Shot-list

Prop-list

Health and Safety report.

Final Image analysis. The Cabin in the Woods

This scene from The Cabin on the Woods shows how genre conventions still exists and are used in modern horror movies.  In the centre of the shot we have the stereotypical male hero, the one who is going to save the day for everybody in the horror movie. We can see his strength though the iconography of the sports jacket. This tells us the audience that Curt is a ‘jock’.

Curt is also the leader as we can see him centre shot and the two character hiding behind him waiting for him to lead the way forward. To the left of him is the female victim, Jules. We can see this through her code of dress, the very short and reviling clothing suggest she likes to show of her body. Also the colour of her hair is blonde which has always been the stereotypical hair of the victim. To prove this point, Jules is the first character to be killed.  

I also like the mise-en-scene, with the dark cellar hidden underneath the cabin. This adds to the film’s already creepy atmosphere with the use of stereotypical, enclosed setting. This scene also uses great collision from slow->fast to build suspense and then deliveries a big pay off, as after this slow sequence we have a quick montage if the zombie family rising from their graves.

They keep these stereotypes because they work so well. There is nothing wrong in making something new but keeping some of the conventions. The genre of horror is a perfect example of if “it isn’t broke don’t fix it.” Although The Cabin in the Woods is a modern action horror, it still uses classic stereotypes in the film to let the audience know it still part of the genre.  This is a perfect example of Schatz’s Genre Theory. The director Drew Goddard uses the stereotypical conventions to make sure they pull the genre fans along to the film. Although the film is a battle against convention, it still needs to appear to be a horror to get the horror films to come along.

The Cabin in the Woods is an action horror movie that battles the genre as a whole. It looks at why all the stereotypes exist and if there is something behind it all. It’s really interesting to see the conventions being planned by an organization, a twist never done before in the genre. The Cabin in the Woods steps back and takes a look at why these stereotypes happen, and the reason why they keep turning up all over the genre.    

Mood Board. Why we chose them

 

The image with Freddy standing in the hallway was chosen because the way the lighting is makes him appear as a silhouette. This consequently makes him seem creepy, because we fear the unknown, which in this case is the figure at the end of the hallway. The lighting also creates a tense atmosphere due to the mist, making us feel empathetic towards the final girl. In the other NOES pictures they both carry on with the silhouette theme, and also have Freddy wearing the hat, which relates to our scarecrow, who also wears a hat.

Scarecrow’s face from Batman Begins was chosen because it is a very simple mask, but very effective because you can still see the person’s eyes, which is quite disturbing. It was also chosen because the idea of The Scarecrow from Batman spreading fear was one we wanted to somehow use in our trailer.

The barn in the mood board is very similar to that of the one from Ed Gein, in which he hangs up a woman and cuts her open. We hope to have a decent level of gore in our trailer. This follows on to the crow image which we chose because we would like a crow to be with the scarecrow, and for it to eat people. The crow can connote evil, but it will be twisted around in our trailer because the crow is actually a friend to the scarecrow.

The scene from Cabin in the Woods was chosen for the level of gore it involves. The film is practically gore-less until that scene, which makes it even more unsettling and shocking. The image of the dead woman was also chosen due to its realistic nature, which makes it seem more disturbing because it is a real life death.

Chad from Tucker and Dale vs Evil is on the mood board because we believe him to be a typical male character that is generally not a very nice person, and also ends up dying in an incredibly brutal way.

The Birds on the climbing frame was chosen mainly due to the scene from The Birds in general when they are all squawking and flying around then go completely silent. This is collision cutting, but it is done in such a way that it just isn’t expected because crows aren’t thought to be violent animals.

Choice Of Trailer

We will be making a highlight trailer. Because we are producing an action horror trailer we need to show off the factors from the movie. The best way to do this would be taking the biggest and best moments from the films action sequences and showing small pieces from them, to generate excitement.


