Planning - Treatment

- The action; In the narrative, the serial killer tracks down some teenagers wondering through the forest, and targets on the teenager who goes his separate way to the group when he goes to investigate a strange noise. The narrative follows it from the teens perspective, but also shows a couple of shots from the killers point of view. We will do this using some shots from within the trees, in which (using filters as well) can be see as "first person perspective".

-The theme; With our film, we have a couple themes that we have agreed to stick to so we can recreate a horror opening. One theme for our film is terror. This will be enforced by using everything within the mise en scene to create tension and follow the theme of terror. Another theme for our film is stalking. This theme will be enforced into our film in the narrative, using camera shots and props in the mise en scene to hint the audience that there is a stalker in which follows the narrative structure of a horror film and the theme.

-The narrative; The narrative will be structured so that it follows the classic patterns and sticks to the fixed elements of slasher film, with the twist of the killer going after the male character instead of female (which breaks conventions as serial killers usually go after females because in terms of archetypes, they are seen as weaker). We decided that the killer should go after the male instead of the female as it is an unexpected twist for a slasher film, but also we were told before hand that our female character was involved with another production and couldn't spend too much time involved with our production, therefore it then only made sense that the killers focus should be on a male character which means we can focus more on that character.

-The character(s); For our characters, we selected a small group which would represent stereotypes of teenagers, in which represent and would relate to the target audience. We then selected the actors according to their appearance and whether they fitted into the criteria of the selected stereotype. 

For the "nerd" stereotype, we selected Edward Morgan to play the role as his appearances (glasses, small figure) fitted our criteria for what the audience stereotypically expected from a nerd. We also selected Malachi Dempsey-Clark to be the "jock" as he had more of a built up figure which suited the criteria of jocks being sporty and muscular. We then decided that Sophie Paul should be the "drama queen" as we were aware of her previous involvement with acting schools, which meant she could take on melodramatic characteristics to suit her character.  

In terms of choosing the killer, we needed someone with a taller, skinny figure in which conventionally is usually the typical structure of the antagonist. We also needed someone who didn't want any speaking lines in our film. We decided that Joe James would be the perfect choice for our film as he fitted all of our criteria and we felt he would take the role seriously as well.

In terms of the antagonist, we needed someone who was tall with a skinny figure and would be willing to feature in a film and not have any dialogue. We then decided that Joe James was best suited to this criteria as he matched all of the above, as well as he had previous experience in horror filming playing the part of the scary antagonist.

-The setting and choice of location; We decided to use an overgrown train track as a location for our film. After hunting down the location, we established how long it would take to get there but also got ideas about where to film different parts of the film. We also chose this location as it was easy to access as well as easy to get to for both the cast and the group members. 

-The mise en scene; The lighting within the scene will be natural during film, but later on dark filters will be added to create a dimming effect to set a creepy atmosphere. The costumes used will relate to our target audience as they will reflect the traits and persona's of the characters (e.g. glasses and "geeky" t-shirt for nerd, sports branded clothing for the jock). 

The costume for the killer will consist of long, black clothing (e.g. black coat) as well as a mask to hide his identity, in which creates tension as conventionally, black clothing and masks in slasher films is the costume of the antagonist, so then the audience expect them to be the antagonist. The overall setting will be very dark, and atmospheric in which the surrounding (trees, bushes, etc) help to set this up along with the filters. 

-The camera work; In our film, we will try to use a wide range of shots to show the setting from different angles. Dark filters will be added later on so that it has a natural lighting effect on camera so that features can be defined, but then atmosphere can be created through a darker effect. 

-The editing; In terms of sound editing, we are going to use incidental music instead of a soundtrack so that it creates a tension, but also sticks to the fixed conventions of a slasher film. In addition, we will also use sound effects to add to this tension such as distorted train whistle, heavy breathing and footsteps. The heavy breathing and footsteps sound effects are conventional towards the sub-genre, but the distorted train whistle is something we decided as a group to add in to relate to the character and reflect on the setting, but at the same time still creates atmosphere and tension. 

