Summary of conventions
- 1. Camerawork Conventions • The use of a wide shot is conventional to this type of genre as it helps introduce the characters into the film and allows the audience to associate themselves with that type of character & would therefore feel engaged with the film. The use of wide shots is effective as it shows the bonding between the characters .This is typical for a horror film as they want the audience to sympathise with certain characters throughout. • The use of an establishing shot is conventional as they are used to show where the main scenes are set and where the action is likely to take place. It helps the audience to understand the situation and they feel involved within the film. They can also relate to this every day setting which is likely to make them empathise with the characters. • Also close-ups are the main features used in this type of genre as the characters faces are the main focus when the event starts to unfold helps the audience to relate to the characters emotions and helps tension to build throughout the storyline. This is typical for a horror film as they like to create suspense and to also create enigma so the audience will feel intrigued and will want to find out what happens. • The use of the rule of thirds are important as it allows the audience to have a focus on the characters in the scene as they are at eye level & therefore consider the surroundings to help create the tension and build up.
- 2. Editing Conventions • A montage is one of the main recurring conventions throughout horror films as it helps show the background of the storyline or it is used to show a lot of action and terror that is happening in a short amount of time to grip and engage the audience to the trailer/film. • The use of jump cuts help to create tension and suspense. It helps portray the genre well as you would typically see jump cuts in a horror film to keep the audience engaged and interested and to create a tense and mysterious mood. This would create an enigma as the audience would want to know more and this is likely to encourage them to see the film. • The use of fast paced editing throughout the trailer sequenced helps the transition between the events of highest horror/tension/suspense building clips that are from the film. It also helps to show the panic and fear that the characters are feeling within the film. This would therefore create sympathy for the characters from the audience and make them want to watch the film. This type of editing is effective as you can clearly see the genre being demonstrated through this type of quick editing. It allows the trailer to be more engage & attention grabbing which is what would is typical for a horror film trailer.
- 3. Mise-en-scene Conventions • The use of low key lighting throughout the trailer is typical because it creates a dark, dangerous atmosphere setting for the whole trailer. The low key lighting hints to the audience the emotions which they would be expected for them to feel as a viewer and what the characters would be experiencing & therefore display the genre effectively. • The typical, everyday setting of a house is typical as the audience will be able to relate and sympathise with the characters as they imagine themselves in that situation or woods which create mystery and enigma for the audience. • Props such as weapons are significant to add danger and excitement within a trailer. It can also make it feel sinister and disturbing which is what you want the audience to feel. • The costumes help the audience to understand the class of the family and how they may act. The change in the costumes later on suggest the situation, danger and panic that they might face. It also hint to what they may have experienced. This is effective as it connotes danger and fear from both the audience and the characters and adds to the darkness of the story. • Characters which are similar ages to the audience are effective as the audience can relate to the situation the characters are in and imagine themselves also in that situation adding to the suspense and excitement.
- 4. Sound Conventions • Continuous use of dialogue of help the audience understand what is happening and how the characters feel. • The non-diegetic music played throughout would help to make it tense and builds excitement and this grips the audience's attention and keeps them interested & makes them want to carry on watching. The tense, negative type of language used continually throughout the trailer create the horror & fear that is building within each scene and in the characters and therefore, on the audience. • Sound effects to make scenes feel more realistic and exciting. It also helps to exaggerate the situation to keep the audience interested. The sound of a heartbeat will be heard over the clip Non-diegetic music will add tension to the scene
- 5. Ancillary Product Conventions • Isolated image focused just on the main character or image of setting which doesn’t give away the storyline but makes the audience wonder what is happening or close-ups of the main characters or ‘psycho’ which is conventional. The audience want to see posters which connote mystery and again don’t give them any ideas of what might happen in the storyline. • Dark colours which connote horror, death and blood such as grey, red and black. • Sans serif or bold font which may look creepy or stand out to the audience.