Horror research questionnaire and analysis

For this particular activity Chloe Connell and I conducted appropriate questions, which were based on horror movies. Once having made the questions, we then uploaded it via 'SurveyMonkey' as well as posting the link on social networking sites such as twitter. The purpose behind this was to receive an insight on the demographics of our potential audience, and find out their differing views and preferences on horror movies. This will later help in our horror movie opening, as it will enable us to decide in what creative direction to take e.g regarding the plot line.
Below are examples of our questionnaire through images, as well as the link to 'SurveyMonkey'.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HLCD5WH

After having done this I created an analysis of the results we received, through the use of a prezi (www.prezi.com). Analysing each result we gained from the questions, will help us in making important decisions regarding our horror opening. Below is the prezi presentation:

Horror genre research: Conventions of horror movies

There are various theories which can be applied to horror films, which are typical of the horror genre. Chloe Connell conducted research on Todor's narrative theory, which she then presented through a PowerPoint. This is helpful as it helps us to establish typical conventions of horror films, through applying Todorov's theory:

Chloe and I worked collaboratively with the group Bryony Johnson and Rumena Ahmed. We re-enacted conventional scenes of horror films, which Bryony then suggested we upload via her 'Vine' account. Each vine denotes typical scenes which are see in many horror movies.















1st vine: Shows us creating a scene which involves a build up to a climax, where a victim is captured by a villainous character. An example of a horror film that does this could 'Woman In Black'.
2nd vine: Portrays a character being trapped in a confined place.
3rd vine: Shows the victim running away from the villain, down a deserted and dark corridor. The victim is female which conventionally represents her vulnerability. An example of a horror film that also portrays females as victims, could be 'Scream'. Within the beginning scene of 'Scream', the female character faces attack from the antagonist.
4th vine: Denotes two teenage characters having a conversation. One of them reveals that 'their parents are out of town'. This is conventional as being away from adult supervision usually results in something sinister occurring
5th vine: Denotes a characters car breaking down in a deserted place; which as a result leaves them stranded and helpless to whatever is to come their way.
6th vine: Victim is yet again seen as vulnerable, by walking in an isolated place. This may trigger foreshadowing in the audience, to what would happen next (which results in something horrific).
7th and 8th vine: Shows dim lighting and woods setting, which triggers a fear of the dark and the unknown. Usually the time and location that the villain strikes. An example of popular films that use a dominant woods location. could be 'The Blair Witch Project' and 'Cabin in the woods'.

Horror genre research: Iconography of horror movies

 

I took to researching typical iconography of horror movies. I then made a collage included below via the app 'InstaCollage', of images which represented the various types of iconography. They include images of things such as abandoned areas, and typical villainous murder weapons which are usually found in horror movies. Also there are images of victims of horror movies, as well as supernatural beings and a masked villain. An example of a horror movie that uses a masked villain is 'Scream'. the mask used on the villain in 'Scream' resembles a ghost, and is very recognisable today. By doing this activity it has enables me to familiarise myself with stereotypical trademarks of horror movies, which will help me in deciding in what kind of iconography to use in my own horror title sequence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horror genre research: Certificate ratings

 

My team member Chloe Connell took to researching different certificate ratings for horror films. She then presented her findings through a PowerPoint presentation, which was then uploaded via SlideShare. Through this research we learnt the differences between certificate ratings, and how specific content may only be appropriate for older audiences. This will help us in creating our horror opening, as we are now more aware of what things will be appropriate to show our audience. When we choose the age range of our target audience, we will ensure that the content will suit them. Below is the presentation created by Chloe:

 

Horror powerpoint from chlooe95