Forms and conventions of Horror Trailers.

I have looked at these trailers and distinguished differences and similarities between them, and also searched for ideas that i would like to use, and what i think doesn't look so good. I now look at forms and conventions in more detail to help me grasp the concepts i need to put in my trailer.

Horror film usually inflict fear to the audience through unsettling on-screen action which startle the viewers.
Props in horror films include of, especially gore based films like Hostel or Saw, knives, hammer, chainsaw and other weapons which are harmful and inflict pain. The more harmful the weapon is, the more shock or anxiety it will build within the audience. Blood is heavily featured in horror films which are very effective in building suspense and worry.

The locations used tend to be very dark and isolated (Jeepers Creepers), which again helps create suspense. Locations can include woods, the graveyard etc. However, films like the scream series have included places which are not isolated which doesn’t fit the stereotype of a horror film.

Horror films feature an antagonist (CAUSE)  which their aim is to cause harm and fear to the protagonists (EFFECT). The antagonist sometimes has an abnormality which makes the audience unable to identify with the character and they are usually dark and mysterious which adds to unidentifiable character. There is often a main character, which tends to be a female known as the ‘final girl’. The ‘final girl’ is usually masculinised and often has a unisex name like Billie or Laurie and show signs of intelligence and vigilance. The other character types included in this film are usually people who are shown as less powerful and significant as the ‘final girl’ and are often killed in the movie.

The editing pace is generally fast, jumping from various shots to another very quickly which builds tension greatly making the audience jump making the film more thrilling to watch.
The music plays a vital role in horror films; the music tends to be mainly quiet throughout but becomes louder to encourage suspense as the antagonist makes his move.
The sound effect helps bring the action alive and makes the film more life-like.

EvaluationAs i have said before, I believe that creating a horror trailer would work particularly well as the locations are easily accessible and work very well. Horror films themselves tend to not need big budget productions (Paranormal Activity, The Blair Witch Project), but limited budgets as it is not necessary to use a big budget. Both Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project were hugely successful as they were seen as more reality than supernatural as they are more home-like. A horror only necessary needs actors, dark locations, sinister music, sound effects, props and fake blood. These props are easily accessible and therefore the finished product could be very effective.