Planning: Treatment

The group are walking towards a treeline with camping equipment on their back. ‘A Slaughterhouse Production’ appears at the bottom of the screen. Adrian is seen talking to his mum on the phone. When there is a close up of him, text will appear on the screen with the actor's name – ‘Ashley Paddick’. The camera will then switch to Zac who is directly next to Adrian. The text of ‘Thomas Mckenna’ will then appear. After their conversation, the camera pans towards the sky. Here ‘A film by Charlie North, Julia Bickle and Leah Mitchell’ will become visible.

Whilst the group are walking through the woods other titles come into shot: ‘Costume design by Charlie North, Julia Bickle and Leah Mitchell’, ‘Edited by Charlie North, Julia Bickle and Leah Mitchell’ and ‘Written by Charlie North, Julia Bickle and Leah Mitchell’.

When the teenagers arrive at the campsite, the camera is focused on Adrian and Zac relaxing in their tent. A jumpscare follows in which the audience gets their first close up view of Alona. The actresses name appears on screen, ‘Neave Coleman’. This is followed by a lot of laughing from Alona which results in Stephanie throwing a slight tantrum. When the camera gets pointed at Stephanie, the actresses name becomes visible, ‘Rachel Keevil’. Eventually Damon gets his first close up on the camera in response to Stephanie’s rant. The actors name appears – ‘Jack Westwood’. The scene fades to black.

Everyone is seated around the campfire. Alona suggests that they do a séance. After some discussion the group finally agree. The scene fades to black and ‘Produced by Charlie North, Julia Bickle and Leah Mitchell’ appears on screen.

The teenagers are holding hands and are huddled together, ready to start the séance. Alona directs the séance. When things aren’t looking hopeful, Stephanie intervenes and begins dismissing the idea of the séance when all of a sudden a twig snaps. This results in the group getting slowly closer to the location of the sound. Here Damon sees something in the woods which triggers a phrase to repeat over and over again in his mind. With this driving him mad, other members of the group begin to get angry as they are frightened and thing that Damon is messing around. All of a sudden Damon loses his temper and begins strangling Zac. There is a sudden black screen. ‘Slaughterhouse Productions present’ fades onto the screen.

Damon is slowly recovering from being knocked out. He is on the ground, attempting to get to his feet. When he finally stands up and regains vision again he is faced with the dead bodies of his friends. He looks down to see blood and scratches all over his body. The scene fades to black and the title, ‘The Woken Woods’ appears.

Planning: Target Audience Feedback

In order to ensure that our film opening appealed to our target audience, we decided to create a group discussion (with people within our target audience age) and ask them questions; it allowed us to discover their preferences, opinions and ideas. As well as this, it supplied us with suggestions which we can use within the first 2 minutes of our film.





The group discussion enabled my group and I to solidify ideas for the opening of our horror film, such as:

• The scene will be filmed at dusk in order to make the visuals scarier.
• The personality of each individual character.
• To incorporate scenes from the past and present for example, flashbacks and newspaper articles.
• To include jump scares, maybe a few fake jump scares.
• Perhaps keep the killer unseen to add hints of mystery.
• The scenes should be staggered instead of flowing to create an element of confusion.
• To have a type of branding on Damon's hand to show that he's been possessed.
• 'The Woken Woods' will be our movie title.

Planning: From Initial Ideas To A 60 Second Pitch

In order to gather our initial ideas, we created mind-maps exploring various themes that we could base our horror film on.

We decided to focus on the theme of possession; the fear of the unknown and ghosts/demons are quite common, therefore our horror film would be appealing to our target audience as it would be scary.

Various ideas regarding the theme of possession were discussed, but eventually we settled on an idea that we all liked. Next, we thought about the story line more in depth and named our characters, thought of their ages and what their personality is like.

• Damon (unpossessed)- 17 - Considers himself as the masculine one of the group and was quite protective of his friends. 
• Damon (possessed) - Is extremely controlling, aggressive and manipulative. We named him Damon as it is very close to the word Demon.
• Stephanie - 16 - Is in a relationship with Damon. She is stereotypically girly and squeamish. Can be irritating and slightly stuck up.
• Alona - 16 - Seems to be the odd one out. Is very obsessed with the "dark arts" and is brave.
• Zac - 17 - Bravest of the group but is quite obnoxious. He is humorous but can sometimes take things too far.
• Adrian - 16 - He is the 'nice guy' of the group and is usually quite laid back and sometimes shy. 

We then created a summary of our film and eventually presented it as a 60 second pitch.

Below you can find our 60 second pitch at 6:10.

Research: The Importance Of Sound In Horror Films

Research: The Importance Of Opening Titles

By studying the opening titles on http://www.artofthetitle.com I was able to increase my knowledge on how, within the very first few minutes, the genre and tone of the film is presented through visual elements, the use of sound and typography. I also developed my understanding in the significance that the titles/names are displayed.

