Blumhouse Productions

As Blumhouse is a top production company which mainly specialises in horror films, we decided to do some research into how suitable it would be for our own opening.

Brief Background

• Best known for their micro and low budget films
• Recent productions include

- The Paranormal Activity sequences

- Sinister

- The Purge

- Insidious

The animation for Blumhouse is effective, especially when put in the title sequence of a horror film due to it's low key lighting and ominous atmosphere. As well as this, there is also a supernatural element as we see a ghost figure of what seems to be a young girl, which is in addition to the shadow effect (where the actual 'Blumhouse' name is revealed), therefore this suggests that Blumhouse would be a suitable production company for our genre. This is further suggested through the non-diegetic sounds of the flickering lights, a common convention in horror films as it further emphasises the idea of poor lighting and darkness.

Suitability for Audience

In order to try and understand what would be suitable for our target audience, we decided to list the types of age ratings and their restrictions recommended by the British Board of Film Classification.

U-Universal viewing which should be suitable for audiences over 4 years old

• Aimed at very young viewers
• Children animated films
• Shouldn't address any significant issues, e.g. discrimination, sex, violence, drug use
• Moments of emotional stress are quickly resolved

Examples of 'U' rated films:

• Up
• Despicable Me
• Rio

PG-Parental Guidance which should be suitable for general viewing, however some scenes unsuitable for younger audiences

• General viewing
• No themes unsuitable for children 
• But will explore challenging issues such as bullying and bereavement 
• Violence and bad language will be mild
• Passing references to drugs/sexual material, but no focus on this

Examples of 'PG' rated films

•  Underdogs
• Black Nativity

12

• Generally, not suitable for those under the age of 12 (unless accompanied by an adult in some cases)
• No dark or unsettling tone to upset viewers
• Use of strong language may be used
• Brief and discreet sexual material may be used
• Some horror films may be accepted in this category but only moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted. Also as long as the horror sequences aren't too frequent or have an overall disturbing tone.

Examples of 12/12A' rated films:

• Divergent
• Jaws
• Red Eye

15

• Strong threat and horror allowed but no sustained focus nor sadistic threat
• No themes are prohibited, but must be suitable for 15 year olds
• The following are likely to be seen:

- Strong language

- Violence

- Drug taking

- Nudity

Examples of '15' rated films:

• Insidious
• The Purge
• Cabin in the Woods

18-Suitable for adults only

• No themes prohibited
• Issues tackled may even be offensive for adults
• Strong horror
• Strong blood and gore
• No limit on use of strong language or violence

Examples of '18' rated films:

• Orphan
• Friday the 13th (2009)
• The Chainsaw Massacre 

Editing Footage

We have edited a large chunk of our footage so far as a group, however, the following is some of the remaining footage left to add.

Cutting clips

As some of the clips had parts which needed to be cut out, there were two ways in which I did this. One way was to select the arrow icon before selecting blade tool. Next, I would blade the area before simply selecting the section which I had cut and delete it. Another way would be to simply select the clip and drag the highlighted parts at the end of the clip.

Transitions and Effects

At the beginning of the opening, we used the 'Flash' transition in order to make it clear to the audience that the next clip would be a flashback, therefore, I decided to use this a few more times in order to re-enforce to our audience of the flashbacks.

In addition to this, I decided to use effects on the close up of the priests eyes, which were similar to that of the possessed girl. To do this, I selected the highlighted clip before clicking on the right hand side tool-bar and selecting "reverse". After this, I also selected the same tool-bar and selected "re-timing". As I wanted to increase the speed, I dragged the re-timing handle to the left to create a fast motion effect.

Sound

In one of our flashback clips, there is a short scene of a close up shot of the priests feet as he circles the little girl. To heighten the suspense, I wanted to layer a non-diegetic sound of footsteps. To do this, I selected the music note icon on the left and searched for the effect of footsteps. The one which I found was slightly faster than that of our priest. Therefore, I decided to try to use the same method when increasing the speed of a clip, but in terms of slowing down the speed. Prior to this, I made sure to select the clip and drag the sound like to a mute in order to remove any diegetic sound.