In terms of camera editing, we are going to use a continuous sequence so that it sets up a clearer narrative, but also we are going to use a range of shots from the "killers point of view". We will recreate this by filming the footage in hidden areas behind bushes and trees located near the path where the characters will be walking down, so it looks as if he appears to be tracking (or stalking) the characters, which works along side the narrative and creates a tension. 

Planning - props

In terms of props for our opening, it wasn't our main priority in terms of importance. The props were an important part of the narrative and we decided early on during the planning about which props to use for our film opening.

One prop we decided to use for the antagonists weapon was a woodcutters axe; 

We decided to use this as the killers weapon as it was a prop that was accessible as well as iconic in terms that it hadn't been used in a slasher film as an iconic prop. This wouldn't cost anything as a member of our group is already in possession of an axe.

Another prop we decided to use for our film was a train whistle;

We are going to use this to create a distorted sound effect (non-diegetic). We decided to use this as it linked into the character (train conductor) and related to the setting (abandoned train track).

Planning - casting

With the casting, we had to take into consideration;

-Whether they were available for filming when we needed them to be

-If they could access the location being filmed

-How seriously they could take the acting roll 

-How well they could act

-If they fit the criteria of their character

With these to bare in mind, we then turned to some friends we knew who were taking part in the school production, in which then fitted the majority of the criteria as they were local, serious about acting and could actually act. These friends were both men and also fitted the criteria of the male characters in physical form and apprentices. We also knew someone who was working with a semi-professional acting group, who is also local, and met all the criteria's set. 

At first we had a selection of people to chose from in terms of casting, as we were unsure about who to pick and who would take it the most seriously. We then talked to each of the listed cast members about the filming, and whether they were able to do it. After eliminating those who were unable to do it/ didn't want to, we were left with a smaller list, in which from that list we selected our final cast list based on who we thought would be able to take it seriously but also fitted the characters persona best.

The people that are a part of our cast are;

Joe James  (the "killer", antagonist)

Malachi Dempsey-Clark ("jock, first victim to be killed)

Ed Morgan ("nerd", other male character)

Sophie Paul (female character) 

Planning - film testing shots

When we went on the walk to take photos of possible location shots, we also filmed some video shots to see if it worked well with the location and to test whether the walking distance would be too long and take up too much time;

                                     Establishing shot test 

                   




                        Hidden shot (perspective of killer)

                                              Hill shot test

Planning; Choosing locations

Choosing the right location was important as it would link towards the narrative and become the prime aspect when filming. Some ideas we had for location included a church graveyard, a barn and a derelict lane but in the end we settled on an abandoned train track.

15/11/14 

On this date, myself, one of the co-producers and a couple of the actors in our film went to the abandoned train track in Chacombe (as shown below);

During the walk, we took a reasonable amount of photos and locations and thought about which parts of the track we were going to use in our film. Here are some of the photos we took on the walk; 

                                               

                                              

At the end of the track, we then came across a small hill that goes up and leads to a smaller, more hidden track, which we then thought might be a good place to set the scene for an establishing shot; 

   

This was the location we considered for the establishing shot. It is a small track that winds down and leads to the train track. We thought it would be a good place to set the location as it allows a small amount of time for dialogue which then sets up a narrative. 

This is a view from the other side of the establishing shot. It shows you how short the path is which goes around a corner down the the track. There is also a small entrance between the trees, which we thought would be a good idea to use from a "first person perspective" as if the killer was watching;

Some other ideas we attached onto this included using darker filters and the sound of heavy breathing to show the target audience that someone is watching the characters. 

Other location shots to use to link in with the setting included the hill shot;

This shot could then show the actors walking down and track them down to the train track in which goes in two directions, in which we thought at that point the actors could split up (where in the narrative, one of them goes off and gets killed by the serial killer). One place we considered one of the characters to be "found" in was a bush on the track going down to the left;

Although it hasn't been confirmed yet, these are all still ideas to consider and go over so we can come up with the perfect setting for our film which fits in with the timing and suits the sub-genre.

