Questionnaire

This is an example of the questionnaire i handed out to 20 people.
From the results I discovered that most of the people preferred the sub-genre Splatter with 50%, whereas Teen Horror and Slasher were tied with 10% each. This shows that viewers are most likely to watch very graphic horror films.
60% of the people preferred the horror movie SAW over the rest of the films. 40% of that 60% were female showing that females prodominantly watch SAW over any other horror.
The results for the scariest antagonist were very close, Michael Myers was the most popular recieving 25% of the vote. The Antagonist from Stephen King's Misery recieved no votes at all. This shows that voters would prefer an antagonist with a mask as something symbolic.
100% of the voters wanted to see the antagonist at the beginning of the film, introducing the antagonist to keep viewers hooked.
75% of the voters enjoyed watching monster fodder at the beginning of the film, to show them how the antagonist kills.
55% of the voters preferred dramatic music of any genre. The least popular was atonal synth which recieved 5% of the votes; showing viewers prefer a score rather than anything experimental like Creep.

Production and Distribution Companies

Production

A production company is responsible for the physical production of the film as well as the funding. If a company is small they may have to be forced to sell there product to a bigger studio for distribution.
Twisted Pictures is a studio that made SAW II as when as the first in the franchise. When making SAW II, the company used synergy to work alongside another small production company, Evolution Entertainment to produce the movie. This is because it is a small and new company itself so synergy was a good option.

Distribution

Distribution companies are mainly in control of marketing, advertising and delivering films to theatres. SAW II was distributed by Lions Gate Films because the two production companies were too small to distribute it. Lions Gate Films have also contributed to other films such as American Psycho, Crash and Hostel. Scream and Creep were distributed by different companies; Scream was by Dimension Films and Creep by the UK Film Council.

Target Audience

Age Range - When targeting an audience, age is important because different ages prefer different things. When attracting a specific age group, the age of the actors is important as it will reflect on the audiences. In a film set at teenagers, usually the protagonists will be teenagers themselves. However this isn't always the case as younger viewers may be attracted to cartoons with adult voice over actors. The time period which the film is set in can determine the age range aswell, for example if it was a period drama it may attract an older audience.

In horror the age range can be universal depending on the film. In Scream, the age range will probably be between 18 and 25 because its a teen horror. In Creep and SAW II, the age range may be between 20 and 35 because of the age of the actors and the more mature sub-genres.

Gender Groups - When determining which gender would be attracted to the film, it is important to observe the gender of the actors and what it is which attracts each gender. Typically it an be said that if there is more males it will prodominantly be seen by males, and if there are more females then more females will watch it. Yet each gender has its own specific tastes. In horror, females will be looking for a strong female character who women can relate to. Whereas stereotypically men will look out for action, gore and sexually objectified women.

In Scream, SAW II and Creep, they can all be viewed by both genders as they have something for them both.

Ethnic Groups - To attract a wide variety of ethnicities, it is important to involve a wide variety of ethnicities and cultures in the films. This is because certain cultures can relate to a character if they are that culture. Thats why in films mainly dominated by white people, there will always be atleast one person with black or Asian heritage.

What makes an effective horror opening sequence?

Micro Features

• Sound - diagetic and non-diagetic sounds to manipulate the mood and evoke tension. A horror can use parallel music to relate to whats going on in the scene, or use contrapuntal to create the impression theres a threat of screen. In the title sequence of Creep, it uses very experimental music mixed with train sounds to create a horrific piece that represents the subway. Typical horror sounds include screams and echoed sounds to create isolation.



• Lighting - lighting is a key element in film anyway, yet in horror there are different lighting techiques to evoke horror. In some films can use colour filters like red or green, this is seen in SAW II where it uses a green filter to evoke gloom in the setting. Other films like The Strangers use a lot of filter and back light to create a lot of dark silhouette shapes on the screen creating paranoia. Lighting is also very important because one of the key characteristics in a typical horror movie is darkness.