Evaluation

Positives

• I was able to cut out unnecessary parts of our clips (e.g. talking and laughing)
• I think that the 'Flash' effectively allows our audience to identify our flashbacks
• The 'Cross Dissolve' transition creates a smooth transition from one clip to another

Negatives

• I was unable to put the non-diegetic sound of footsteps and the walking clip in sync
• I could have experimented with more transitions

Religion in Supernatural Horror

How Religion in Incorporated in Supernatural Horror?

As we are planning to have a priest in our opening scene, it is important that his occupation is instantly identifiable to our audience. One way in which this can be done is through the mise en scene. It is common for religious figures in supernatural horror films to wear a white clerical collar as well as the plain black cossack. For example, in The Exorcism of Emily Rose, the priest's costume consists of these alongside a purple religious scarf. As well as this, religious objects such as holy water and pectoral cross or rosary beads which is commonly associated it  Christianity.

Sound

Another way in which religion is incorporated in supernatural horror is through the non-diegetic sounds of traditional church music which has been manipulate to sound sinister. This is seen within the opening scene of Stigmata where it starts with the non diegetic background music sounding similar to faint low pitched chants alongside faint high pitched wind instruments which creates an eerie atmosphere.

Symbols

One of the most common symbols using in supernatural horror films where religion is a common theme, is the cross which is a direct link to Christianity. The cross is incorporated in The Devil Inside to appeal to the genre. Firstly, the symbol is red, which is symbolic to danger and violence as well as being a common colour scheme in this genre. In addition to this, the symbol is in reversal as well as being made to look as though it has been cut into the woman's mouth which all effectively emphasise the sinister element which is being brought across.

Candles Practical

2nd Candle Attempt

As we felt that our first practical of how we wanted our candles to look didn't bring across the supernatural element which we wanted for the genre, we decided to make another attempt. 

We felt it would be effective to include candles in our opening as not only are they symbolic to spiritual enlightenment, they are also a common convention in supernatural horror films. As well as this, the use of candles are also effective as it can limit what the audience is able to see. 

Final image

As I had new candles, prior to photographing them, I decided to let each candle burn between the duration of a few hours to a few days, so that they were all different sizes in addition to this giving them a worn out and shabby look (which is also achieved through the dark marks I was able to achieve by putting parts of the candle in direct fire).

Evaluation

Although I felt that this was effective as I was able to make the candles look tarnished, I felt that I may have left the candles burning for too long, as in the final image, the candle in the middle lost its structure, also the remaining candles seemed too small. When we decided to film our scene with the candles, I would but thick and tall candles as opposed to the ones I used as these are more common in horror films when candles are used. In addition to this, when filming our candle scene, I think it would be more effective if there were a larger amount of candles as opposed to only having 3 or 4 candles as I think this more effective when trying to create an eerie atmosphere. As well as this, I would also ensure that all the candles are of the same colour.

 

Filming Preliminary

Practical-Filming Prelim 

Prior to our actual filming, we decided to try and do a test run of a few shots of the storyboard. When putting the clips together, i did a bit of editing using Final cu Pro, so that the clips flowed better, such as cutting as well as adding a small amount of special affects in order to make the clip suitable for a supernatural genre.

Title Practical

Title Practical

As most supernatural horror film titles which I researched had a type of serif font, I decided to try to subvert and mimic this when doing my own practical. I decided to use Adobe Photoshop to do this, as it has a range of different tool which could be used to create or manipulate my own font.

Firstly, using the line tool, I drew the outlines of what I wanted my letter 

top look like, keeping in mind that I was going for a serif typeface. Then, I clicked the following to increase the thickness of the lines:

• Filter
• Other
• Minimum
• 5 pixels

After doing this, I used the patch tool to draw a shape within the letter before filling it to fit the background so that it looked as though it has been scratched out, in order to subvert to the supernatural genre. Using the magic wand tool, I added another layer and decided to colour fill this with grey using the bucket tool.
As I felt that the typography needed to look more as though it had been tampered with, I decided to add more scratch-like points.

Background

As we have been looking into our title appearing after the camera has zoomed into the eye of the antagonist, I wanted to present the title with this in mind using Adobe Fireworks.

Firstly, I found an image of an 'evil red eye' before using the Lasso tool to cut out the particular part of the image which I wanted to use. When I had finished doing this to all the areas which I wanted to use, I was left with several layers. 