 We will be doing a red-band trailer as this allows us to show the gore elements of our film. Also with a red-band it means we have no restrictions when making the film. Then we can explore body horror with freedom in the trailer. This would allow us to land a “sucker punch” on the audience which George A. Romero spoke about in the Documentary The dead will walk in which he speaks about landing a big moment of gore earlier on to really shock the audience and catch them off guard. In Dawn of the Dead his sucker punch is the head explosion earlier on in the film which shows the audience what type of film it going to be, a 18 certificate
gory horror.

A Stereotypical Action Horror Fan and Class Poll

Our stereotypical horror fan, mainly like action horror, but doesn’t mind elements of gore and psychological horror in the films that he watches. Wears casual clothing like jeans and a t-shirt. Generally goes to the cinema with a few friends. His appearance doesn’t bring across that he is a huge horror fan. Probably plays video games in his free time

Generally fits into the C2 and D1 demographics, but can also be above or below that. Mainly mainstream, doesn’t have all the characteristics of a mainstream psychographic, because he also adapts to what society is like at the moment (clothing etc.). Usually around 18-35 years old. They see themselves as a mainstreamer. They like whatever is popular at the time, however also show signs of reformer. They see things in the world aren’t perfect and they want to change it.  They enjoy horror movies as they twist stereotypes and like the forward thinking. They like the fact there are black and women hero, it shows how the world is changing and that just because you are a certain sex or race doesn’t mean you can’t do things.  

Their favourite horror movies would be:

·         The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

·         Dawn of the Dead (2004)

·         The Crazies (2010)

·         The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

Below is the class horror poll that we conducted in October, 2012. It was carried out with 8 males and 9 females, and confirmed that females generally prefer psychological and action horrors, while males prefer gory horrors. The results were close, however, which suggests horror can appeal to both genders.

Audience Research: Initial Class Poster.

 

 

Plot details of your idea:  Lenny grew up on a farm with his mum and dad. His parents died when he was seven and he took it upon himself to look after the farm. A pack of crows ravaged him one day, disfiguring Lenny. He vowed to protect the farm so any trespassers he sees he kills, dressed as a scarecrow. A group of drunken teens wander onto the farm for a party, and this doesn’t bode well for their survival.   

Positive responses from class members:

Class members said that we had a good narrative and history for Lenny. The bad guy is iconic and memorable. And also there is an element of realism to the villain, making it that bit scarier, the suggestion of child abuse linking to a horrible real life event.  

Negative responses from class members:

However some people said that some features where a bit too crazy, especially the ending where we wanted Lenny to be eaten by crows. However after looking back on this idea it would be very hard to film. So we change the ending to having the scarecrow alone in the field and then a crow lands of his shoulder, and then he starts to move. We felt this change was needed so the realism was maintained.

How many voted to say that they watched the film, where did it come out of all the groups:

We got 19/19 in votes from the class, meaning we finished as the top idea for the whole group. This shows why we decided to take it on for our trailer. The idea was clearly very popular with the class and they are our target audience, so picking the film was the right choice.

Are you happy with the score? Do you think the idea is worth making?

We are extremely happy with the score as it is top marks. It shows that this idea is exactly what the audience are drawn to. We feel that this is worth making as we could do it. We feel we could make a really good trailer from this idea which we get us a high grade.

Evil Dead (2013) Trailer Review

 

Body horror. (red band trailer)

What happens in the trailer?

A group of teenagers go away for the weekend in their cabin, isolated from anybody else. Upon arriving they discover the cellar holds my mystery items, especially one book. Upon reading a passage from the book they realise a horrible force. The dead are rising and they are coming for them. A weekend away just turned into survival.  

What was good about the trailer?

Because it is a red band trailer it deliveries the body horror. You get a really sense of the genre of the movie and what it is going for. It’s a trailer that wouldn’t trick you in to seeing it. It knows what genre it is and shows it off. The narrative is clearly shown, while still not giving too much away to the viewer. They get a teaser rather than all the best bits. Because it is a re-make of an older film which had a lot of fans, we can see that they still have some of the classic scenes. For example the removal of the possessed hand (1:05), showing these scenes tell the audience you are going to stick close to the past and will deliver a film that pays homage to the original. The collision cutting during the trailer is brilliant. The slow montage of establishment for the character, to the fats montage of action really excites the viewer. Add that with an exciting soundtrack that matches the action. You have yourself a trailer which really works and excites horror fans.   