By analysing the opening scene to 'SE7EN' I was able to further increase my comprehension of opening titles and also was able to complete more research on codes and conventions within the first few minutes of a horror film.

Title Structure

By recording all of the names and titles within a list, I was able to identify important parts about the structure of the opening scene: The title is often shown multiple times, the main actors/actresses name's are displayed vey near the beginning and the producers/directors name's are usually shown at the end of the opening titles.

Visual Elements

For this, my focus was on the elements that I could see. These were mainly components of mise-en-scene (things that are visible within the shot).

Elements of Sound

I shut my eyes, and just listened to the music - both diagetic and non-diagetic. For diagetic sound I was focused on what kind of mood was emphasised and for non-diagetic sound I paid attention to the pace, volume and pitch of the music.

Typography

By analysing the typography, I was able to notice the effect of using different fonts and sizes for various titles/names. I also noted how the text moved, for example, whether it jittered or enlarged.

Research Essay: Codes And Conventions In Exisitng Horror Films Aimed At A Teenage Audience

Horror films always contain codes and conventions which create a daunting, tense atmosphere for the audience. Conventions are the expected things to happen within a horror film, for example, in a thriller it is common to see a chase scene between the victim and the murderer. Moreover, another frequently used convention is the typical isolated scenery - this indicates that no one will be able to help the characters later on in the movie. On the other hand, you also have codes which are split up into two categories: symbolic and technical. Symbolic codes revolve around mise-en-scene (costume, lighting, make-up and props). These are usually used to portray a particular view of a character, for instance if a woman was wearing revealing, provocative clothing it may suggest connotations of her being frail, vulnerable and perhaps wanting attention. Alternatively, it could reflect the stereotypically woman. Technical codes focus more on technical aspects of film making, such as camera shots, camera angles, camera movement, editing, lighting and sound (non-diagetic and diagetic). In order to explore codes and conventions within media further, we focused on the opening of two films: 'Dead Wood' and 'Dead Mary'. 

'Dead Wood' uses technical codes, such as editing, to set the atmospheric nature of the film. Cuts between scenes gradually become more and more frequent as the monster chasing the male continues; this makes the pace of the film faster and implies the feeling of chaos and panic. Editing is also used to emphasise the importance of the male jumping over the ditch, to signify it is a major moment and is the deciding point of his fate - whether he'll survive or die. By slowing the footage down it creates a dramatic effect as it creates a build-up of tension and highlights the sense of danger. This is important because it ensures that the audience will want to carry on watching the film. An additional technical code that 'Dead Wood' incorporates as well as, is the use of sound. Throughout the opening scene, music plays a vital part - at the beginning, the music is eerily peaceful which creates a haunting essence behind it due to the low tones and the slow tempo. The isolated sound of the piano signifies that a key event is just about to happen, this helps link the idea of vulnerability to the audience. During the chase scene through the woods, the sounds become more textured because of the sustained, suspenseful notes and the short, sharp notes which create a large contrast resulting in an effect that shocks the audience. The high pitch notes also resemble stabbing motions that can foreshadow the events of somebody being impaled. The film  uses symbolic codes too: blood can be seen on the males face which suggests that he has encountered the monster already and has managed to get away from it - this gives the audience hope that he will survive which creates an even bigger impact on them when he dies. Furthermore, the male's foolishness is conveyed through his costume; he is wearing a Hawaiian shirt in the middle of the forest. Shallow space is also used because it highlights that the monster/human chasing the male is extremely near - this creates suspense for the audience.  

There are numerous conventions within the opening scene of 'Dead Wood' because they are used to set the mood for the rest of the film. The filming takes place in a secluded location - a forest. Isolated locations are often used in horror films as it reveals to the audience that if the character gets into danger, they won't be able to get help, nor escape. Therefore, the location gives off an uneasy feeling to the audience as it is quite uncommon to be in a place away from help and civilisation. Separation between the two characters, a woman and a male (perhaps a couple), is another convention. This again reinforces the fact that the character will be without help and will just have to rely on themselves and their own instincts. In this case, we see the woman at the end who is now all by herself as the male will not be returning to the camp site. In result to this, it becomes clear that the woman is now extremely vulnerable - this is portrayed by her costume (a symbolic code) as she is wearing revealing clothing and by the camera angle ( a technical code); the camera shot is from a high angle which makes her appear small and weak.  