Consolidation

Genre iconography

From what I have learnt in my research, the conventional elements of genre iconography in slasher films are strongly based around the archetypes (females being weak, men are strong/powerful, etc). The conventional elements have taught me that the antagonist in slasher films are typically male. The conventional elements also told me that characters in the opening of horror films are often first to die, or tagged as the antagonist that is targeted by the serial killer. In this case, the characters introduced in the first five minutes are typically females as, in terms of archetypes, they are seen as more weak and vulnerable than males.

Film opening conventions

My research has taught me what to expect with film opening conventions. In terms of narrative, I now know all about the fixed elements in horror as well as the repertoire of elements in slasher. The fixed elements of a horror film would be that unexpected bad events lead to the death of someone or a group of people to create atmosphere and to set up a narrative, but the repertoire elements of a slasher film would be that a killer is after a victim and the victim gets killed or nearly gets killed, which sets up a narrative to tell the audience about the antagonist. 

Another factor I've learned from my research about film openings is the music/sound effects used. I have learned that instead of a soundtrack, incidental music is used to create an atmosphere to build up to the attack. The incidental music tends to be quieter when the serial killer is about to attack the victim, and gets quieter and quieter until the killer attacks, in which the incidental music gets suddenly louder to scare the audience. Common sound effects used in slasher films which I noticed was used frequently in my research includes heavy breathing, loud footsteps and screaming.

A final factor I've learned from my research about film openings was camera shots. One technique I picked up during my research was first person perspective, so as if it was from the point of view of the killer. The effect this has makes the audience feel like they are the killer also gets to see clear details during the killing. For this effect, there wasn't any shot cuts and the footage was shaky and "amateurish", so it would make it appear as if the person was travelling with the camera. 

A common camera shot I picked up in my research were close ups. They were commonly used on the face of the characters that the antagonists were after so that the audience could see that they were scared. The close ups were also used for the antagonist, so that the camera would focus on certain areas on the antagonists costume but not on their face so it would build up the tension and set atmosphere. Another common shot used were long shots, in which the audience can see everything within the mise en scene, which usually include the victim being chased by the antagonist, or running away. Long shots allow the audience to establish the location and the people within it to set up a narrative and atmosphere.

Title and credit information

In my research, one thing I learned about title and credit information is that the antagonist is usually established before the title screen. This is because the film title is usually based on or named after the antagonist, so then the audience get an idea about who the film is about before the title is introduced. Another thing I learnt was that the title typography was based on the conventions of the film. The colour and style of the typography would be designed according to the typical conventions of a slasher film e.g. it would be coloured red because red is associated with blood, which then fitted in with the sub-genre conventions

Style

In my research, what I learnt about style was that low key lighting was always used. This is so that it setted an atmosphere and created tension, and this worked well along side the incidental music. Another thing I learned was that the serial killer usually used masks rather than makeup. This is so that their identity would be hidden, which is seen as "mysterious" and unsettling for the target audience. 

Film pitch

                                

Spider diagram - initial ideas for film

Planning; choosing an idea

Things to consider

- Public location; If it is a public place, then people could get in the way of filming which causes delays and wastes time.

-How seriously the actors would take it; It's easy to make a generalisation based on what you know about the actors, but you don't know how seriously they are going to take it once on location and in the midst of acting out the scenes. Also in acting, it is very easy to mess up lines and mess around, which then wastes more time.

-Lighting; Even though the natural lighting would define the features and work well with the camera, we need to consider which areas may need extra lighting and whether it is actually light enough to use without unnatural lighting or not.

-Background noise; Whilst engaged in dialogue, there are environmental factors that could ruin the tension created including birds (such as pigeons and doves), tractors and wind.

-Weather; In order for the shots to make sense, the weather has to be the same in all of them. Due to this limiting factor, we can then only film at a certain time of day (between 12-3pm) and certain weather conditions (cloudy) so it doesn't affect lighting or damage camera equipment, which then wastes time.

