Assignment two | Horror trailer
Client
Shudder
Context
You are to compose a pitch for an original horror film. Once complete, you are tasked with pitching your film at the successful streaming platform, Shudder.
Requirements
The primary target audience will be a corporate professional aged 35 - 45 years old, highly experienced in the industry who will have a thorough knowledge of the horror genre, streaming services and audience profiling.
Client
Shudder
Context
You are to compose a pitch for an original horror film. Once complete, you are tasked with pitching your film at the successful streaming platform, Shudder.
Requirements
- Compose an idea for original horror film that demonstrates knowledge of genre conventions.
- Demonstrate a history of horror cinema.
- Compose an original pitch that demonstrates an understanding of the client, audience and why you want Shudder to produce your film.
- The work must include a written script, a visual presentation and a Loom video of the final pitch.
The primary target audience will be a corporate professional aged 35 - 45 years old, highly experienced in the industry who will have a thorough knowledge of the horror genre, streaming services and audience profiling.
HISTORY OF HORROR
1896 - Within this year, history was changed and developed as the first horror genre film was released, and the audiences went wild. The film released was a French production that only lasted the time period of three minutes, due to the fact it was a French film its name was Le Manoir Du Diable. Conventions such as ghosts, spirits, witches, the devil and dark colouring. Additionally these conventions are still commonly used today in the 21st century horror genre films. |
1915 to 1920s - Lots of Horror Films came out during this time period. One of the films to come out that year was The Golem. It consisted of varied camera work as well as visual presentation which impacted the genre of horror massively as the conventions began to influence other films that came out in a later day. The recent films that came out moved the audience however the audience was completely changed when Cabinet Of Dr Calligar was produced due to the fact it had such a brilliant impact on the audience. Moreover one reason why Cabinet Of Dr Calligar was so popular was because of the use of non-diegetic sound that was used to cause dramatic eerie scenes. For example it was used to emphasise a killing that would have been next. |
1931 - Dracula was released. This was a very successful horror film with the subgenre of action horror as it has supernatural elements. Moreover the visual presentation that the director used was unique and different as it had never been used or seen before. Therefore when locations, costumes and conventional visuals were used it single the film out, which had a successful review from the audience. |
1945 - Dead Of Night is a British portmanteau horror film that consists of the gothic or horror anthology. Due to the film's brilliant gothic feel, the film is seen to be one of the best remembered films all because of the creepy ventriloquist's dummy episode with Redgrave. A common visual of now are dolls and puppets as they have become a convention for many horror films, therefore if one appears in a film the audience usually always links the genre to horror. |
1950s - Horror films during the 1950s were created via the help of cultural forces The Cold War as it fed fears of invasion, nuclear proliferation as it fed to visions of rampaging mutants, as well as scientific breakthroughs led to mad scientist plots which helped develop the ideas and designs of many horror films at the time. |
1960s - During this period of time the horror genre films were more edgy as well as featured more controversial levels of violence which the audience approved of as the 50s passed. Therefore they were older and wanted more realistic horror films to come out, so that they could relate to more. Because of this, 3 years later. A film called At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul was released. The plot of the film is of a local who dislikes religion and emotion as well as believes the only thing that matters is the ‘continuity of the blood’ therefore he focuses on the finding of a perfect woman so that he can have a superior child who will be immortal. The audience liked this change in film as it focused on other aspects of the horror genre, that’s seen as being more realistic up to a certain extent.
|
1973 - The Exorcist, was seen as the best film out of the two as the audience felt more affected and afraid of The Exorcist. A year after The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was released which was a very fast paced movie in specific places, such as the killing scenes. In addition if no murder was taking place the film would drag slowly building tension for when the next dead will occur. Additionally when the next dead scene occurs the film takes a dramatic turn and all the gory horror happens quickly. |
1984 - A Nightmare On Elm Street was another film that was also released in the 1980s. This film is diverse in comparison to other horror films due to the fact that the film has a number of murder scenes, however these murder scenes, different from other horror films tell a short story itself which intrigued the audience making them want to carry on watching with anticipation. |
1990s - Old ideas for the horror genre were starting to bore the audience therefore by the end of the 1980s new conventions were being thought of. Moreover individuals were trying to create monsters that were more realistic. A year later, Silence Of The Lambs was released which became the third film to win an academy award in five categories, in addition these categories were in best picture, best actor and actress, best director and writer. |
2000 to 2010s - During the 21st century there are many great edgy and original material that hasn’t been in the horror genre before. For example a conventional way for vampires to die is id they went in the sun however the film Twilight changed that perspective as they thought of the idea that the vampire would sparkle in the sun. The Ring which came out in 2002, is an American psychological horror film that is directed by Gore Verbinski. Moreover this film consists of dread, dark horror film conventions that leave the producers on edge hoping nobody in the audience laughs, because the film staggers right on the edge of ridiculousness as it’s not realistic.
