Camera, Sounds and Lighting

Tony Mutombo & Ellisabeth Frier

Lighting

• During filming, lighting will be very important, especially in horror movies.

• In horror movies such as Nightmare on Elm Street, lighting would be to brighten the environment when shooting scenes introducing the protagonist in the film.

Low Level Lighting

• Low level lighting is very often used in horror films to create a creepy mysterious atmosphere, as darkness is usually associated with evil. Darkness also makes people feel more vulnerable and threatened as they are unable to see as much and people fear the unseen and unknown. They may also use shadows.

An example of low key lighting

Over the Shoulder Shot• This shot is framed from behind a person who is looking at the

subject. The person facing the subject should usually occupy about 1/3 of the frame.

• This shot helps to establish the position of each person, and get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view.

• It's common to cut between these shots during a conversation, alternating the view between the different speakers

• In older 4x3 framing, the person facing away from the camera would typically be cut off just behind the ear. In 16x9 and other widescreen framing, there is more width available and more of this person can be shown (as above).

• This shot can be varied quite a bit to include the shoulder or back of the person facing the subject.

• My partner and i plan to use this shot frequently as its great at showing perspectives, and with the idea of keeping the antagonist unseen throughout the trailer, it allows us to do this as well as keeping Jack a mystery.

Over the shoulder shot

Medium Close Up Shot

• The medium close up is half way between a mid shot and a close up. This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close. This is a common injury used in horror films as the directors use it to catch the emotion and terror of their victimised characters. My partner and i are also looking to include a few of these shots with the supporting characters as they come to terms with Jack and who he really is.

Medium close up shot

High angle shot

• This shot is normally used to show both characters, crouching in anticipation at the object/person scenario ahead of them. The audience are also shown the background and settings of the characters in the scene. This high angle shot enables the audience to be aware that he characters are coming towards an obstacle in front of them. In horror movies, the positioning of the camera above the characters gives the audience an idea of their vulnerability.

High Angle Shot

Low Angle Shot

• This shot can be used as a shot in capturing the masculinity of the antagonist. In horror movies , the director works tremendously hard to make sure the audience are intimidated by their antagonist and would almost use a low angle shot to portray him on the screen. This is to help the antagonist look huge. This shot is also used so the audience are aware of the characters positioning in the scene, being higher than what they are looking at. As well it shows the audience of the scenery, so they are aware the action is taking outside or in a room.

Low Angle Shot

Synchronous Sounds

• Synchronous sounds are used in horror movies to exaggerate sound and help create an atmosphere. For example, the nightmare on elm street uses synchronous sound when Freddie Kruger is creating his gloves to scrape on the walls to make screeching noises.

Non – diagetic music

• Non diegetic music is probably one of the most important features in a horror film. It is used to create a creepy atmosphere and build suspense and change the mood and emotion of a scene. Horror movies usually use high pitch sounds or violins as this sounds like animals crying for help.