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.