An Introduction tothe Horror Genre

What is the horror genre?What is the task for this Controlled Assessment?

What are the conventions of horror?

Horror Films you have watched

• List as many horror films that you have seen.

• Share your list with the other people at your table.

• You have five mins to do this.

Fear itselfWrite down what you are afraid.

What other fears dopeople have?

Why is the horror genre so powerful?

the darkghost

s

clowns

bees and wasps

aliens

monsters

The unknow

n

zombies

spiders

Fear of the UnknownHorror of Personality(Psycho)

Horror of Armageddon (Invasion of the Body Snatchers)

Horror of the demonic

(The Exorcist)

Dystopian world view

Audiences of HorrorWhy would audiences want to ‘escape’

with a genre that stimulates fear and anxiety with horrific events?

A Nightmare on Elm Street = 9 sequels since 1984 Saw = 6 sequels since 2004Halloween = 10 sequels since 1978 Final Destination = 5 sequels since 2000Friday the 13th = 12 sequels since 1980 Paranormal Activity = 4 sequels since 2007

“An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre, using original images. To include titles.”

Research [30]• Genre Research (sub-genres,

conventions, opening sequences, etc.)• Brainstorming (possible camera,

costumes, music, locations, narrative ideas, etc. including sketches)

• Audience Research 1 (questionnaire – min. 10 questions & 20 people surveyed)

“An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre, using original images. To include titles.”

Initial Planning• Treatment (an outline of your film)• Character Profiles (details on your

characters and their background)• Audience Research 2 (feedback once

you present your idea and info on how that has impacted your film)

“An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre, using original images. To include titles.”

Production Planning• Storyboards (1 per group – these can be

colour drawings or photo storyboards)• Production design pages (details and

reasons why you’ve chosen specific locations, costumes, camera angles, etc.)

• Script (dialogue, sound choices, voice-over)

• Shot Lists / Shooting Schedule

“An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre, using original images. To include titles.”

Production & Editing [60]Film your film. You can use school cameras or your own if they are HD. You are encouraged to film outside of school.

No planning = no permission to film! Your research & planning folder must be signed off before you can start the next phase.

You will be marked on…• Holding a shot steady (so use a tripod where needed)• Framing• Variety of camera angles/shot distances• Selecting mise-en-scene• Continuity editing• Sound• Titles & appropriate transitions

“An opening sequence for a new film in the horror genre, using original images. To include titles.”

Written Evaluation [30]

The Conventions of Horror Films

Typical plot line Typical events Stars / Actors Style of filming and

editing Dialogue

Type of characters Typical settings Expected props Main themes Mood Music

List the conventions of horror movies (conventions are the elements you expect in a horror film): Try to

fit in an example from the horror films you know.

Fill in the conventions sheet

Some important things to know about Genre

Genres change over time……

When a particular type of film becomes popular, it is imitated, then a genre develops. Over time, certain conventions become ‘the rules’.

Eventually, changes occur, subgenres appear. Some may become full genres in their own right.

A mature genre can be parodied or mocked (Scary Movie).

Films may mix their genres to appeal to more audiences.

Some important things to know about Genre

Genres can be made up of sub-genres, each with their own specific set of conventions.

What are some sub-genres of horror?slasher, teen terror, serial killers, zombie, vampire, alien, psychological, found footage

Try to name a film that fits each subgenre

Some important things to know about Genre

Genre movies tell us about the time in which they are made, not set.

Genre movies reinforce ideas in society.In The Ring, there is a fear of technology – Samara can kill you through the television & a phone call says you will die in 7 days.

Genre movies often involve conflict between accepted ideas and “the other”.

Watch and Write‘Prom Night’ (2008), Nelson McCormick‘Scream’ (1996), Wes Craven‘Darkness Falls’ (2003), Jonathon Liebesman‘The Ring’ (2002), Gore Verbinski‘Saw’ (2004), James Wan

Fill in the Opening Sequence Analysis sheet