• Camera Angles - different series of shots can be used for specific things in a horror opening. Hand held shots can be used effectively to evoke a sense of realism and create the feeling that the monster fodder/protagonist is being watched. Close ups are used to survey things which a key to the scene like a weapon, a reaction or an escape route. Establishing shots are used to portray isolated settings, like in Scream. A dutch angle is tilted shot and it can evoke insanity.



• Mise en Scene - this includes the setting, where props are, the characters actions and dialogue. The setting is important as it can evoke an different atmospheres like isolationism and claustrophobia. Probs can include weapons and devices which are vital to the storyline of the film. Characters and there actions on screen can be most important as they are acting out what the film is about.



• Editing - editing techniques are vital in any genre of film. In horror they can use quick cuts to maintain tension throughout a hook. It can use crosscutting to show actions of the protagonist and the antagonist. Montages can also be used to evoke a display of panic like in the opening of SAW II.

Macro Features

• Iconography - this is what is common in a typical horror film. For example, anything sharp would probably represent a weapon; in a slasher movie the knife would to main weapon used and feared by the protagonists. Clothing is important as it can hide the antagonists identity like a mask in Scream. In a setting, a full moon may be common iconography as well as an isolated setting. Iconography can also be vital in the opening of a horror film to introduce the genre of the film.



• Characters - in a typical horror film there will usually be a protagonist, an antagonist and monster fodder. Typically in some horror films like Creep and Scream the antagonist would be male and the protagonist female, with the female surviving at the end; known as the 'Last Girl Theory'. Yet also in those films, including SAW II, the film would begin by introducing the antagonist consuming monster fodder.

Specific Music Study: Batman (1989)

The Batman's soundtrack consists of mainly orchestral elements. However it uses more individual and spookier instruments such as a celeste. It is a piano-like instrument that creates high pitched chime suited for a gothic movies. Though this instrument is only used shortly in the piece(from 0.06 to 0.16), it could be used to create a more horrific sound meant for a more psychological antagonist.
Composed by Danny Elfman, who features minimalistic aspects in his compositions. He manages to create darker pieces of music mainly for Tim Burton films, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Batman. At the beginning of the film, the composer manages to create a gothic yet heroic piece of music to suit Batman’s vigilante character, written in a minor key.

Case Study 3: SAW II

Micro Features

It firsty begins with the production titles. The scene begins with a close up on a light bulb hanging from a ceiling with a green filter, this adds a very isolated and gloomy atmosphere to the scene. It then pans across a dark space, which acts as a swipe transition, towards a close up on a vent; this could anticipate something is behind the vent like a camera. It then pans across the room to focus on a green filtered light on the wall; evoking a enclosed gloomy atmosphere then to a medium shot of a televison; emplying that a film will shown through that. It then hows a box with is door half broken off; hinting theres something in there which is significant to the scene. It then pans to a over the shoulder shot of a man pulling a small mirror toward him to reveal his eye been mutilated and he has a metal device on his neck; the blood and gore is a typical iconography of the horror genre, whilst the device represents torture. This sequence is like an establishing sequence showing the viewer the key things to focus on during the scene, they do not show a way of escape like a door only a vent.

It dwells on the monster fodders reactions in the mirror to evoke panic. The musci is diagetic and experimental to maintain the portrayal of panic. It then zooms out in a distorted way into an establishing shot of the room; showing him in the centre. It then pans to an overhead shot of the victim, this shows the viewer another view of the metal device, showing it is a mask filled with spikes. The victim is also looking up at this point showing more reaction shots of panic. It then shows a montage of quick, match on action shots from an overhead camera view. In each one it shows him screaming help or looking round for help; the montage shows that hes lost track of time and it also shows how helpless he is. At the end of the montage there is a extreme close up on the mask and its spikes. It then cuts to a hand held camera as he begins to stand up and walk around, the cuts remain quick to portray panic.