|
This is vital for my pitch because it could make Shudder recognize my knowledge on the evalution of Horror films and how it has drastically changed overtime. It can also help me understand how far the horror genre has come and what are the most popular sub genres of it being made today.
WHAT MAKES A HORROR FILM A HORROR FILM?
A horror film is one that seeks to bring out fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes. Horror films additionally aim to evoke viewers' nightmares, disgust and terror of the unknown or the gruesome. Horror may also overlap with the fantasy, supernatural fiction, and thriller genres. Horror uses unique and unusual angles to create confusion and unsettling feelings with the viewer. The lighting tends to be dark, underexposed with lots of shadows, making the audience feel tense and on edge. Furthermore, the use of sound, such as a high pitch key, creates a sense of alarm with the audience. Sound design in horror films makes creepy music and dramatic one shots. Infrasound is used in horror movies since it can’t be heard, but it does not stop from causing a reaction. This plays an important role in creating an ominous feel. Music in horror films also creates a spooky atmosphere which makes the movie more enjoyable. The soundtracks help in raising a certain feeling which applies to the movie's success. Characters within the movie should deliver explorations of fear, grief, and death. And sometimes they can just be a really entertaining killing fodder, there to rack up the bodycount and give good satisfaction while they die horribly. The typical narrative structure of a horror film, where it puts a single victim or more against impossible odds and an antagonist that could be a killer or possessed by evil.
This is important because it will show Shudder that I have a great knowledge of Horror films/genre and what makes them so frightening which is something they are looking for in the person who is pitching the idea to them.
WHAT IS THE POINT OF HORROR FILMS?
The purpose of horror films is to highlight unconscious fears, desire, urges, and natural emotions that are buried deep in our collective subconscious for entertainment purposes – images such as mothers and shadows play important roles because they are common to us all. Horror films often explore dark subject matter and may deal with contraventional topics or themes.
AUDIENCE
The vast majority of horror films are 18’s with a few being 15’s. This is because they contain blood and gore, and are not really suitable for younger audiences. This reduces the potential target audience for the film, but does increase their capabilities as a production company to make a scary film for those that do meet the age restrictions. This means that the production company can make a good film and so can build up a good brand image. The audience will want a very scary film, and so a low age rating would not be sufficient to allow the production company to make a scary film. Horror films are most watched by males between 25-40. They all want to be scared and tested to see how tough they can be in front of others.
Understanding my audience and explaining it in my pitch is important because it is the most essential part of a film to know who my audience is going to be and how will I market it. It also makes it clean to Shudder what particular audience I am going for
SUB-GENRES
The Slasher
Slasher horror films usually involve a masked killer on a brutal rampage. The killer usually uses a weapon such as a knife, chainsaw or an axe to kill their victims.For example, in Texas Chainsaw Massacre the killer uses chainsaw. The victims are usually a group of teenagers away from parental supervision and usually up to no good. Those who get killed are usually typical sarcastic teenagers, who do not take school seriously and always cause trouble. The Scream films are great conventional examples of Slaher horrors. Characters range from: cheerleaders, prom queen/kings, the nerdy kid and there is usually a 'final girl' who is sensible and refuses to take part in any sexual or illegal activities. This girl survives until the end and destroys the killer thus putting a stop to the carnage. Laurie Strode from Halloween is a perfect example of a Final Girl. The killers in Slasher films are often large and masked and it is implied that they are usually male with a burst of masculinity. The character of Michael Myres in Halloween is a perfect example of a killer in a slasher horror. Slasher films usually take place in a school/college, summer camp (Friday the 13th), or a suburban area.
