1) We decided to create the opening sequence of a Horror for our media product. We first began to research the typical conventions of a horror film by watching films such as The Strangers and Wrong Turn, analysing their use of cinematography, mise en scene, sound and editing. We also looked at the opening sequences of more renowned, classic horror films such as Halloween and Friday the 13th. It is from these films that we identified the more typical conventions such as blood, murder and the antagonist’s anonymity until the conclusion to the more subtle conventions, which are generally identified and portrayed to the audience through the use of mise en scene. In our opening sequence, we tried to incorporate as many horror conventions as possible without decreasing the tension and atmosphere.
Our opening sequence develops typical horror conventions by successfully including them throughout. One of the main conventions in our film is that it is set at night, which is generally the time which these bad events occur. This is used in conjunction with the external setting, which conveys an ‘open space’ atmosphere to show that many bad things are possible. Another convention used in our opening sequence is the use of both diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Diegetic sound was used coming from the anonymous antagonist, which suited the theme of the sequence. The creepy moans and groans coming from what seems to be behind the camera add to the suspicion and allow the audience to become on edge. It also encourages the viewer to continue watching because they will want to know who the antagonist is, and find out his motive.
Non-diegetic sound is used as Miranda, the dominant character, is walking alone down the path. The quiet, eerie music builds up in pace which suggests that Miranda could be walking into some trouble. It also creates tension for the viewer, as they are also aware that something bad will probably happen but they are not aware exactly what it will be.
The use of conventions in our sequence such as the dark exterior setting, the pillow case with the distorted smiley face, the synchronous diegetic screams coming from the victim and the blood surrounding the still body are all suggestions as to the subgenre we intended our horror to fit into, which is a horror/thriller. We felt a thriller subgenre would be suitable to the topic of the sequence, as the purpose was to frighten the viewer in a psychological way aswell as an adrenaline thrill.
From first viewing of our sequence, there are no clear indications to the audience as to any influences used in our work. However, under closer scrutiny, an influence from ‘The Strangers’ can be seen in the form of mise en scene. The paper bags used in ‘The Strangers’ was an influence for the mask put over the victims face in our sequence, as we felt this gave the sequence a more weird and sadistic feel. It also creates quite an unsettled tension as the audience will feel uneasy at the thought of someone getting a thrill from murdering a helpless, naïve girl and leaving a pillow case over her head.
2) Our media product doesn’t represent any particular social group or stereotype as there is only one character throughout the sequence who is clearly a white female approximately 16-17 year old.
The fact that the female is the victim and the male is the antagonist is ironic as females are generally stereotyped as the weaker sex, while men are portrayed as the more dominant sex. The main character Miranda is representative of a typical girl of her age, who is very naïve and wouldn’t have a second thought about meeting up with someone on the internet.
This links to target audience because females of this age, younger and older may be able to relate what is happening on screen. The topic of the sequence and the consequences faced by Miranda as result of her careless actions also acts as a warning to the viewers that things may not always be what they seem, and people aren’t always fully truthful.
3) Our opening sequence would more than likely not be something that would be produced in a Hollywood studio. This is because the content of the sequence would not be suitable to a large budget Hollywood film, as there are no special effects required and such film would not be as effective with more popular actors and actresses such as Megan Fox or Brad Pitt.
A trailer for the film would be advertised before other films that also fit into the horror/thriller genre to appeal to the mass audience, and the film would then be released firstly into cinemas. To ensure that interest in the film doesn’t decrease over time, the film would be released on DVD and Blu-Ray to cater for all viewing preferences at least 2 weeks after the film has stopped being shown at cinema’s.
The visual style of our horror would feature the typical conventions again to immediately portray the genre. This would be blood, darkness and murder.
4) Our main target audience is males and females between the age of 14 and 20. We chose this particular target audience as the narrative and style are suited to this particular band of people. The sequence would be suited mainly to a female audience, as the main message inside our film is sent out particularly to that gender. The use of technology within the sequence such as mobiles, Facebook and messengers also appeals to an audience of this age, as this is the age group who are more involved and concerned with these modern technologies.
Other films that are similar to ours are horrors that focus and exaggerate issues in everyday life. Films such as The Strangers, Wrong Turn, Eden Lake and The Fourth Kind are all based around true stories and focus on genuine frightening issues that have occurred in peoples lives. The messages sent out in these films are advising people to be more aware and not make the same mistakes these people have, however bizarre the circumstances are. Similarly, our film sends out a message about the attraction of social networking sites and messengers but also a warning that however these sites may be fun, they can also be extremely dangerous if these sites are abused.
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