There is then a transition of a televisions white noise with a really quick shot of the puppet in a red filter, red representing blood and death. It then cuts to the televison which is now on, it then does shot/reverse shot between the monster fodder and the puppet on the television. The puppet tells him the 'game' he has to play to stay alive. On the television, it cuts to a medium shot of a man leaning over a man on a table and the voice of the antagonist tells him it's him. He tells him he needs a key to escape the trap and that he will give him a hint, the pace of his voice quickens to build more tension. The hint is a really quick shot of an x-ray with a key behind the eye; it is almost like a flash. This is done to evoke panic. It then goes onto to show a montage of distorted close up shots of him attempting to retrieve the key from his eye to continue the panic. The scene ends with the mask closing and killing him; with the main "SAW II" title proceeding afterward.

Macro Features

The genre is introduced in this scene as a gore/splatter horror, this is judged by the blood, the mutated eye and the climax where the mask closes on him. The antagonist Jigsaw is re-introduced as well as his phrase "i wanna play a game" continuing the franchise as a sequel to the original. The iconography used in this scene include;

• Green filter- evoking a gloomy atmosphere
• The scalpel- a device for cutting as well as a possible weapon
• "help" - commonly used in horror to evoke the sense of helplessness

Case Study 2: Creep

Micro Features

Firstly the production titles go on screen so the audience knows who made the film. The start of Creep consists of a lot of distorted close up images and credits; the writing shaking with a light going across as if they are windows on a train. The opening titles are heavily influenced by the subway as most of the movie consists in the London subway. The images feature a sepia filter making them very yellow, they are disturbing images of knives, blood and crime scenes; iconography of horror. The music throughout this sequence remains very contrapuntal and experiemental; mixing with subway sounds. The sequence features a lot of wipes and this mixed with the distortion creates an effective represention of a train passing. As it approaches the end of the title sequence it begins to feature images of a girl being chased with a hand held camera; as if the audience has a point of view of the antagonist. The music gradually becomes more screechy as it comes to the main title which features a trains breaks screeching in the background.

It then cuts to long shot of two men at the end of a sewer tunnel, it only reveals the two lights from their torches in the darkness at first. The darkness creates a sense of paranoia, also the tunnel is very claustrophobic and isolated; these are iconography of the horror genre. The diagetic discussion of human excrement creates a feeling of disgust and almost prepares the audience for scenes of a disturbing nature. In the same shot as they get closer to the camera one of them steps into a overhead light and the camera pans upward to reveal a sewer pipe with sewage hanging from it; as the 'new guy' picks the sewage from it, a load comes through as it cuts to a medium shot and this is done in a way to scare the audience. As the older man laughs there is a scream at the end of the tunnel, this is a contrast between comedy and horror, this also acts as a hook to get the audience interested in the scene.
They discover a new tunnel and they split up as one man explores the cave, this creates a sense of isolation. He is followed by a hand held camera to create a sense of realism, as he stumbles it switches to a point of view shot as he torch goes past and introduces the antagonist very briefly. The music then begins to play parallel, not very textured music as they is a sense of the unknown. The other man follows, the camera remains at the end of the tunnel watching him approach, as if the camera is a point of view of the antagonist. There is then another scream, and as the man walks past the tunnel in search of the source of the scream, a shadow quickly passes the camera and there is a high pitched, non-diagetic train bell sound; used to hook the audience and as a reference to trains. The man then finds the other one either injured or petrified looking at something which isnt revealed, it then cuts to a point of view shot with the mans headlamp guiding his vision. All sound cuts of for a few seconds as the camera stares into the darkness, then a women suddenly comes out of the wall screaming and covered in blood before being pulled away; this is the main hook in the scene. The scream then mixes into a dance song as it cuts to the next scene.

Macro Features
The genre is introduced immediately as a horror through the title sequence as it is very distorted and the images are very graphic. The non-diagetic music is lacks dynamics and experimental; it also mixes with screams and trains. The train influenced font animation acts as a hook as it represents a train passing. In the next scene the iconography is displayed through the darkness, blood, screaming, the unpleasantness of the sewage and the hooks throughout. It also introduces the monster fodder convention.