What didn’t work?

The trailer was so good that the only thing I could think of it how it wouldn’t work as a green band trailer. It wouldn’t be able to put that trailer attached to a 15 on a Saturday afternoon to generate more buzz, because the trailer wouldn’t work. It would kill off all the best bit and people wouldn’t want to see it. Apart from that I though the trailer was fanastic.

Trailer average and why did it get it?

The average in class was 9.7. Which for a horror trailer is brilliant. Everybody in the class was excited by the pacing and action on scene. I also think it work so well because it didn’t shy away. It was in our faces with everything, didn’t hide or shy away. That is really what makes the trailer. 9/10 

 

Pusher trilogy (2005) Trailer Review

Crime/thriller.

What happens in the trailer?

Although there is not much story to we can see that the characters are deep in the drug world.

What was good about the trailer?

The use of quick montage worked really well in the trailer. The quick cut teased scene from all three films, without giving too much away. The quick montage works well because of the slow montage at the start of the trailer. The slow montage allows there to be text on screen from critics to tell the audience how good the movie is. Like most trailers it is one big collision cut. Starting slow with quite music and longer shot length. To fast paced music and quick edits to generate excitement. The trailer being a bit cramped generates a sense of unease about the film. It’s not a comfortable trailer to watch because of the subject, with some very strange shots. I feel this is done to really get the mood of the film across. Plus with the great soundtrack that is one the film it really helps to generate the feel of the movie.

What didn’t work?

The problems I have with it is the lack of narrative. You have no idea what story lies within the three films, just an idea of some of the themes. And without a known narrative people will not know what to think of the trailer. Also it is a bit crammed. Three films advertise in under a minute and a half just doesn’t work. They should of made the trailer longer and flesh out each film a tad more, rather than fit it all in.

Trailer average and why did it get it?

The average fir the trailer was a 7. This is a good score for any trailer, and only was beaten by 2 other trailers. I feel it got this mark because of the lack of narrative. They tried to make a short trailer for three films, which is very difficult to do. It still works but if the invested another minute into it, I feel the result would have been better. 7/10

Day of the Dead (1985) Trailer Review

What happens in the trailer?

A band of survivors have taken refuge in an underground army bunker. We see that a scientist is trying to find a gore to fix and teach the zombies. However under the dictatorship of the army, life is going to be as hard as it is up on the surface.   

What was good about the trailer?

This trailer does a good job in setting up the narrative and some character development. We know exactly what is going to happen without seeing all the best bits. Romero name is also mentioned in the trailer, which is good that they are attaching on to his name. We all know the success that Night of the Living dead and Dawn of the Dead had in the box office.

What didn’t work?

However the trailer doesn’t work for a horror movie. It gives it too much of a false idea. We see a zombie seating in a cinema watching the film trailer. This gives the whole vibe of comedy and silliness. For anybody that has seen the film it is a juxtaposed as it possible could be. It’s one of the goriest horror movies to ever be realised. It has a person getting ripped apart and some other memorable scene. However we see nothing that would suggest that in the trailer. Where Evil Dead delivers the gore, Day of the Dead doesn’t. It’s just shows really dull scenes of people talking. We know it is a green band but there no even a look at the zombies, I think we see one in the whole trailer, which for a horror is poor.   

Trailer average and why did it get it?

It scored an average of 2.5. This is clearly because the trailer doesn’t work as a horror. It hints at a comedy film with zombies themes. It just complete sells the film in the wrong way, something we need to avoid when making our trailers. 2/10

Land of the Dead (2005) Trailer Review

What happens in the trailer?

The world is in ruin, Crippled by the zombie apocalypse mankind must rebuild. However the zombies are coming back to this town. Can they humans fight off the horde? Or will they become a flesh hunting monster   

What was good about the trailer?

