We looked at many different examples of films and trailer in this genre, by researching into these we were able to find the conventions of films of this nature. These are some of the conventions we noticed:
- the narrative centres around a crime or crimes
- the antagonist ensares the protagonist in an increasinly complex web, until the the protagonist feels isolated and helpless
- in most horror films there is an enigma in the film
- these films are usually set in usual surroundings and happen to ordinary people but the situations they get into are extraordinary in nature
- suspense needs to be built up reaching up to a big climax
Why our film follows the conventions of the genre
These screenshots of our trailer show how it follows the coventions of the horror genre. These shots are what could be in any film of this genre. The first of these screenshots is a basic horror shot, which would often be at the beginning of the trailer which we have done, its introduces the characters and sets the scene. The second of these screenshots follows that of the first and this brings in a bit of the horror aspect in. The shot creates this as it appears as if someone is watching which brings tension to the trailer. The way in which the camera is positioned with the tree in sight and the awkard angle suggests that someone is watching. A shot similar to this could feature in any film of this nature. The third screenshot creates panic with its unnerving shakiness and pace, an emotion which horror trailers try to achieve. The fourth screenshot creates a bit of confusion, adds more depth to the trailer and would hopefully entice an audience to the cinema. Screenshot five shows that our actors have the characteristics very much expected in this genre, vulnerable and paniced. Screenshot six shows a scene which a body is dragged from the screen, scenes similar to this are quite regular in films in this genre. The last three screenshots were quite close towards the end of the trailer from screenshot seven we slowed down the movement and made the camera more shakey, which creates more fear, more of an atmosphere to end the trailer with a big impact. Screenshot eight is the set up for this, the scene which makes the audience jump in their seats, if you can achieve this, it shows that the horror aspects are a success.