Case Study 1: Scream

Micro features
Firstly the production titles go on the screen before the film starts. The opening begins with a scary title font; it begins with a white font then changes to red then fades away. Red is a symbolic colour for blood and death. The first scene features a close up of the girl's (monster fodder) hand picking up the phone, this is a dramatisation of an everyday event to make it seem scarier. The person on the other end of the phone claims he has the wrong number, yet when he phones back it hints he is a stalker. When she picks up the phone again, there is a slight dutch angle to show all is not what it seems and the camera is hand held, showing the instablility in the character and making the scene more realistic.

The establishing shot first shows a trees branches, which are dark except for the green leaves; green being a very ghostly colour in horror, because of the light on the leaves it makes the branches look like a crooked, evil hand.
The establishing shot goes onto showing the house being very isolated, this is exaggerated by the darkness and the swing on the tree swaying in the wind. The popcorn bag heating on the cooker represents the tension as it begins to expand, we are constantly reminded of this by the constant close ups of the popcorn bag. The conversation between the killer and monster fodder acts as a hook to the audience as he begins to reveal his purpose in talking to her; to kill her. When this is revealed, the camera remains hand-held and the rooms appear darker. There is also constant reaction shots of her crying. The music throughout the sequence remains parallel as the tension builds.

Macro Features
As the sequence starts, the genre is introduced through the titles; the font being stretched and turned red symbolises blood and torture. There is also a non-diagetic scream to represent the genre. All of this is iconography of the horror genre, further iconography is featured throughout the film; including the mask, the knife and the isolated location. The costume and the line "Do you like scary movies?" has also become apart of the franchise.

Sub-Genres of Horror

Teen horror - This is a sub-genre formulated at attracting a teenage audience. It involves teenage cast and is set in places similar to a stereotypical adolescent like a house or a shopping centre. This sub-genre works well as a hybrid with a slasher represented in Scream.

Psychological - Often in these films the antagonist can be disguised as a completely normal person, and the antogonists identity may not be founded out. However in other films, like Hannibal, the antagonist is already realised, yet this could be because this is a franchise. These psychopath antagonists may menace and disturb the protagonist through psychological threats. Then they may end in an explosion of violence.

Slasher/Gore - This sub-genre works centrally around the sharp apporaters used by the antagonist and blood from their victims. These films can involve a lot of disturbing torture like SAW or just an antagonist with who uses a specific weapon like a knife, portrayed in Scream.

Characteristics of the Horror Genre

Iconography
The iconography of horror are features which are typical to horror movie scenerio. In films such as Scream they use masks and knives as iconography to the antagonist. They use a remote location and darkness to evoke the sense of isolation. They also use womens screams as a sign of helplessness; all these features are horror iconography.

Rules
In horror movies, specific things of goverened by rigid rules; for example werewolves can only be killed by silver bullets and vampires can only be killed by a stake through the heart. These rigid rules are key to some storylines and give an idea to the climax to the film.

Settings
Setting is one of the key aspects used to define whether the movie is a horror or what kind of sub-genre the horror could be. Irrational, supernatural worlds can seperate the horror genre from other genres, for example in films like Nightmare On Elm Street when it goes into the 'nightmare' world it is very dark, mechanical and uses a lot of the colour red to represent blood and death. Even in teen horrors such as Scream, there is a gothic and horrific presence, this is done through things such as isolated settings and darkness.

Twists
There are occasionally twists throughout some horror movies, these are done to change the audiences typical perceptions about how the film will end. In some films the audience is encouraged to feel sympathy for the antagonist, this is done in films such as Frankenstein. In the Sixth Sense there is a major twist here Bruce Willis is actually dead and that is why the protagonist can see him.

Archetypes
Archetypes are an original model or a ideal example of a person; a prototype upon which others are copied. Most of the characters found in horror movies are archetypes.

Conventions
Conventions are aspects which are traditional to the horror genre; similar to iconography. Certain conventions go under different sub-genres, yet some sub-genres can share them. For example an isolated setting or an indestructable monster.

