Codes and Conventions of Horror

Camera Angles/ Movements

• Point of View Shots
• Low/ High Angle Shots
• Panning
• Tilting
• Close Ups
• Long Shots
• Medium Close Ups
• Extreme Close Ups
• Arc

Lighting

• Back Lighting
• Low Key Lighting
• Under Lighting

Sounds

• Ambient Sounds
• Non-Diegetic Sounds
• Diegetic Sounds

Editing

• Fast Editing
• Sharp Cuts

Mise en Scene

The setting of the horror film can be set in any location. From the trailers I have researched they have been located within households, and inside locations. However, this isn't always the case. For example films such as Wrong Turn and Cabin in The Woods, these films have been located outside and within a wooded area. All locations are isolated from civilisation which adds to the horror genre. 

Props. There is a large and wide variety of what props are used within the film. Mainly weapons and fake blood are used within horror films. 

Costume and make-up. The way in which characters are dressed lets the audience know what type of character they are, for example if the character is dressed in dark clothing and is covered up-so the identity is not revealed then typically they are the villain. The make-up used on a villain, will generally be really pale so the features are emphasised e.g. pale face, with dark eyes will give them a creepy look. The protagonists are usually dressed in casual, everyday, outfits o that they look 'normal' towards society, whereas the villain will look different and will possibly stand out more. However, this is not always the case and there will be exceptions to the rule, an example would be when when a villain is not obvious and are shown as part of the group.

Sound. Diegetic sound is always used in teaser trailers, it is sound that is within the film. An example of this within horror would be a victim screaming, the sound of a door opening or the sound of a gun shot. As film trailers have to be suitable for all ages, the trailer cannot show disturbing/violent scenes and cannot show any fright into much detail. Therefore they have to rely on sound and effects to make these elements evident e.g hearing a cream without seeing the attack. The use of character interaction such as dialogue will help the narrative along and will help the audience to understand the events within the trailer. Using this within a trailer helps show the narrative of the film and helps create suspense and tension.

Non diegetic sound is sound that has been added during post production. Within horror trailers, the sound used is generally music that will create a spooky effect or will create tension. Sounds such as a heartbeat can be used to create a scary effect and suspense.
Sound Effects is enhanced sound that added to the text during post production.

Sound Bridge is the same music or sound that links two scenes together, to make the action scene interrupted. This would be use in the middle of the trailer as it will be revealing the action within the film, it helps to keep the continuity within the film by carrying on with the same source of sound.

Voiceover is generally used in a theatrical trailer, but is sometimes used in a teaser trailer with the actors voice used over a sequence of shots. The purpose of a voiceover is to help the audience understand the visual and the narrative of the film throughout the trailer.

Camera.

 Establishing shot is used at the beginning of the trailer to set the scene and to show equilibrium. Normally you will see the soon-to-victims leading their normal lives before the disruption occurs.

Close up - this shot shows the detail of a subjects face. its used within horror trailers to show the fear and emotion of the victims and making the audience to feel their pain. It can be also used to show the face of the villain, or an extreme close up may be used to show just a section of their face for example their eyes. This will create an enigma as the audience wont be sure what the villain fully looks like.

Mid shots- are used to show the action within the film (when equilibrium has been disrupted)allows the audience to see the character and the setting at the same time, this is used within horror . a mid shot can also be used to show the villain, usually in horror films it will show a dark outline of the villain's figure if the identity is not to be revealed.

Long shots- are used to show the setting, it allows the audience to see all the surroundings in the scene as well as the characters. In horror it could show a building on fire or possibly a murder, so the audience are not clear on who the killer is.

POV- This shot would usually be the point of view of the victim, so the audience can feel the fear and tension within the scene (it gives them an adrenalin rush). the shot is used when the victim is running away or hiding from the villain.

Tracking- this camera movement allows the audience to follow the action within the trailer, and allows them to keep up with the pace of the characters and movement within the scene (for example the character running). This movement can make the audience feel they are apart of the action and will make them feel the physical effects that the character is feeling (scared, adrenaline rush) It will make the scene more effective and seem realistic in the eyes of the audience.

High Angle- is when the camera is position high up and is tilting down on the subject, making the character look vulnerable to the audience. This is popular within the horror genre as it makes the victim powerless against the villain.

Low Angle- placed below the subject titling upwards so that the character looks dominant and powerful, this generally towards the villain before the attempt to repair the disruption.

Canted angle - is the tilting of the camera and is used for dramatic effect to create a sense of disorientation, intoxication, madness etc. This can be shown within horror such as the Saw series.