-Location factor; Our location is quite remote (even though available to public walkers) meaning that there is quite a walk to get there, which wastes time left in the day to film.

Logistics

At this time of year, the days are a lot shorter and darker which leaves us with a limited time to do filming. So that it would be convenient for both the actors and the media group, we agreed to do filming at the weekend when we all had the time and convenience, as well as daytime light to film with. So the daylight was the same brightness in all our shots, we decided to limit ourselves to filming between 12-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Because our chosen location is open to the public, it means we don't have to spend time chasing down land owners to get permission to film. In terms of cost, we need to consider travel costs on bus when lifts are not available (usually between £2-£4 depending on location) but also makeup needed for the corpse (£5-£10) and the mask required for the killer (£3-£5).

Planning; initial ideas consolation

This week was the first meeting the group had to come together with ideas about the film. Before creating genre analysis, we agreed to use the theme of horror, and then settled on the idea of the sub-genre of slasher, in which other ideas of sub genre that came up included the paranormal and zombie. To come up with a narrative for our film opening, we decided to come up with a location first to base around the characteristics of the serial killer, as well as the setting for the film and other characters that could be used in the opening film.

Some ideas we came up with for a location of a horror film included a church graveyard, a barn, a derelict lane and a train track. After much debate, we were torn between the graveyard and the derelict lane, but then settled for the train track as we felt it was a location we could all access easily, as well as it created a "spooky" setting for a horror film. After coming up with a good location, we used the idea of an abandoned train track to create a theme for the killer. We decided that our antagonist would be a "psychopathic train conductor" in which ideas came about relating to the theme of a crazy train conductor (e.g. train track marks on victims faces, train tickets engraved onto face, etc). We then decided these ideas were too complex to fit into a two minute introduction, so we decided to use a distorted train whistle sound effect to not only create an atmosphere, but to reveal characteristics about the antagonist.

This then led on what prop the serial killer should use as their "iconic" way to kill. Some ideas we came up with included garden sheers, a knife and a woodcutters axe. We chose not to use garden sheers as we felt that this didn't relate enough to the character and wasn't really a good tool for killing, and we also felt that the knife was too iconic and overused in slasher films, so we were all in agreement about using the woodcutters axe. Then then further decided with props that, in most slasher films, the antagonist would wear a scary mask to hide his identity rather than makeup, and due to budget costs and time, we decided to use a mask as it would be cheaper and less time consuming as well as less pressure to get the makeup right every time filming was required.

After we decided on the antagonist, we focused on the other characters to use in our film. From examining other horror genres, we had the options of either having a single female alone in the woods (vulnerable with no one to help), a teenage couple (male character gets murdered in protecting female, female is under threat) or a group of teens (one teen strays from the group, runs into the murderer and gets killed and is then discovered by the others, who are then under threat). We were then torn between the couple or the group idea, but was then advised by our media teacher to go with a group, in which we then decided to go with that idea. After deciding how many people we needed (between 3-4) we then thought about which actors we'd need to use. We took in mind actors we could use who take As drama, as well as take part in acting classes, and then cancelled down to actors who could take it seriously until we came up with a list of 3 actors who, after consent, are able to participate in our film.

When it came to lighting and sound, we used our knowledge from the fixed elements of horror films to come up with some ideas. With sound, we decided to use incidental music instead of soundtrack as it creates more tension and atmosphere than a soundtrack would. Sound effects included within our film would include branches creaking, screaming, heavy breathing and the distorted train whistle effect mentioned earlier. With lighting, we used our location idea to consider what type of lighting we would need. Because our area consists of low key lighting during day time, it means that no extra lighting would be needed to define certain details, though low key lighting filters could be added if necessary. Other filters that could be used for effect include colour splash (black and white effect, but colour on object of focus e.g. blood, props, etc) or black and white (creates darker effect, more atmosphere). 