Final Girl Theory
This type of character is, essentially, a female protagonist with noteable masculine characteristics. The 'final girl' almost always shows a higher intellegence of the antagonist whilst others appear naive and more vulnerable. Carol. J. Clover, the theorist behind 'Final Girl', states that this character is typically sexually unavailable or virginal, is more rational and avoids situations, such as narcotic use, as they effectively lead to the demise of each victim via the antagonist. These characters are often branded with a unisex name, such as Sidney (Scream), which immediately takes them away from the stereotypical 'monster fodder' type girl who is; sexually objectified, relatively unintelligent and constantly screaming/ in fear. The film Saw II adds an element to this theory as the antagonist has a previous experience with the 'final girl' leaving them to join together in the end. Though Carol J. Clover acknowledges this, it is rare.
Clover also states, in her book Men Women and Chan Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film, that the 'final girl is often made masculine via a phallic appropriation in the final antagonist-final girl confrontation. A weapon is usually the tool the character picks up, identifying herself as masculine with this phallic object. This can be seen in films such as Alien vs Predator, in which the final girl takes a spear (phallic object) and thrusts it through the chest (representitive of heart, love, emotions and sexuality) of the antagonist.
Sexuality is the basis on which the final girl theory is formed. It states that there is a crisis in the identification of the sexuality of both final girl and the antagonist, which is settled in a final battle situation. The final girl is rarely introduced in the opening scene, with a monster fodder/ stock character being the likely replacement, as in scream;

Our chosen genre

The genre of our sequence is horror; it is a genre easily identified and portrayed. It's iconographies are vast including aspects such as darkness and isolation. This genre also allows us to experiment with a variety of different costumes, props, editing techniques, sound and camera angles

Horror films are films which are unsettling to the viewer linking closely to other genres such as fantasy, science-fiction and thriller. The genre is made to expose a viewers worse fears and nightmares creating a 'thrill' for those watching. The horror genre in film began with short movies made by filmmakers such as Georges Méliès in the late 1890s; films such as the silent three minute long Le Manoir du diable (The House of the Devil) from 1896. Some consider Le Manoir du diable the first ever horror film.

As horror progressed into the 1920s Hollywood began to make their own horror movies; classics like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1920), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and The Lost World (1925). Horror was continued using these 'monster' characters till the Vietnam war in the 1960s. Horror movies changed and expressed more gore and evolved into what it is today; such movies like The Exorcist (1973) and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) changed the image of horror after Vietnam as filmmakers pursued the imagery saw in that war.

Choosing horror as our genre allows us a variety of options to choose for our movie. Many sub-genres may be linking from horror including gore and psychological. Horror is a genre which is very recgonisable to modern day viewers therefore making it easier to depict.

Effective film opening: Example 3 Transporter

Micro Features

Camera & Editing - The first shot is from a security camera view at a high angle, the shot is in night vision and the titles overlapping the opening scene is also in a night vision green font. The scene begins with a wide, establishing long shot of a car park. Slow panning is used around the car park leading up to a slow medium shot of a black car. Close-up shot is used to view the car panning from the back, to the side, to the drivers seat at an eye-line match so it looks as though the audience is sitting in the passenger seat. The pace of the continuity cuts begin to speed at the part where the driver begins to get ready to set off in his car. Close-ups of his gloves, watch and hands setting up his car and turning the radio on gives the feel of a visual instruction and beginning ritual of what he must do before he drives. Close up of the driver in the car park when he starts his car reveals to the audience what the driver (main character) looks like. Tracking and panning used as the car is driving along the city, movement of the camera is smooth and match-on-action cuts are also used. Over-the-shoulder-shot is used when the driver is at a stop at the traffic lights, over the shoulder view shows two policemen watching the driver. When the driver has pulled up outside a large building, the camera views a low angle looking up towards the clock on top of the building. Then the angle of the shot changes fast and dramatically and views at a high crane angle looking down at the robbers running out of the building doors. This gives a strong contrast and quick change of action that has suddenly happened.

