1.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR

PRODUCTION USE, DEVELOP OR
CHALLENGE EXISTING REAL MEDIA
FORMS & CONVENTIONS?
 CODES AND CONVENTIONS IN HORROR/ THRILLER MEDIA
As shown in my research I primarily started off by looking at the codes and conventions of the horror genre. I analysed and
researched into the genre that I would apply to my trailer, poster and magazine. By establishing these codes and conventions I
was able to see how I could apply them to my own trailer so that it would fit in with these genres.

These codes and conventions include:

• Dark colour schemes
• Generic locations e.g. abandoned, secluded
urban locations
• Tense sound effects and sounds; to shock or
startle the audience
• Cinematography e.g. handheld shots, extreme
close ups, tracking shots to create a distorted
visual
• Distinct mise en scene e.g. Costumes and props
to symbolise a character or storyline
• High key and low key lighting to create an
atmosphere for the audience
• Characters such as a ‘villain’ and a ‘hero’
 TODOROV’S NARRATIVE THEORY
I have also taken into consideration how my trailer has used
existing narrative theory. My trailer conforms to Todorov's
narrative theory through the way I have constructed my trailers
narrative. His theory states that narratives follow a sequence of
equilibrium, a disruption, a recognition of the disruption,
someone trying to repair the disruption and then a new
equilibrium. Majority of this cycle applies to my trailer and is
evident for my audience to see in my trailer. By following this
narrative sequence is both beneficial and unbeneficial to my
trailer as it makes it something that my target audience are
familiar with however, it also makes my trailer lose its own
originality as it is following the same narrative structure as
majority films.
 CODES AND CONVENTIONS APPLIED TO MY PRODUCTION
Trailer- Todorovs narrative theory:
• Todorovs narrative theory can be applied to the structure of the narrative of my trailer

• Examples of equilibrium (picture): The equilibrium in my trailer is initially created in the opening scene of my
trailer where the main protagonist is waking up, the non diegetic music and high key lighting creates a calm and
tranquil opening to the trailer where everything is at ease.

• A disruption (image): There are a few disruptions throughout my trailer. For example when Sofia looks at her
phone and realises that she is being watched. The music I layered over the top of this also indicates this; the harsh
abrupt sound indicates a disruption in the tranquillity that was initially created.

• Restored order & equilibrium again (image): Towards the end of the trailer when the girls are reunited with each
other, the order and safety is restored

• Todorovs narrative theory can be applied to many modern horror/ thriller films. For example, Happy Death Day
etc…

Setting: ordinary suburban location a common convention of horror films.

CODES AND CONVENTIONS APPLIED TO MY PRODUCTION
As shown in my research, I researched into codes and
conventions of general film posters. I found common
factors of film posters, despite the genres of films.
These included:
 The films credits
 Reviews from critics (quoted)
 Some sort of tagline, a simple introduction to the film
 A professional image, relating and indicating the
films genre.
 A bold main image, that connotes fear and relates to
the horror genre
 Low lighting ion the main image to create a sinister
and eerie look
 A recognisable and iconic film title that the target
audience would be able to recognise
 CODES AND CONVENTIONS APPLIED TO MY PRODUCTION
Camera:
• More specifically, I used camera angles and shots as a convention of the horror
genre. For example I used tracking shots, following the victim/ protagonist. This
is commonly used in horror films to position the audience into believing they
have the same perspective as the character. The use of a tracking shot is also
used to create an idea of distortion and I believe somewhat breaks the 4th wall
as it brings an idea of a very realistic positioning and feel to the shots.
Mise en scene:
• Dark clothing for the antagonist, limiting their identity.
• Mundane ordinary clothes of the protagonist and
victim
• Suburban setting
Editing:
• In my trailer I decreased the saturation and vibrancy of the clips which overall
bought a colder, sinister feel to the shots. I applied this to every shot where it
was needed so that this idea was connoted throughout and so that it appeared
more professional and kept the continuity.
• Another aspect that I incorporated into trailer was the age rating. Majority of
current horror films are rated 15-18. From my research I found that my thriller
would be best suited to a target audience above 15 years. I then added
Sound:
• In the opening scene of my trailer I used a creepy doll box melody as
the main character awakes. Old creepy lullaby's are commonly used
in horror films as they bring the idea of old and possessed and
connote the idea of something slow and tedious happening. I also
used sound effects that were harsh and abrupt in contrast to the soft
music, I included both of these two different sound conventions as I
wanted to blend the two together to create a juxtaposing scene
where the tranquillity is disrupted.
Poster: Main image
• I used a dark filter on the main image of my poster. I converted the image to black and white and
strengthened the contrast so that it appeared darker and more suitable to the horror and thriller genre.
By having the main character look directly down the camera lens it creates a personal and empathetic
connection between the model and the audience/ reader. The image makes the protagonist appear as
though she is pleading for help, making the audience feel as though they are in an uncomfortable
position as they can see the figure behind her.

• Mise en scene- as evident throughout the trailer, the costume of the antagonist is very conventional of
the horror genre. The black hoodie brings a sinister and threatening feel to the antagonist. I also edited
the image in my poster so that my audience questions whether the dark figure is the protagonists
shadow or the figure stood behind her. Horror and thriller films usually scare people into questioning
what they believe. This technique I used in the image supports this idea as it presents something that
almost appears as an illusion and tricks the audience to question what they believe.

• Colour scheme: I chose a very generic colour scheme to use in my films poster. I colour red is commonly
used in the horror genre. It connotes danger, blood and fear. Overall, I chose red as it was a bold
striking colour that stands out, I paired it alongside the word ‘unknown’ as this further builds on the idea
of uncertainty and danger.
 USING, DEVELOPING AND CHALLENGING
HORROR CONVENTIONS- MAGAZINE
I took a lot of inspiration from existing trailers, posters and
magazine covers, which is shown in my research stage. For
example; I took a lot of inspiration from current popular film
magazines. In my research I decided that I didn’t want to create
a horror or thriller magazine. I wanted to create a magazine that
wasn’t subjective to one genre in particular, as this would attract
a broader audience. Magazines such as ‘Total Film’ and ‘Empire’
caught my eye due to how trendy and current they looked. I took
inspiration from these magazines in particular as I wanted my
magazine cover to have similar, modern look. For example I used
quite a basic image of the main character in my trailer, I
positioned her in the middle of the frame and on the magazine
cover, this presented the success as the film as a whole rather
than trying to limit the magazine to the horror genre.