Target audience

For our film, the primary target audience (typically) are males between the ages of 15-30 (teen to young adult). Secondary target audiences include women between the ages of 15-30 and fans of the sub-genre, slasher. The reason horror films would appeal more to males than females is because, in terms of archetypes, blood, gore and murder is more likely to appeal to men as women are seen as "tidier" and even "squeamish". Also, the reason it would appeal to a younger audience is that they are more impressionable and look for extreme thrills to excite, whereas (typically) an older audience prefer more mature films that appeal to their interests and culture (e.g. historical film). This film wouldn't be appropriate for children as children films are basic and friendly, but horror films are not suitable as young children are not mature enough to deal with extreme thrills, as well as they may be too squeamish and get nightmares.

Slasher Moodboard

My chosen genre...

The genre I have chosen to use for my film is horror. In addition, the sub genre within my chosen genre is slasher. To recreate the codes and conventions of the genre, I will use low key lighting locations, dark filters and intense incidental sound to create effect expected of the genre. To meet the codes and conventions of the sub-genre, I will use props (such as knives, chainsaws, etc) to meet the audiences expectation of the sub-genre.

 In addition to this, the antagonist of the film shall be dressed according to audience expectation (dark clothing, masks, etc). The protagonist of the film shall be a teenager (either male or female) so it connects with the target audience, creating more of an interest within young people. The codes and conventions of a narrative to a slasher film, is that a character, or a group of people (stereotypically female) are stranded in a low key lighting location and there is a serial killer on the loose. In my film, I will use these codes and conventions to create the beginning of a narrative, to build up tension so it'll leave the target audience wanting more.

Titles and credits timeline

         

           

Genre research - Saw

Institution information

This film is called Saw and was released in 2004. It was rated 18 in UK cinemas and was produced by Twisted pictures as well as distributed by Lionsgate. It was directed by James Wan and earned $103.1 million in the US box office. 

Genre analysis

The effect of the low key lighting sets an atmosphere for the audience. The sound effect of water gives hints to the audience about the setting as well as creating atmosphere. The use of the blue light shows highlights and features of the character, but also the effect makes it appear as if he were in water. Conventionally, the antagonists features are usually distorted to make them appear scary, or they would wear a disturbing mask to add to the tension and terror of the film, so the fact the features (shown using the blue lighting) aren't distorted tells us that this character could be the protagonist. The title then matches the previous setting and sticks with the conventions of a horror title screen has a spooky look to it.

The next shot shows a plug and a chain which tells the audience more about the previous setting. The next shot confirms that the setting the character was placed in was a bathtub in a low key environment. The use of having an old, grubby bathtub sets an uneasy tone along with the low key lighting and the piping along the walls. At this point, the incidental music has begun to set a tone and atmosphere. The prop of chains makes the audience feel nervous and also emphasis how the character is trapped. Conventionally, in terms of repertoire of the genre, if a character is tied up, they end up become the protagonist or the focus of the film, as the serial killer has a "selected victim" rather than on a rampage in the streets. 

The effect of having a voice over (non diegetic sound) means that it creates a tension amongst the audience as we can determine the character, but cannot know of his identity or features. Also, the audience get to see the victims reaction which adds to the tension and sense of fear and unease. The voice over also builds up a narrative as it begins a dialogue between the protagonist and the second character (suspected antagonist). The sudden change from low key to high key lighting creates an unease effect, as well as the sudden change in pitch with the incidental music. By focusing and un-focusing the camera creates the effect of eyes pupils adjusting to the light, in which by un-focusing the camera makes the audience feel unsettled as they can't see clearly what's in the shot.

The camera then cuts to the second character within the room. The audience know this character doesn't have as much importance as it was the second character to be introduced. Also, the fact the protagonist was introduced before the title shows that it has significant importance in relevance to the narrative. The use of makeup shows that the second character is a lot paler and has bruises and cuts on his face and arms which tells us that he has been there longer than the protagonist. This further tells the audience that the serial killer has selected multiple victims and sets tension and mood. As the incidental music gets louder, the camera tilts down which signifies that something bad is going to happen. 