Sound - Non-diagetic and diagetic sounds are used in this opening scene. Slow intense music is played in the beginning at the car park, Also camera/tv static malfunctioning noices are played over as the titles appear over the scene. The music grows slightly louder and the pace gets a little quicker as the camera moves towards the car, this is to build suspense into revealing who is in the car. Music stops suddenly as the title of the movie appears over the camera finally reaching the driver. The driver then turns on his radio playing classical music but then non-diagetic music plays when he starts driving. The music the audience hears at this point changes from classical to action type music. The dynamics of the music varies, it goes loud then quiet but the beat of the drums keeps the music sounding intense - this music may be used to play on the audiences emotions. The music is not parallel to the action, when the robbers come charging out of the bank with guns and money, the music stays calm and at a normal pace. The music may not be parallel to action but it may reflect upon how the main character feels and gives the audience an idea of the main character's attitude.

Lighting - Begins with night vision lighting then flashes to the actually lighting in the scene. The main key-lighting looks as though it is coming from the car park lights. In some areas of the car park, it is brightly lit and in others there is strong shadow. The car is black therefore it is very visable to see the car park lights reflecting off of it, this gives the car a more slick appeal to it. The driver's identity is hidden by dark shadows, only his face is lit slightly, this gives the character a sense of mystery.

Mise en Scene - Night vision from a security camera view represents survalliance which is in relation with the law, this shows that what is going to happen in the scene may or may not be illegal in the film. The leather gloves indicates that the main character does not want to leave fingerprints anywhere he touches. The main character is dressed in a smart suit. black and white. This may show that the character is presentable, smart, masculine and shows that he may be of a profession. A large bank which is filled with money could end up being robbed. The car with many gadgets such as the changing of liscence plate has a 'James Bond' appeal to it.

Macro Features

Iconography - Guns, the weapons iconographies the genre of action. The main character casted in the shadow in the car gives the character an identity of being mysterious. The location and city is usually where an action film takes place as the everyday things such as parked cars, people, police, city roads etc are seen or used as obsticles which trap someone from getting away. The use of intense music also rienforces the genre of action.

Effective film opening: Example 2 Kick Ass

Micro Features

Camera & Editing - Titles are used firstly in the opening scene across a first person view shot flying through the sky. A high crane, establishing shot is used to show the location of the opening scene. Slow panning and tracking is used to follow what is happening in the scene. Matched cuts are used to keep the flow of the shots seem smooth. High angle shots are used from the lower crowd of people looking above at the superhero, this angle is used to represent that the superhero on top of the building seem to have a superior higher power than the people in the city streets. Slow zooms are used on the superhero to create a dramatic effect of the characters introduction. Close-ups are used on the super-hero in the opening scene to introduce him. When the scene location changes from the city to a high school, the shots changes to hand-held but still quite steady. Over shoulder shots and medium shots are used with the hand-held. This is used to make the audience feel more involved in the scene as it tracks and follows the main character as he enters the school. Camera pans onto the film title, gives the title introduction a comical effect like it swipes slowly onto the screen.

Sound - Non-diagetic sound is used to begin with as the titles appear on the screen. The music begins slow and calm, it sounds adventurious and hero like, a slow kind of fanfare to build up excitement to the characters introduction. Voice over narrative talking about old traditional superheroes play over the music, the voice sounds like a speech through an old microphone - gives an old fashioned feeling. The voice over narrative then changes to a teenage voice, the main character. Diagetic sound is used when the characters and locationm is established. The background music's pace is parallel to the action of the superhero, it grows louder and faster as he falls from the building. The music cuts off instantly when the superhero dies, this is done to create a sudden dramatic end to the superhero's life. When the location changes from city to high school, the non-diagetic music is playful, exciting music - It is a band music to represent high school.

Lighting - It appears to be natural lighting from the sun that shines down on the superhero and the other characters in the opening scene. The lighting is from high above, this gives the lighting a spotlight appeal to it. The bright light shines down on the people on the streets and it looks as though the source of light comes from the superhero on top of the building. When the location changes, the lighting is still bright. The light shines on the main character, this same use of lighting could show a relationship between the two characters, the teenage male main character and the superhero.

