Ancillary Task Flat Plans

This is a flat plan of both my horror poster and magazine cover, I intend to produce this.

Chosen Location Shots.

Today we went out to a few locations and took photos of some typical shots and locations which we'd like to feature in our horror trailers. We chose areas which were local as this would be more convient and easy to access whenever needs be.  

I then used my mobile phone to share the area of our main location which will feature in our horror trailer. I did this to show how close our location shots were in comparison to our school. We did this because it would be easier in case of emergency and we had to get extra kit or even film potential shots if we didn't feel as thought that particular shot was suitable.

Our Roles & Responsibilities.

To assure that everyone in the group has an equal role within the group, we decided to allocate different jobs and roles between our groups as this would give everyone a chance to focus on their role and have an equal input into what ideas they've come up.

Although we split roles to everyone in the group we decided to work together in the editing process as we think it would be more effective if everyone in the group shared their opinion on what they think looks best and as it’s a vital part of the project.

• I have taken the role of creating the storyboard and making sure the continuity is consistent throughout and also an actress.
• Amy's roles are to focus on the filming and are also in charge of the make-up and costume.
• Olivia's role is being one of the actresses within the horror trailer and I am overseeing most of the editing aspect.
• Natalie is taking charge of filming and props.

Analysis of Horror Trailers.

Before creating our final horror trailer, I decided to analysis two horror trailers which are currently on the market to give me an insight into what common conventions appear in both trailers. It will also give me an indication into what we could incorporate into our final horror trailer.


Paranormal Activity 3


'Paranormal Activity 3' Movie Trailer on Vimeo.


Within the start of the trailer it gives as an indication of what to expect. The trailer begins with a medium shot of a fuzzy effect which then cuts to a handheld shot of two children on a trampoline this shows suggests to me that these children may be the main character who will be in danger. As the trailer continues there is an immediate shot of a mysterious girl which connotes convention of a horror trailer. The trailer then cuts to a shot of the children with the a woman this gives an indication of passage of time this is a good way of showing the audience which role each character may have. 


Throughout the trailer there isn't a backing track which is constant, the non diagetic sounds only builds to a steady crescendo when someone not of the norm happens adding a sense of eerie as well as fear of the unknown another typical horror convention. Dialogue is used when the girl is laughing which adds a sense of mystery and also disturbance. One of the most shots I think is effective is when the text appears which states 'BEHIND THE ACTIVITY' I think this is a very effective text massage as it links in with the name of the film. 


As the trailer continues you hear children singing 'Bloody Mary' repeatedly, in which the screen goes dark, this gives the audience an unnerved feeling. Soon after a silhouette appears behind one of the girl. The shot then fades to show the title of the film yet again showing the fuzzy screen effect like it did at he start of the trailer.

The Horror Plot.

'Actor One' has a dream that she is being hunted down by a hooded figure. Throughout the dream there are instances where the person comes into contact with the figure. She sees herself being killed in the dream and when she wakes up the initial dream becomes reality. The dream takes up the first half of the trailer and the second half contains post dream. In the rest of the trailer, we see person one in different situations where she and the hooded figure again come into contact with one another.

Questionnaire & Research Results.

When conducting our research I made primary and secondary which involves producing research I done myself from making questionnaires and conducting interviews. Whereas secondary research involves collating information from articles and trailers where the analysis has already been completed and I would then analyse it. To make sure our research was effective we made a group questionnaire sheet to find out what our preferred audience like and dislike about horror trailers, posters and magazines. I have compiled a slideshare showing my results through pie charts.

What Makes A Good Photo?

I think this is a very effective stills photo taken from the film Insidious as it connotes a variety of different aspects in the film. First of all the dark background and lack of lighting connotes danger it also contrasts well with his pale façade, blonde hair and vulnerable exterior  implies he may be a innocent character but then this is contradicted by the chains on his legs which suggests he is in trouble.  Also the boy seems to be in a grand house as it shown through the shadows in the background.