The camera then tilts down to the floor where there is a dead body, with lots of blood and the use of makeup makes the skin appear to have an unusual texture, as if its skin was scraped off its head. A dead body is a typical prop in terms of the codes and conventions and typically, in terms of the narrative, the opening of a slasher film includes either a dead body or someone getting stabbed, in which this case the narrative stays true to the repertoire of genre. The incidental music at this point is at its loudest and there is a lot of unnerving, high pitch screeches which adds to the tension in relation to the narrative. The camera then cuts to some extreme close ups of the corpse to show the audience certain details about the corpse including props (gun, voice recorder, etc) to add towards the narrative. 

The camera sticks to a "180 degree rule" in which shows both characters in the scene and their reaction to the dead body, whilst sticking to a 180 degree angle so the audience don't get confused about the characters place in the room. The body then adds panic within the characters, which then causes panic or fear in the audience as it gives the characters a sense of fear of being killed even though the killer isn't in the room, and the fear of being the next victim.

Genre research - Nightmare on Elm street

Institution information

This film is called Nightmare on elm street and was released in the year 1984. It was certificated 18 in cinemas and was produced by Media home entertainment as well as distributed by New line cinema. It was directed by Wes Cravin and grossed over $25 million in US box offices.

Genre analysis

The use of showing certain features of the body during the opening title sequence (e.g. feet, hands, etc) tells the audience that this must be an important character. It also builds up suspense as it doesn't show the antagonists face immediately which creates a tension and makes the audience feel unsettled. In the fixed elements of a horror film, the antagonist is usually introduced before the protagonist, which means the audience expect this character to be the antagonist of the film. 

The props used give hints about the character and whether he is the antagonist (e.g. he gathers tools such as knifes and hammers it into a glove, which isn't the convention of something a protagonist would do, therefore they are the antagonist). Also the incidental music creates a tension which makes the audience feel uneasy and foreshadows the nature of the character. The use of red filtered lighting gives an effect, as in terms relating to the codes and conventions of the genre, red is associated with "evil" and "blood", in which the red lighting links in with the genre themes. 

The montage within the opening title sequence creates tension and narrative, as it builds up and shows the antagonist preparing for what the audience can assume to be his "first kill". The use of the claws before and after the title screen tells the audience that the claws are iconic and have some significance in relation to the narrative. There is then a close up of a woman's face on high key lighting, in which we can assume is going to be the "first victim". The use of high key lighting shows all the defined details and might tell the audience that this is a significant character in relevance to the narrative. 

The camera then cuts to a long corridor with low key lighting, which is a conventional setting according to the fixed elements of the genre. The corridor is light with high key lighting, in which the outline of the female character can be made, so we can see her running down the corridor. The setting then changes to a factory layout, in which there is a lot of low key lighting as well as big pipes and corners, which adds to the tension as the audience don't know where the killer is going to come from or when. As the incidental music gets quieter, it is conventional in terms of the genre, that it means the killer is getting closer or is about to strike. This then builds up tension and as the audience are then expecting something bad to happen. The use of laughter sound effect (non diegetic) gives off an effect also, as conventionally according to the genre, the laughter is seen as "evil" or "demonic" which is often associated with crazy psychopaths, according to the repertoire of the elements.

The sound of ripping on the curtain using the claws creates tension, but also signifies the entrance of the killer in an iconic way. By using the weapon of killing to enter adds to the importance and significance of the prop which gives hints about the antagonist as well as the narrative. Also, by attacking from behind we can see the outline of the antagonist but we still don't see his face, which leaves the audience wanting more and builds up an atmosphere. Also, the effect of the lighting in the scene where he attacks is in front of a fire, in which in terms of relating to the genre, is associated with evil and death. 

