Horror Trailer Conventions and Inspiration

Above are a few horror conventions that I felt would be important to add in to our film. These conventions, noticeable in other horror films, will help me when I go to make my production as it will ensure that my trailer is a conventional but effective one. For each of the elements I have been analysing in trailers - mise-en-scene, camera, editing and sound - there are conventions that would make my film look effective. 

MISE-EN-SCENE

• A typical scary setting such as an abandoned house or woods is common for a horror film, especially the type of psychological horror I am going to film. Isolation is key for the setting in order to make the film more tense and gripping. 
• Props, such as the use of masks, weapons and fake blood, are very common in horror films - mainly to increase tension and suspicion. 
• Costumes and makeup are thought about very carefully in order to represent a character accurately. For example, the antagonist will most likely have scary and pale makeup to distinguish them from the other characters. Their costume will also primarily be black to suggest they are dark and mysterious and create a bad feeling from the audience. 

CAMERA

• Establishing shots are very common to show the equilibrium of the film and introduce the setting and characters to the audience.
• Close-ups are also very common to show the protagonist/antagonists face. This is used to show fear and emotion on the characters faces and hint at events that might occur. This leaves the audience asking questions as the audience might not get to see what happens but can infer. 

EDITING

• Jump cuts are very popular with horror producers as this highlights the genre and creates an uneasy feeling in the audience, which encourages them to keep watching to find out more.
• Fade to blacks are also popular as they increase tension and leave the audience wanting to see more.

SOUND

• Diegetic sound is found quite a lot in horror films, through the use of conventions such as twigs breaking and victims screaming. These noises can allude to events which aren't shown in the trailer and which will entice the audience to go and see the film. These noises might be created using the 'Foley Process' which is using everyday objects to make noise that sounds like something else, for example, breaking a carrot to make a bone-breaking noise. 
• Non-diegetic sound is also found in horror films, through the use of high pitched motifs and low bass notes int he soundtrack. This is usually used to increase tension and suspense in the trailer.