Evaluation

As I wanted to subvert the common colour schemes used in supernatural horror, I kept the colour of the eye red however decided to fill the sclera in black to emphasize the supernatural element. Also, using a harsh light on a particular area of the eye, I was able to highlight the red area of the eye. which I think also enabled the eye to look effective. I also think that the typography was effective to some extent as the scratch like parts in the letter presented the supernatural elements which we are trying to bring across.

On the other hand, I think that this could have been more effective if there were more parts of the typography which emphasises supernatural horor. For example, if the colour had been off white, of if I had colour filled some areas to look like dirt marks. In terms of the background, I think it could have also been more effective if I had added a hidden image within the eye that may not have been easy to recongise, for example, a cross image, as this would fit in with our opening, as well as the theme of possession.

Location Scouting

Location Scouting

As we want to focus on bring the fear factor to our opening scene (in order to appeal to our target audience), I wanted to focus on locations where suspense is at it peak (for example, in a chase scene or when showing someone who is possessed).

Churches

the dark marks emphasize the old look.

As religion is commonly linked to supernatural films when showing possession, I looked at a few churches as this is one way in which we  religion could be incorporated into our opening. Though I liked the old look which this building had, its surroundings didn't appeal to one which would be suitable for horror as it is surrounded by a busy road.



 Another church which I looked at was All Saints' Church in Blackheath village, which was surrounded by a vast amount of open area which goes along with the isolated atmosphere which would want to be created in a horror. On the other hand, the building looked quite modern and didn't give a spooky ambiance as the other building had. I also tried to look for tall buildings as it adds to the sense of a higher power, which is the case in possessions.

Alleyways

I also decided to focus on alleyways/cul-de-sac's as these are seen as a cut-off-point in chase scenes and often add suspense as the victim ends up unknowingly running into these which commonly leads to them getting caught by the antagonist.
The following images are examples of the dead ends which I found. These give an isolated ambiance which would be suitable for our opening.



I prefer this alleyway of the two as it is not as wide and emphasizes the idea of being 'closed in on'. Also, there is nowhere for the victim to go (i.e. no wall to jump or climb from), which adds suspense as there would be nowhere for them to escape to.

Woods/Open Area 

From our questionnaire, our target audience said they found woody areas just as frightening as family homes therefore, I decided to look into these as when trying to create a isolated atmosphere as they consist of a vast amount of open area therefore adding to the supernatural sub genre. Firstly, I looked at the open area which is also near one of the churches which I looked at in Blackheath. Again, the secluded image is fit for the genre as well as adds suspense.

 As well as this, I looked at a wooded area in Jordan's Wood which also gives a secluded feel. I prefer this location as not many people come here at the same time, therefore when filming, it will be easier to give off this isolated atmosphere. Also,  as we have been looking at the idea of having a "stalker", we could play around with different angles and movements behind the many tree branches. Furthermore, because of the branches, unlike the large grass area, the victim cannot see anything, which would heighten the mysterious atmosphere of a stalker, as well as playing into the idea of going into the unknown. Furtheremore, we could create a silhouette of the branches using back lighting to add a dark atmosphere.

Evaluation

Pros

When looking for the different locations which could be used, I think that I found some effective ones. such as the old church building as it created a spooky feel, which is what we are trying to achieve.

Cons

On the other hand, as most of the group live in or around Bexley, I could have focused on locations which were specifically in this area, as when it comes to having to film, it will be more practical and convenient for the majority. I could have considered New Community Church as its building also had a similar dark grey colour which could also create a spooky atmosphere.

Practical-Camera Angles for a Chase Scene

When doing my practical for a chase scene, I wanted the time to be just before dark so that I could still get across a mysterious atmosphere which is common in horror films, as well as still be able to easily see what I was filming. I also wanted to show a variety of camera angles which could be used if we decided to do a chase scene.

Point of View

To do this, my brother held my camera facing forwards, whilst running, which is why the camera is so shifty. A point of view shot is good to use in supernatural horror films as we are able to change whose point of view the shot is from. (It could be from the antagonist or the protagonist). From the victim's point of view, this creates a panicky atmosphere as the shifty movements make it unclear as to where the victim is going. From the antagonist's point of view, it also emphasizes their unstable mental state (if they were being possessed)   As well as this, POV shots also heightens the tension as the audience follow whether or not victim is caught.

