M1

Codes and Conventions

I studied 3 different short films, About a Girl, Finley, and Tunnel. The films are in different styles however they influenced our short film, especially Finley. These helped us in choosing what kind of cinematography to use, and with our short film following the conventions of both horror and comedy meant we were able to incorporate elements from both genres into the narrative, tone, and overall presentation of the film.

Horror

Theme of good vs. evil

We have included a theme of good vs. evil which is something that can resonate with the audience as it is well known. This adds some depth to the narrative, including the creation of suspenseful situations.

Isolated woods setting

Having our film set in an isolated woods adds some natural tension. It being secluded adds to the vulnerability for the characters and limits possible escape routes.

Props

The use of props, such as a scary mask and a fake knife as a potential threat, creates an impactful and memorable antagonist and heightens the suspense.

Character design and costumes

Having everyone, as teens ourselves, wearing ordinary clothing relates to stereotypical and relates the characters to the audience, just being normal people. There is a contrast, with the villain wearing the scary mask which emphasises their role as the antagonist.

Antagonist

Describing the antagonist as both scary and aggressive sets the tone for the character. This can influence the level of fear and tension experienced by the audience.

Scary music and sound effects

Incorporating scary music during a chase scene enhances the impact of the moment. Using sound effects for jump scares as well adds to the horror elements.

Cinematography techniques

Including techniques such as close up and long shots, POV shots, and the use of a handheld camera, adds visual elements to the film. These techniques contribute to the storytelling and allows for a range of perspectives for the connection with the characters from the audience.

Editing

The use of slow and fast paced edits shows a difference in the choice of pace. This variety shows the overall rhythm to the film, allowing for moments of tension, suspense and release, keeping the audience engaged during these scenes of impact.

Comedy

Upbeat pop music

The use of upbeat sets a lively and energetic tone for the film. The choice of music can influence the mood and entertainment value of the film. This enhances the film's relatively positive and light hearted atmosphere. However this does change when the scary music happens.

Jump scares as comedy

Describing jump scares as a part of the humour suggests a twist on traditional horror elements. Incorporating jump scares in a comedic context can create an unexpected yet playful experience for the audience, subverting the typical fear response associated with these sounds.

Teens reactions leading to comedy

Portraying the reactions as comedic rather than fearful adds humour to the film. Their lack of fear in the face and body language of jump scares creates a contrast to the expected reactions in a typical horror setting.

Ineffective jump scares on teens also adds a level of humour to the film. Acknowledging the genre conventions and intentionally subverting them, can create a playful interaction between the filmmakers and the audience.

Funny dialogue

Including funny dialogue further adds to the comedy aspect of the film. Fun exchanges between the characters contributes to a lighthearted nature to the narrative.

Changes to rushes

Originally in the storyboard, we had it planned for the characters to meet the killer in the teepee, but we couldn't get the camera angle right instead they met behind a nearby tree instead.

In the first time we filmed, we had a different mask which looked more like a clown, however the person who owned the mask couldn't make it for the second shooting so we had to buy a different one (the pumpkin one).

In the bench scene, the idea originally was to have the character sat there talking to the killer and then look up and run, but we changed this as it would've made more sense for the character to look up and then run straight away.

Rushes