The opening scene of 'Dead Mary' uses a combination of codes and conventions to build an intense atmosphere. The convention of a secluded location is depicted by extreme-close ups (which are in and out of focus) of a sign. A sense of mystery is provoked by the fact that the location isn't completely identifiable in these shots. Eventually a long shot of the sign highlights how the woman is in the middle of nowhere. It also adds a bit of a back story; by showing a gas stations sign it implies that a car may of broken down or ran out of fuel. Location is also illustrated by a low angle close up of the car as it emphasises the isolation of the characters because the audiences focal point is forced at the long stretch of road in the background. Mysterious elements are again represented in the opening scene with camera movements which give the impression that the woman is being watched: A long shot of the car acts as a point of view shot and reveals something is watching her. The camera constantly tracks her movements and even tracks forward to express how, whatever is watching her, it is coming closer to her. Vulnerability of the woman is conveyed through close ups of the females face as it is unnatural to be that close to someone's face. High angled shots also display this because it makes her appear smaller and defenseless. Another way vulnerability of the woman is symbolised, is through her costume (symbolic code): she is wearing clothes that reveal a lot of skin to show how she is weak and cannot protect herself, similar to the woman from 'Dead Wood'. Sound, again, plays an important part in setting the tone of the movie. Although use of sound may not be as prominent in this films as it is in others, I feel that the subtleness of it creates a realistic scene - I think that this makes the audience experience fear because it is easily believable and seems to be more likely to happen in real life. One of the most key diagetic sound effects is when the radio gets turned on. Due to their being no signal, a convention of a horror film to promote the fact that they are in a secluded location, static can be heard. Within the fuzziness of the static, the audience is able to decode eerie, menacing sounds such as a woman who seems to be in pain and a demonic, evil laugh - this could be used to foreshadow future events. 

A typical convention used within the film 'Dead Mary' is the breaking down of the car. The car has ran out of gas, so the woman is trapped next to the woods by her self. This creates an edge of tension as the audience realises that the woman is unable to escape and is forced to sit next to the woods, another convention as the woods are usually associated with danger. There is also a man and a woman in this opening scene also, like there was in 'Dead Wood'. This convention is used to ensure that the it appeals to both genders of the target audience. As well as this, the (ex) couple's ages are roughly around the same as the target audience which is commonly around the ages of 15-24 as these are the most popular age groups who watch horror/thriller films.

Word Count: 1360

1. Explanation/ Analysis and Argument = 10/20

I believe that I can improve on my explanation and analysis of my codes and conventions. I also don't understand what points I am meant to be arguing...

2. Use of Examples = 12/20 

I think I have used examples when necessary but I could probably be more coherent with them.

3. Use or Terminology = 7/10

I think my terminology is pretty accurate, however I think I may of muddled up a few perhaps.

Research: Codes And Conventions Of A Horror Film

Codes - Systems of signs, which create meaning. Codes can be divided into two categories - technical and symbolic. Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in a media text, for example the camera work in a film. 

Technical codes include sound (diegetic and non-diegetic), camera movement, camera shots and editing.

Symbolic codes are portrayed through aspects of Mise-en-Scene which can have connotations that can be decoded by the audience. 

Conventions - The generally accepted ways of doing something. There are general conventions in any medium, such as the use of interviewee quotes in a print article, but conventions are also genre specific.

Conventions of a Horror Film

Isolated Location

Horror films are usually set in a secluded location in order to create a tense, scary atmosphere. It also ensures that later on in the film, the characters won't be able to call out for help because they're all alone.

No Signal

The convention of having 'no signal' again puts forward the sense of helplessness as it stops the characters from being able to call for help.

Lights Go Out

A common fear is the fear of the dark. By incorporating this within movies, the scenes automatically become scarier as the element of the unknown comes into play.

The use of darkness is effective in this clip of 'The Woman in Black' because it hides the figure - this makes the scene more tense because the audience is unable to determine when the jump scare is going to occur. As well as this, the lights turn out one by one to highlight how the woman is getting closer and closer.

Someone Always Falls Over

Right in the middle of the chase, the victim inexplicably falls over. This makes the audience feel an urge of panic and intensity.

When the woman trips up the stairs, it forces the audience to focus more on the surroundings. The pace of editing slows down, which makes it more dramatic because the threat of the chase suddenly stops without any explanation.

Characters Forget About Threat

The characters always forget about the negative things that have happened previously - whether it's a death, a curse or worse. This sets the scene for the horror movie because the audience always has the sense of threat at the back of their minds.

In the movie 'Sinister" the Oswatt family move into a new house, even though it was the sight of many family murders.

Mysterious Noises

In practically every horror film old, unexplained noises are usually heard.

The clap and seek scene in 'The Conjuring' uses a harmless noise of a clap. However, later on it is revealed that the clapping wasn't from any of the family members.

Early Deaths

Early deaths are used to set the mood and tone for the rest of the film.

In the opening scene of 'Jaws' it becomes obvious that the film is based around the idea of deadly sharks.

Bad Weather

The use of pathetic fallacy indicates the emotion that the director wants us to feel. Quite often thunder and lightning is used because of the common childhood fear of them.

Silly Decisions

Characters usually make stupid decisions, which nine times out of ten, gets them killed. Whether its hiding under beds or taking risky shortcuts, the decision is always fatal.

In this scene from 'Scream', Tatum decided to go through the cat flap even though it is obviously too small for he whereas she could of easily re-opened the garage door whilst the killer was on the floor.

Freaky Children

Freaky adults are scary, but freaky children...that's just a whole new level.