|
Supernatural
Supernatural films normally feature a type of spirit which antagonises and haunts its victims throughout the film. This type of horror film is usually set in the victim‟s house or a place which is linked to the main character. Main characters are usually seen as 'normal' but with some kind of troubled past like Katie in Paranormal Activity is an example. Those who are possessed are usually a young, innocent, pure female, for example Regan in The Exorcist. It is a common convention that throughout the film, doors creak, there are unknown noises and unexplained shadows. Another common convention is the appearance of the paranormal spirit in the reflection of a mirror along side the tormented character as she/he gazes into it. For example, in the film Mirrors. they are mysterious to them, their reflection watches them as they move around the room. |
Psychological
A psychological horror movie uses the characters fears and their emotional insecurity in order to build tension for the audience. Psychological horrors tend to focus more on what is going on in the main characters mind to scare viewers rather than showing gore or a ghostly presence. In this sub-genre of horror the audience is presented with characters who seem normal on the surface but internally they are psychologically disturbed, just like Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs or Norman Bates in Psycho. In psychological horrors weapons are rarely used; the terror comes from the twisted nature of the characters minds and what their psychopathic natures are capable of making them do. We do see killings in this sub-genre as they are so warped that they can be violent and murderous. Normal everyday props can become scary and sinister such as Dannys tricycle in The Shining, the bicycle becomes a symbol of scariness within the film. Whenever we see him ride it, this acts as a prelude to something terrifying happening thus putting the audience on edge. Flashbacks/nightmares are also a common convention of psychological horrors as well.
|
Zombie
Zombie film is a sub-genre of Horror film that portrays mindless human beings who are raised from the dead. These films often include a Zombie invasion, and centre around Zombies feasting on human flesh. The plot of a Zombie film then revolves around the struggle between the living, and the living-dead. Zombie film not only falls into the Horror genre, but Sci-Fi, Thriller, and Comedy as well. Examples: Night of the Living Dead, Shaun of the Dead, 28 Days Later. |
It is important to go into detail about the different sub genres within Horror in my pitch because it will allow me to pinpoint more accuratley to Shudder what it is that I want to convey.
Horror Soundtracks Examples
Holloween: The haunting melody of Carpenter’s original music for Holloween 1978 was revolutionary. The pulsing singular piano notes backed by a twitching click track, then underscored by the beating synthetic brass. The simplicity of the Holloween soundtrack is its superpower, sliding its way into your head and staying there. The Holloween theme is easily his most recognizable and often used, and it all started here. The Shinning: The Shinning is one of the most iconic horror movies ever released. The soundtrack is iconic in its own right. The theme is played as the family drives to the Overlook Hotel, and the ominous music perfectly captures the terrifying experience they are about to have. The Shinning provides an example of musical direction, not limiting itself to any one composer, but rather picking and choosing songs to create the perfect horror collage. Pyscho: Pyscho is one of the most vital movies ever made and the score is ominous and tense, forshadowing the violence and terrifying encounters. Like the shower scene, where the stings stab right with the stabbing. Making it one of the most iconic scenes and movie of all time in cinema history. |
This is vital for my pitch because it will show Shudder that I have a good understanding of how the soundtracks work in different horror films and how I can use to implement it in my film.
HORROR FILM (GENRE) CONVENTIONS
Characters
The protagonist of the film usually lives throughout and escapes the clutches of the killer of the film. They can either be a man or a woman and usually have help from secondary characters.
The antagonist of the film can take many forms, a sadistic madman to an evil entity (such as vampire, werewold or zombie). The antagonist is usually killed by the end of the film, unles they appear in a sequel. |
Iconography
Horror films usually have an iconic antagonist that is easily recognisable due to features such as a mask, a distinguished weapon and etc. Iconic Horror movie villains include Micheal Myers (Holloween), Freddy Krueger (A Nightnmare On Elm Street) and Jason Voorhees (Friday The 13th).
Blood is one of the largest implications of death in Horror movie history and also one of the most generic. Blood can be used to create mystery or can be used for over the top costly effect. |
Setting
Narrative
First person narration is one a character from the film narrates the story and guides us through.
A device can also be used like a camcorder which tells the story and we see it through the eyes of the device. This is used in found footage films like the Blaire Witch Project A character outside the movie can also tell the story, explaining to us what happens to the characters and the settings. But horror movies don't generally have this type of narration since people are usually focused on the characters inside the movie and not fromeeeee outside the movie. |
Themes
Death, blood and gore can either be exploited or used carefully to create tension
Controversy is used to promote the film in a negative light that can gain the film a cult following. Many Horror films use tension as a key element in their films; this is used to make the audience feel on the edge of their seats and feel uncomfortable when watching the film. |
This is crucial to include in my pitch since researching and explaining about the conventions of my film to Shudder will notify them that I have good knowledge of the narrative, themes, settings, Iconography, characters and who to cast for the characters in my film.