Mise en Scene - The clouds indicate that the camera view is in the sky flying. A large city landscape is usually where a superhero is based deep within, this shows the tradittional setting for a superhero comic. Also the everyday career oriented people in the city comes across something different to their routined lifestyle is usually the basic plot for a superhero film. The superhero costume signifies that this film is about superheroes and the genre would be action as there would be many action in a superhero film. The main character wears big glasses, the glasses on the character gives the appeal that he is intelligent or shows the stereotype of him being a 'geek.'

Macro Features

Iconography - In one shot, the camera pans onto the license plate of the taxi with the title 'Kick-Ass,' the tail lights on the car are in shape of wings. This makes the title look almost like a superhero logo or symbol as many other traditional superheroes have an iconic symbol or logo e.g. Batman's logo is in the shape of a bat. This also rienforces the genre of superhero/action.

Effective film opening: Example 1 Blood Diamond

Micro Features

Camera & Editing - Begins with titles and facts fading slowly in and out in front of a map outline of Africa, this establishes where the location of the film is shot. Also it provides some facts that gives the audience a clue to what the plot is to the film. Extreme close-ups are used in some shots, e.g. when the main character is fishing on his boat, this shot is used to show the importance of what he is doing, it draws the audience attention to really focus and figure what exactly he is doing. Medium shots when the characters are indoors in their home, this shows the audience how little space they have to live in. Many location/establishing shots are used in the beginning to establish the location and show the scenery, displays that the country is exotic and hot. Fast zooms are used when the action begins, the camera zooms fast into the killing of the innocent villagers. Fast pace cuts when the action occurs, this creates a dramatic and thrilling feeling.

Sound - Non-diagetic and diagetic sound is used throughout this opening scene. Music plays over the titles in the beginning, the music with the drums grow louder and faster as it gets to the end of the titles then cuts off when the scene begins - this gives the beginning of the scene a dramatic opening. The characters narratives varies from English to African with subtitles. This symbolise that there is a theme of contrast between English and African or Ethnicity throughout the film. The non-diagetic sounds are parallel to the action that occurs in the opening scene.

Lighting - The lighting used in this opening scene seem all come from a natural source, e.g. the lamp. A lamp is lit in the beginning shot and in the other shots the only source of light comes from the sun.

Mise en Scene - The props used symbolise many things in this opening scene. The lamp, tells us that the country or area which the characters live in is poor as they do not have access to electricity. Poor housing, the families houses are made from branches - all natural materials not man-made. This shows the audience that again, the area is poor or that the country is in poverty. The clothing also tells the audience about the poverty in which they live in as they can not afford better quality clothes. The main character is seen with his shirt unbuttoned, this may symbolise masculinity as the main male character is muscular and shows bare skin. He saves his family first before himself which shows heroism, he may be the hero in this film. The location of the film is exotic, calm and peaceful. But the sun shines bright and intense, this could symbolise that the peacefully scenery can be broken with intense conflict.

Macro Features

Iconography - Guns and weapons are used in this scene, this iconographies that this film maybe in the genre of action. Conflict between innocent villagers and 'rebels' iconographies that this film may also be in the genre of drama.

What makes a good opening to a film?

To make a good opening to a film, the opening scene must grab an audience's attention and keep them intrigued in order for them to carry on watching the film:

• There needs to be a hook, finding an interesting storyline that will keep a viewer watching the film.
  
• Interesting Characters, to keep the audiences interested in the film. Possibly a character that anyone can relate to or a character that is very like-able.
  
• A cliff-hanger at the end of the opening scene would be good, especially for a horror openning scene as it keeps the audiences on the edge of their seats wanting to watch more to find out what happens next.
  
• Good Macro and Micro features.
  
• Macro - introduction of the characters, genre and narrative parts.
  
• Micro- good technical features to create a more professional appeal to the film, the quality of micro features effects everything in film making.

Brief

Our task, is to make an opening horror sequence with titles lasting a maximum of two minutes. In the sequence all audio and video material must be original, exceptions can be made for audio material from a copyright-free source. At the end of filming, the sequence must be evaluated and a presentation must be made for the class.