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 

Backing Tracks

Firstly, I decided to look at common types of instruments/sounds which are used in supernatural horror.
I particularly liked this sound as its echo effect is effective for supernatural horror as it gives the impression of distortion. As well as this, the whisper is also effective as it helps to add a mysterious and sinister atmosphere. I also liked the low pitched piano keys as it creates a harsh sounds and further adds to the sinister atmoshpere. Whilst the symphonies help to create an innocent child-like impression, I feel as though the singing takes away from the suspisious atmosphere which we are trying to create in out opening.

Religious Backing Tracks-Church Scene

As we want a song for the church scene, I decided to look for a backing sound which could be used for this.

I feel as though, if played at a low volume, this could be effective in our Church scene as the low pitched chant gives a more sinister portrayal. Also, this alongside our location and priest, further subverts common conventions and would be more effective for our audience when they discover that the priest is the antagonist.

I feel as though with is clip, we could manipulated this to make it seem more sinister. For example, similarity to the above, we could add an effect to make this more echo-y and slowed down in order to make it sound more distorted, which would therefore allow us to conform to supernatural stereotypes.

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

Fake Blood

Cuts Practical

Look #1

The following YouTube clip is one of two ways in which I achieved my looks. I used the exact same method as shown.

• Firstly, I moulded a small piece of wax in the shape of a sausage.

• After blending the ended on my skin, I then used a little foundation to blend with my skin tone, before using the back of a pin, I made an incision in the middle of the area (where I wanted my cut to be).

•     After this, I put a dark red colour inside the incision before addimg fake blood.
  
  
  
  

Evaluation

Pros

• I feel that this is an improvement from my previous make up/bruises practicals in terms of it having a realistic look.

Cons

• I would have preferred if I had branched away from the exact method as shown in the clip in order to add more originality.
• I don't think this would fit in well with our genre as it isnt as likely to see such bloody wounds in supernatural horrors
• If I were to use moulded wax again, I would try and get the colour as close to the victims actual skin colour as possible or add additional colour to fit the skin colour.

Look #2

With this cut, I used liquid latex  and tissue paper instead of using the moulded wax. 

1. Firstly, I made around 2-3 layers of the liquid latex and tissue paper in order to add some 'skin' texture.
2. Whilst the latex was drying, I cut 4-5 very small pieces of black thread and set them aside.
3. Next, I carefully cut through the 'skin' area and covered the whole area with a small amount of foundation which was as close to my skin tone as possible. 
4. Once this was done, similarly to look #1, I covered my actual skin (inside the cut) in a dark red colour before layering the same are with fake blood.
5. Then I added the black thread using a minimal amount of glue to mimic stitches.
6. To finish off, I added a lighter red colour to the surrounding area to make it look sore/swollen.

Evaluation

Pros

• I like the realism of the area surrounding the wound as I think it actually looks swollen.
• I think that this conforms better to the genre as even though it looks gory, it isn't too much as it doesn't look as though it would fit in a slasher film.

Cons

• I could have made the stitches look more real if I had placed them neater (even though this could alternatively be seen as conforming to the sinister genre).
• I could have used a smaller area as the wound.

Evaluation Day 3

Filming Evaluation Day 3-29th Jan

We had to make several changes to our initial plan when discussing our filming plans for the exorcism scene.

Firstly, Alice's brother stepped in as a replacement for our priest as Paul was unable to film on this day. As a result of this, we also had to slightly change our costume for our priest character as we no longer had all the full priest outfit, therefore we opted for a plain dark suit alongside a white collar and rosary beads (which would still allow our audience to immediately identify our character as a priest).

Furthermore, we initially planned to film in an inside/room location (a spare room in Alice's house), however this had to be changed therefore we decided to film in Francesca's garage as we would still be able to create a sinister atmosphere and still have an element of isolation. This change in location also meant that we no longer had a chair or bed for our victim to lie in therefore we decided to have our victim on the floor as through high angled shots, we could still emphasise the vulnerability of her character.

On the day, we decided that it would best to meet straight after school. Francesca, Alice and I met at Francesca's house at around 3.30, whilst Rebecca went to pick up her sister and meet us. During this time, we were also waiting for Alice's brother. 

We began filming around 5:30, however, the daylighting wasn't an issue as we were shooting in inside anyway. After our victim and priest had been dressed and had their make up and props, we set up our set. Prior to this filming day, we had ensured to burn out some of the candles so that they looked worn out and were different sizes to emphasise the sinister-looking set which we wanted.

