction of the characters, genre and narrative parts.



• Micro- good technical features to create a more professional appeal to the film, the quality of micro features effects everything in film making.

Brief

The brief that I have been given is to produce an opening scene to a movie from a chosen genre. It is going to be the maximum of two minutes. My understanding of techniques with a video camera, and an understanding that I have learnt (from analysing and researching preparation) will be portrayed within these two minutes. This video clip will include titles and an opening scene to the film. I will be working in a group of three, each person will be allocated with a specific role e.g one person within the group will be allocated a job role such as editing or director. Even though we will each have an individual role specifically chosen to work well with our strengths, we will all participate together and work as a group in order to complete the practical project.

Before I will begin this project, I will be looking back at my preliminary task and using that project as an influence and practice of camera work techniques and use of editing programmes which will be suitable for my horror opening trailer.

My Preliminary Task...