Low Angle

Most low angle shots in supernatural films are used to put emphasis on the vulnerability of the victim. An alternative to this, is to emphasis the powerlessness of the audience as if the victim were to be caught, the audience may feel sympathy towards them, however, still wouldn't be able to do anything. I lay my phone on the ground, with the camera facing up, as my brother jumped over my phone to create this shot. This shot also gives the effect that the person may actually be jumping, for example, over a wall.

Panning Shot

As well as this, I also tried to film a panning shot of my brother (the victim) running, as I felt that this would also be an effective type of camera movement when trying to build suspense during a chase scene. To film this, I recorded my brother running for across the road as I felt this would allow me to have more space to film. 

Mid Shot

In addition to this, I also thought it would be useful to do a mid shot of my brother running, as mid shots are very common in horror films. If we decided to use mid shots, it would be useful to include something significant within the frame to highlight the panicky atmosphere.

High Angle Shot

I also wanted to do a high angled shot which could also be taken from the victim's point of view as it highlights their vulnerability. To have the running feet in the shot further heightens tension. To film this shot, I ran alongside my brother, whilst facing the camera towards his feet.



The following is a final clip showing all the different shots put together.

Evaluation

Although I was able to get a wide variety of shots which we could use in our opening scene, I think that I filmed too closely to dawn, which meant that some shots couldn't be used as nothing could be seen. As well as this, I could have experimented with other camera movements, such as, tilting and zooming, as these are also commonly used in supernatural horror films, in order to give an even wider variety of camera angles as well as movements.

 

Little Girl Costume Practical

Little Girl Costume Practical

Research

Typically, in horror films, when there is a possessed or demon antagonist who is a female, specifically little girls, there are common aspects of the costumes which they happen to wear. For example, there is a nonoccurrence of long, white (or off-white), night-like dresses (which can be seen in the following picture). The significance of white is to symbolize the innocence which is usually associate with little girls; this is usually juxtaposed with the demonic aspects of supernatural horror. 

The innocence is further emphasized by the long sleeved dresses which is usually worn. As well as this, it is common for the characters to be bare-footed, which could be to show the vulnerability of the characters, as they are usually being overridden by a superior force, causing them to act out of character as they are being possessed.

Furthermore, during my research, I found that with male characters, it is common for them to be dressed in dark colours. For example, in Insidious and Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy Krueger and the little boy are dressed in dark red and black clothing. Red is significance as we know that it is symbolic to violence and danger, which is suitable for the genre of supernatural horror. 

 

Practical

From my research, I decided to try and modify a simple shirt, similar to ones in supernatural films, to make it suitable for the character of a possessed little girl.

I started with a plain, baggy white shirt (which could be used as a dress if long enough). It was baggy as I didn't think that a tight fitting shirt or dress would be suitable for the genre. Also, the shirt hadn't been ironed, which i felt was suitable as in supernatural horror films, the antagonist is rarely neat and tidy (when possessed).

As this was intended to be for a little girl, I wanted to incorporate some child-like elements. Firstly, I tried to do hand-prints, which is an activity that many children engage in, therefore i felt that this would be appropriate for the character. As this is supernatural horror, I wanted the hand-print to be in a red colour, which resembled blood, as this would also add a supernatural edge, and so suit the intended genre.

I also decided to add some other darker colours, such as black and brown, which emphasizes this tarnished and messy look. 

Furthermore, as in many supernatural film, violence, as well as scratching is common, therefore I also decided to cut some of the shirt in an attempt to make it seem more realistic; as if someone possessed had worn it. I simply cut random areas of the shirt, and in some areas, I also ripped the cut open. In addition to this, to mimic scratch-like cuts, I made several half an inch wide cuts in a small area, in order to achieve this look.

Evaluation

When carrying out my practical, there are a number of things which I would have done differently, for example, i could have used more things and/or colors to stain the shirt, including mud or grass. This would've helped to create a scenario for when this shirt could be used. For example, if the victim or antagonist  had been in a scuffle on the ground.   As well as this, when using the paint, i could have used a better quality paint which may have made it stain the shirt better. Alternatively, I also could have used 'fake blood' to give the shirt a more realistic look. 

Furthermore, in terms of cutting the shirt to make it look as though this has been in a fight, i could have added scratch-like cuts, as scratching is common in supernatural horror films as it compliments with the impression of possession. Also, if this were to be used in our actual opening scene, I would have to ensure that the sizing is suitable for the actor, as we would want it to be big enough to look like a dress, as this is common in supernatural horror films.