We laid out the candles in several ways for different shots. Whilst we were filming, we also decided to add any other additional shots which we felt would add to our supernatural and sinister setting. For example, we had the priest walk around the victim whilst she was circled with the candles. Also, we were able to draw a cross into the ground which we felt gave a twisted mix between our victims innocence with the religious incorporation of the supernatural genre. Whilst these were not part of our storyboard, we felt that these extra shots would improve our opening.

Evaluation

Positives:

• We were able to deal with problems (e.g.actors not being able to attend, location change).
• We were able to shoot a variety of different camera angles and lighting shots.

Negatives

• Battery running out-ensuring the camera was fully charged/battery wasn't wasted.
• Not being well familiar with our camera.
• We could have been more efficient-whilst our actors were getting ready, others could have been setting up or do lighting checks.
• We could have used more props to make our priest as easily identifiable to our audience as possible.
• We could have used more candles to highlight our sinister setting even more.

Walled In Deconstruction (2009)

Walled In Deconstruction

Costumes

The very beginning scene shows a little girl dressed in an animated night dress which highlights her innocence whilst causing the audience to instantly be sympathetic towards this character alongside a series of her scared facial expressions within harsh high key lighting and the high angle shot, which also highlights her vulnerability. 

In addition to this, the juxtaposition between Mary and Sam may cause the audience to be suspisious of Mary, who is initially portrayed as a "clean freak". She is well presented with her bright hair always being slicked neatly, her clothing is also neatly buttoned up, alongside minimal make up. She is also well presentation through her composed posture whilst talking to Mary. Her behaviour further causes suspision as she hints of a set of rules which Mary must get accustom to as well as not going to the top floor of the apartment, hinting that everything may not be as it seems.

Locations

The building has an eerie look through its gloomy grey colour, as well as the sheer size of the building, which brings across an isolated atmosphere. The building also doesn't look as though it is an apartment/hotel due to it's unwelcoming appearance. One reason for this is due to its desolated surroundings, which is juxtaposed with Mary's suburban home; its bright white colour alongside.  The power lines are in the shape of a cross which could be to symbolise death. Other icons within the opening is the image engraved in a wall, which mimics a sword; this could be to introduce a common theme within supernatural horror-violence.

Furniture

When Sam gets into her room, there is a further element of isolation as the room seems bare, which further adds to the audiences suspisions alongside the artificial lighting within the low key lighting in her apartment. Furthermore, within the room, there a few old, antique looking furniture. For example, centred in the room is a wooden rocking chair. The rooms are neatly kept which could be to further illustrate Mary's tendency to keep everything clean and well put. The glass cabinet could also be symbolic to Sam being forbidden to do what she wants due to the ghosts. Similarly, to the shelf and its objects, they are delicate (china doll) therefore they must be carefully handled.

Low Key Vs. High Key Lighting

At the very beginning of the opening, there are only scenes which have high key lighting, however after Mary's entrance into the building, generally, the scenes are of low key lighting. As well as this, after her entrance into the building, there are several mid and long shots with back lighting, which further adds suspense for the audience as a silhouette of an unidentified person is on screen. This is further emphasised when we see a sector of light as a silhouette walks across.

When Sam first enters, there is an instant juxtapositon as she stands in bright artificial lighting, whilst Mary stands behind the door in low key lighting, which further adds the audiences suspicions of Mary as the audience are left in the dark, which is symbolised by the pitch dark room which she initially comes from.

Realism

In the title scene, whilst the story is being set, there is an image of an "Official Coroner's Report", alongside pictures of former victims, which could be to make the film seem more believable, as it seems to add scientific facts. Furthermore, images of a newspaper article also adds realism to the film which may cause the audience to become cautious as well as more scared as the film goes on. Its creased and dark colour, alongside the serif font, all add to emphasise the sinister appearance as it makes the article seem quite old, which is necessary for the background story.

Burns Practical

Burns Practical

From my last make-up practical, I wanted to do another attempt to try and make the marks look more realistic. From my previous evaluation, I thought that to have a lot of blood and gore would'nt appeal to the genre very well, therefore I decided that it may be more beneificial to make burn marks, as they are quite subtle but would still be effective as our antagonist/victim could look "tainted" with this. I tried to use similar equipments which I used when trying to do the wound as when on set, we could be able to do a several types of wounds/marks.

Firstly I put a line of a thin layer of PVA glue on an area and left it to set until the glue was completely dry and see-through. After this, I put a black shade of eye shadow around the dried glue to make it look like dark burn marks. I paired this with a colour close to my skin colour to make the colours blend more effectively. 

