Opening scene inspiration

This is a good example of an effective horror movie opening:







The main inspiration from this clip is the use of low key lighting and minimal yet disturbing imagery. Also, the way the titles appear on the black half of the screen while the action occurs on the left.
The sound at first used is very natural All that can be seen are titles this makes the viewer feel unsettled which results in them wanting to know more. The music then gradually fades in but the natural sounds of birds are still heard, the audience then hear a woman softly weeping this immediatly creates supsense.
A pair of hand appear in the shot, and we can see that they are in the prayer position this leaves a question - why is she praying? supsense carries on building.
The music carries on and gradually begins to build to a climax.

This title sequence is very simple but very effective it draws the audience in and makes them feel unsure.


Note: We are only examining the title sequence of this film.

The Main Task

Main task:

The titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes.

The group has now decided on producing a horror film opening sequence for our main project.

Our inital idea was absed around a stalker-horror in which a man is stalking a woman around a bush.

We changed our idea due to lack of originality, and have decided to produce a retrospective stylistic film in which a demon posses a specific chil'd carer so they commit suicide.

Our idea for the main task is: A woman is looking in the mirror and putting on make up. She is in half light so only half of her face is visible. She will be framed to the left so the credits can be shown on the right side of the screen in the dark area.
During this sequence graphic and disturbing images like dead flowers and creepy dark places will flash up subliminally which should create an uncomfortable feeling in the viewer. When all the credits have been shown the camera will move to the right side of the mirror, which was previously in darkness, to show a noose hanging from the ceiling. The camera will linger here for a few seconds before a quick cut to a chair falling over. Thrn there will be a sound of a baby crying.
Throughout the clip there will be incessant menacing tones which will rise and fall in volume, which should create a feeling of suspense in the viewer. When the camera lingers on the noose the volume should fade to silence. This will be followed by the loud bang of the chair falling over which should shock the viewer and make them jump.

Filming and Editing

Here is a link to our preliminary task storyboards:


http://johnvallis.blogspot.com/2009/12/storyboard-last-shot.html
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http://johnvallis.blogspot.com/2009/12/storyboard-pt-3.html#comments
http://johnvallis.blogspot.com/2009/12/storyboard-pt-2.html#comments
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