1. Top 10 Horror Shots

TASK: Film a very short 'film' which demonstrate the top 10 horror shots.

Below I have displayed a video which demonstrates the top 10 horror shots.

Below is my presentation of the top 10 horror shots. I have described what each of them are and how they are used in horror films.

Why do you think these 10 shots appear in horror films frequently?

These top 10 shots are frequently used in horror films as they are significant when creating meaning in the film. Each single shot is used to demonstrate different aspects of a film's setting, characters and themes. Off kilter is mainly used in order to demonstrate confusion of a character. The over the shoulder shot of the killer is used to put the audience in the midst of the action which can make the audience feel anxious. Close up on the weapon is used so the audience know what the killer will use in order to kill or harm the victim. Other close up shots are also used, such as, close up of fear. This is an essential shot, because it creates a dramatic effect and enables the audience to see exactly how frightened the victim is in that situation. The 360 degree shot to show isolation and fear is also essential in a horror film as this displays the victim's surroundings, this will often be an isolated place that they have come to or have been taken to by the killer. The high angle shot to show the victim's vulnerability which appears in horror films very often is used to display the vulnerability of the victim, as well as showing the audience that the victim is powerless as they are lowing up at the killer. The low angle shot to show the power of the killer is used very similarly to the previous shot, however instead this shot displays the face of the killer and it seen through the perspective of the victim. This yet again shows that the killer has power and status over the victim. There are usually several scenes within horror films that display someone being stabbed, however some films, that are displayed as a 12 or 15 tend the avoid the graphic imagery as this may not be applicable for all viewers. It is essential to include a stabbing scene or some form of killing scene as this is what forms the horror element within a horror movie. Typically, we usually see the victim trying to escape by crawling away on their back and usually they are approached by a killer. This shows that there is little escape for the victim and so they are destined to die in that situation. This creates all the thrill in a horror movie knowing that the victim will be killed. However, this is not the case in all horror movies. The victim does sometimes use self-defence by grabbing anything nearby that may act as a harmful weapon and in some cases, this is a success. This is also an element used to keep the audience on edge. Lastly, the power of suggestion is also a key element within horror films. Similarly to the stabbing of someone, the power of suggestion is used to build tension within the audience. Some scenes include the stabbing of someone which make the audience look away as they are typically expecting to see gore, however the power of suggestion disabled the action from presenting any graphic imagery. 

What did you learn from filming these shots?

Filming these shots was highly beneficial as it enabled me to see how well each shot worked and what I wanted to include in my film opening and what I didn't. I also learnt how to film each shot correctly and it also gave me more of an insight into why these shots were used. For example, the high angle shot is often used to show the vulnerability of the victim, whereas the kilter shot is used to create confusion. Learning about each of these shots, and knowing how to film them correctly has been a great source of preparation for when it comes to filming my own film opening. I have also learnt that each individual shot conveys a specific feeling or emotional, therefore if I want to portray a specific feeling through my character I now know which shot to use. For example, showing the audience that the victim is frightened, I would most likely use an extreme close up of their eyes or just a close up of their face to display the fright that the character is feeling. 

How will this task help you to plan your film opening?

This task has proved to be very beneficial, as now I have more insight into all the different shots that are commonly used throughout different horror movies and why they are used, therefore I will be able to incorporate the chosen ones into my film opening. Additionally, if I will want to convey a specific feeling or effect on the audience, I will know which shot to use. For example, if I want to confuse the audience, I will most likely use the kilter shot, but if I want to create tension I will either use the power of suggestion or close up/extreme close up of fear and the victim's reaction such as a scream may frighten the audience, therefore this builds tension and a sense of suspense. This task will also be very beneficial when it comes to planning my film opening as I will know which shots to use in order to make the scene or situation seem much more realistic. Additionally, using the correct shots to convey the correct mood is key as it will allow the audience to feel intrigued by what will happen next, but most importantly the aim is to keep the audience on edge from the very beginning.