After this was done, I removed the glue by stripping it away from the area which left a distinct line, which made it look like a burn mark. To emphasise this even more, I added a red colour to the area to the "wound" to make it look like my flesh.

Evaluation

Whilst I do think that this looked more realistic than my previous practical of a wound, I think that i could have done more to try and add texture to the wound. For example, by using moulding wax, I could have made it looked as though my skin was was falling off or by using shading techniques to make is look come across without having to use additional materials.  I also could hae experimented more with colours and added a purple/blue colour to make the surrounding skin looked as though it had been bruised. Furthermore, I think I could have also made the inside wound look more intense; as though it was heavily bleeding using fake blood. In addition to this, when doing the real thing, I would ensure that the eyeshadow which is used isnt glittery or has any other extra effects as this takes away from the realism.

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.

Wounds Practical

Practical-Cuts/Bruises

Prior to doing this practical, I used several tips and methods which I could find useful, from different YouTube videos. 

What I used:

• PVA Glue
• Tissue/Tissue paper
• Red Lipstick
• Eye-shadow
• Scissors
• Sponges

What I did:

1. Firstly, I put a layer of tissue paper on the area which I wanted to use with a thin layer of PVA glue to stick the paper down.
2. When this layer had dried, I repeated this step twice more (using a hairdryer to speed up the process when need).
3. When the glue had set, I pealed some of the tissue and glue away from the hand so that I could cut specific areas.
4. Using a make up sponge, I applied a bronze-like coloured eye shadow around in area which had been cut away from the skin, whilst adding black eye shadow around the remaining areas.
5. After this, I broke down a bright red make up stick and applied it on top of the bronze eye-shadowed area (leaving some lumpy bits of the lipstick).
6. At this point, I felt as though I had too much tissue paper, therefore I decided to cut out the parts which hadn't been coloured as I found it hard to blend the skin tone to the tissue/glue. 
7. With the remaining, I covered in red lipstick to mimic blood whilst lifting some parts of the glued down tissue paper in order to try and make it look more realistic.

Evaluation:

 I think that the wound may look a little too gory for a supernatural horror, as I feel that in most supernatural horror, wounds may often be a scratch or bruises. As well as this, if I were to improve my final result, I would try and make the outline look as though it is bruised so that there is a better transition between the normal skin and the wound. Also, I would also work on making it look more realistic by using a liquid (possibly fake blood) in order to make it look more realistic.

Final Result

Case 39 Deconstruction

Opening Deconstruction: Case 39

Mise en Scene (and Lighting):

The very first thing which the audience sees is the location of an townhouse situated in a wooded and isolated area, which is shown within the setting of low key lighting which immediately enforces the eerie atmosphere in supernatural horror films.

As well as this, the low key lighting throughout this first scene enables this mysterious atmosphere to be sustained.

 The dark clothing of the man and woman going up the stairs also adds mystery to the scene as both are wearing dark clothing (black shoes and grey or black trousers).

Furthermore, when the door is opened, the limited lighting is shun directly on the little girl which allows the audience to see the floral purple and white bed sheets as well as the floral pink nightdress which she is wearing which shows her portrayal as innocent whilst emphasising a common antagonist which the supernatural genre where an innocent girl is shown to contrast the audiences initial portrayal. As well as this, her innocents is also presented through the harsh top lighting of the girls face, framed within a mid shot, which makes her look angelic.

Camera Angles: 

After the establishing shot showing the sinister location of the house, the camera zooms in on the house whilst the lights which can be seen through the windows, begin to be turned off, highlighting the mysterious atmosphere.As well as this, there are several close up shots of a feet walking up the stairs as well as a close up shot of hands opening the door and a mans eye face looking at the little girl, which creates suspense as the audience are unaware as to why he is doing this.

Sound: 

Within the opening scene, the diegetic sound of dogs barking within the distance re-enforce the idea that the house is isolated. As well as this, the diegetic sound of creaking floorboards and doors also emphasises the sinister ambiance which is being created alongside the low key lighting.

 Furthermore, the non diegetic sounds in the first scene also emphasises this as the eerie and continual sounds of wind instruments adds suspense to the scene. Also, there are three different sounds which are being played on top of one another. Although all sounds are continual, they range in their pitches and instuments (for example, on has a deep drum sound whilst the other has incorperated strings).

The dialogue of "I can see you" also adds to the sinister opening as many of the audience may be aware of the well known phrase "I see dead people" from Sixth Sense (1999) which they may relate to this as they are so similarly phrased in order to reinforce the ghostly conventions within this genre.