The incidental music gets suddenly louder to add to the tension, and then fades away quickly in the next shot, in which is set in a bedroom. This setting then relates back to the title "Nightmare on elm street" in which the word "nightmare" is used in terms of bad or scary dreams, which links back to the setting of a bedroom when we assume she was dreaming. The close up on the girls face shows the terror which is then taken in by the audience who also feel terror, but also doesn't show everything within the shot, which also builds up tension as the audience are expecting more. This is because the fixed elements in a horror narrative tell us that bad things are always going to happen such as death, murder, etc. The camera then cuts to close up of her dress, which has claw marks. This then links back to the idea of the claws being iconic towards the antagonist, but also makes the film conventional towards the genre, and leaves the audience wanting more.

Genre research - Halloween

Institution information

This film is called Halloween, and was released in the year 1978. Its been rated 18 in the UK and was produced by falcon international productions as well as distributed by compass international pictures. It was directed by John Carpenter and earned a total of $250 million (as of 2014) and didn't earn any awards.


Genre analysis

The opening starts in a low key setting with a long shot of the front of a house. The camera then pans across to show a pumpkin, which stands out on the set as it is well lighten (high key lighting) and also symbolises the film title (Halloween) as well as creates a setting. The effect of the camera panning across the porch makes the audience feel as if they saw things from the perspective of first person, which sets a narrative up for the target audience (conventionally in slasher films, first person perspective means that the audience is seeing things in the eyes of the killer so they don't know who the killer is yet, which creates suspense). 

The use of no camera cuts shows the path of the killer, but also that it is from a first person perspective. The camera then pans around the corner of the house to a window view of two characters in which the dialogue then sets up a narrative for the audience to follow. The effect of having "first person perspective" look into the window creates a tension of the teenagers being watched by the killer making the target audience feel uneasy. Also, the use of using teenagers for the characters relates to the target audience (teens and young adults) in which sets more of an atmosphere as it makes them feel vulnerable and shows that they are most likely to be killed by serial killers, according to the sub-genre. 

The conventional layout of the teenagers watching television in low key lighting is expected according to the fixed elements in the genre, as it sets an atmosphere so that we can see the characters features but we cannot see very much of the environment surrounding the character with further sets a tone. In the narrative, the male character pulls out a clown mask and jokes around with the female character. This foreshadows to the audience what is going to happen to the female, but also sets an uneasy tone as the characters are naive about what is going to happen. In a horror film, the fixed elements state that the protagonist is not shown at the beginning of the film, but instead the antagonist. This is so that the film shows the audience what the film is going to be about, but also foreshadows plots within the film and creates a brief narrative. 

The use of footprints for sound effects (diegetic sound) creates more of an atmosphere for the audience, and adds to the effect of "first person perspective" as it tells the audience that its the killers footsteps and that now we have established who they going to kill, we know that they are "on a hunt". The incidental music comes in time so when the light is switched off, it catches the audience off guard and creates a tension that something is about to happen. The use of low key lighting in the household adds to this effect, and again by using "first person perspective" we can determine who the killer is as the person holding the camera is the one who pulls out a knife from the draw, meaning that they are going to use it to stab or slash (hence slasher film) at someone. 

By showing the audience the character leaving the house, tells them who the victim is and that they are "vulnerable" because they are alone (which adds to the narrative). The effect of putting the mask on over the camera gives the audience more of a "first person perspective" feel but also adds to the tension as we cant see everything within the mise en scene which makes the audience feel tense. The use of high key lighting in the victims room shows details of her death when the killer starts stabbing her. At this point, the incidental music gets louder and more intense to create an unnerving effect. The use of heavy breathing sound effect (diegetic sound) adds to the tension, and the setting of the killer being in a street neighbourhood at the end makes the audience feel nervous as it is set in an environment where they feel safe, in which the fact the killer is in a common neighbour hood makes them feel unsafe. The revealing of the killer at the end of the scene, adds a twist to the codes and conventions of a horror film (the killer is a child) and creates a narrative as well as tells the audience who the protagonist of the film is going to be.