WHAT IS A FILM PITCH?
A film pitch is when a director or screenwriter makes a short presentation to a producer, studio executives, investors and etc in hopes of attracting development finance to pay for the wrtiing of a screenplay.
What makes a great pitch?
In this video, the man explains on how to make a great pitch in detail. The first thing he mentions is that how pitches are supposed to be short and straight to the point. You don't need to be overly creative and decorative, rather it's all about getting to the core of the oncept, story, and characters. Because the film producer or film exectuive won't have lots of time to read all of it since they have 50 others pitches to read as well. Getting them invested by portraying what conflict they are up against and how that conflict is going to affect them physically and emotionally. He also states that it is important to summarize the story to the exectuvies rather than explaining it since its the bets way to connect with the reader without having to go into subplot, twists, turns, and all of the other elements of the plot.
|
|
When you summarize the story, you're introducing the core concept and how that concept rocks the world of the characters. You can also touch on tone, atmosphere and themes present within the sotry as well. The presentation should be simple, professional, and articulate in how the story is present.
Mode of Address:
The way a person communicates while pitching the idea is also mentioned in the video as it can have a huge impact on the way others understand them. To speak clearly and express emotions, it is important to control the voice and change the tone. Pitch and Tone are two different parts of sound. Pitch refers to the degree of highness or lowness of the voice. Tone refers to a vocal sound made when someone speaks and inludes pitch, quality, and strength of the voice. Tone can also show emotions conveyed through the voice.
Having Emphasis:
Emphasising at a certain point is important because it needs to be clarified so the executives understand that it is important. Putting emphasais on particular words can grab the distributors attention by raising the pitch and strengthing the voice.
Conveying Emotion:
The tone of the voice can also convey different feelings to the listeners and this is a great way to captivate them and engage them in the idea.
Demonstrate Authority:
The tone and pitch of the voice can change the way the executives preceive the writer who is pitching the idea, so being in the right tone to demonstrate that they are an expert of the topic and a reliable speaker.
Vocal Variety:
The chances of being successful is much higher for those who change the tone and pitch of their voice throughout their presentation. Vocal variety increases the presence and makes the pitcher sound more interesting.
Making it Conversational:
Using inflection and vocal variety, the presentation feels more like a conversation between the pitcher and the distributor. This can help the writer not sound motionless all the time.
Mode of Address:
The way a person communicates while pitching the idea is also mentioned in the video as it can have a huge impact on the way others understand them. To speak clearly and express emotions, it is important to control the voice and change the tone. Pitch and Tone are two different parts of sound. Pitch refers to the degree of highness or lowness of the voice. Tone refers to a vocal sound made when someone speaks and inludes pitch, quality, and strength of the voice. Tone can also show emotions conveyed through the voice.
Having Emphasis:
Emphasising at a certain point is important because it needs to be clarified so the executives understand that it is important. Putting emphasais on particular words can grab the distributors attention by raising the pitch and strengthing the voice.
Conveying Emotion:
The tone of the voice can also convey different feelings to the listeners and this is a great way to captivate them and engage them in the idea.
Demonstrate Authority:
The tone and pitch of the voice can change the way the executives preceive the writer who is pitching the idea, so being in the right tone to demonstrate that they are an expert of the topic and a reliable speaker.
Vocal Variety:
The chances of being successful is much higher for those who change the tone and pitch of their voice throughout their presentation. Vocal variety increases the presence and makes the pitcher sound more interesting.
Making it Conversational:
Using inflection and vocal variety, the presentation feels more like a conversation between the pitcher and the distributor. This can help the writer not sound motionless all the time.
This is important because it can help me produce a successful and professional looking pitch to Shudder which could give me a higher chance of them promoting my film.
SHUDDER
About Shudder:
Shudder is an american streaming service similar to Netflix and Amazon Prime situated in the United States and developed by AMC Networks, featuring only horror, thriller, documentaries and supernatural films. It was founded in 2015 and ever since it is one of the biggest and best collections of scary movies and documentaries. It costs $5.99 per month. Their Audience: Their target audience is people between the ages of 15-18+ since most young adults and teenagers enjoy thrills. Why I Choose Shudder: I choose shudder to promote my film since it’s one of the best streaming service in the world when it comes to horror. It can attract a huge audience from horror at once relatively quickly since there won’t be any other huge non horror film competing with it. |