Planning - The Genre Decision (#8)

     For my final decision I will be working alone and I will do all the task like editing, research, and planning. Filming and acting will be done with the help of my mom and siblings. I have chose to work alone because scheduling with a group will be hard; I'm in SharkPac (a performing arts club), joining tennis, and life outside of everything would make it very hard to work with others. Additionally, I work better alone. I have chose to do and research a horror film opening because I enjoy this genre the most of out the few I've research and watch in my life. A horror film uses dark and spooky lighting, costumes, and dialogue which is most accessible for me since I will be working alone, and with the mise-en-scene, camera work, and more, I believe it is the best route for me and it will be something I enjoy to do. The code and conventions that I plan to use are camera works like POV shots, handheld shots, and close-up shots; low-key lighting like narrow dark hallways to make a dreadful feeling; non-diegetic sounds like heavy breathing, sudden loud sounds; and fast cut editing to create a climax. 

    A backup genre would be thriller and this would also work if my main idea of a horror film opening doesn't because horror and thriller genres are similar in codes and conventions, and I think I wouldn't need to change my planning too much due to how similar they are. My target audience of my film would be people 16 years old and up, and thrill and horror seekers. My opening film the perspectives show are the protagonist, who a panicked ordinary person would cut off guard. The age of the actor, (myself) would reinforce the theme of vulnerability during a time of supposed safety in their home. A stereotype in horror movies I'd like to challenge is the "Final Girl" trope of the protagonist being the final person alive and beating the killer/monster, surviving the final hours of the film. I would reinforce the vulnerable protagonist to continue the feel of danger for the protagonist.  The audience will have a heightened dread of the unknown and fear for the main actor and environment. 

    The first idea I have of my film is the main actor, (myself) doing homework or studying hard late at night. Then there will be a figure outside who keeps passing the sliding door then that figure slowly making their way inside the home of mine. I freak out and make my way to the front door, grabbing the keys and fumbling the keys, creating suspense. I look like I make it outside but I really don't, the final shot being only my hand being dragged back inside. 

    A few of challenges I expect making sure each shot gives the feel that I want to give to the audience, limited lighting and audio quality. The strengths that my mom and I have are acting and editing Another strength I have lie in focused pre-production planning and a strong understanding of the concepts in a horror movie.