The trailers uses the conventions of a horror trailer to make it work. The slow montage builds up the tension and gives the trailer an edge. Also during the build-up it mentations the previous work of Romero, which adds a nice touch to fans of his work. Also it is done to generate hype around the film. Then the collision cut kick in with a jump to scare the audience. From then on the fast montage starts and we see some highlight of the film. Unlike Day of the Dead trailer were we didn’t see a zombie, we see many zombies and also a lot of action. The trailer really delivers. Again a big part of this is the strong soundtrack used by the trailer to get an emotional response. This is the first trailer I have reviewed that ends with a smaller collision cut. This helps the trailer become memorable and stick in your head.  

What didn’t work?

For all the positives of the trailer, there is a really lack of narrative. We don’t understand why the zombies are coming for. And it leaves you wondering. However I know you don’t want to tell the audience to much but you want to show that there is a story here. Also there is no introduction to character. We have no idea who the film is based around, and it would have been better to see some characters.

Overall, what did you think?

The trailer was really good. It used collision cutting well and really generated excitement. I now am in a position where I want to see the movie. However I feel that they could of fleshed the character out more and shown more of the story. Overall I give the trailer 9/10.

House of Wax (2005) Trailer Review

 

 

What happens in the trailer?

A group of friends are stranded in what appears to be a ghost-town. When investigation the time they stumble upon a wax museum. Looking in, they find the most realistic wax works they have ever seen. They don’t want to find out how they do it, or they might become the next exhibit.  

What was good about the trailer?

The trailer had really good collision cutting. The blend of a slow establishing montage to the fast paced montage really shows how the good things of the movie. They also do this to set up the story really well, without giving too much away. We know that the teens become stranded, but never see how; this makes us want to see it to fill in the blanks. The jumps work really well as transitions, the first jump is used to kick off the fast montage and it works well with this sudden burst. Also the final moment jumps keeps us on the end of our seats and leaves us with an emotional response after the trailer is finished, leaving an impression on the viewer.  

What didn’t work?

One of the big things lacking from the trailer was an iconic shot or sequence. Something that sticks in the head after the trailer is finished. I feel a trailer needs one of these shots to make it the best trailer it can be. This trailer had its moments, but never this big shot that really sells the movie. Also in the movie, we never get to see the bad guy. In most horror trailers we get to see the person behind the evil taking place, as this is normally the coolest character. However we don’t ever get to see them, just a glimpse. And this cost the trailer in having something really stand out and makes the viewer remember the trailer.

Overall, what did you think?

The trailer works well, but I think it could have been better. It lacks something outstanding though, a memorable shot or sequence to stick with the viewer. The use of montage and collision cutting is one of the best of seen, with really good pacing throughout the trailer. Narrative is also explained well, without telling us the whole story, which again is a huge plus. However it lacks that big shot that will stick with the viewer after watching the trailer. 7/10   

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2013) Trailer Review

What happens in the trailer?

A man hunt is on as a town chase down and kill  man who seems innocent. After this death Elm-street is plague with death of teenagers who seem to share a common feature of a burnt man who stalks their dream. The race is on the find out who he is and how to stop. But can they stay awake.

What was good about the trailer?

The narrative is really clear. We get a good idea of character and the events that both cause the event and what happens during. The story looks engaging and a bit of a mystery with the man being hunted pleading his innocent to the town people. Also the references to the original are there. The classic red and black striped jumper makes an appearance, and well as the classic song. Telling fans of the franchise they will keep it close to the original. Also the collision works. It isn’t the best but it still gives you an idea of the action   

What didn’t work?

The trailer lack in places, it didn’t make me want to go out of my way to see the film. The collision cutting isn’t quick enough. It doesn’t deliver jumps or any memorable moments. It never got going. Also it lacks a good soundtrack that generates emotion. It is too bland and doesn’t make you feel the pace of the movie

Overall, what did you think?

The trailer doesn’t work for me. The narrative is engaging. But the action never gets going. It lacks an edge that other trailers have and doesn’t draw you in. And it fails in good collision cutting. And without an edge to your collision cutting, nobody is going to be excited and want to see the film. 4/10