TECHNIQUES TO A SUCCESSFUL HORROR FILM

Paranormal Activity

What techniques make this a successful horror films?

In order to help me with the production of my trailer, I have watched paranormal activity. Through analysing sound and how this develops suspense throughout, and also how the characters are established I am able to gain a better understanding on producing an effective trailer.

Setting;

Throughout the whole film the set completely within one location, this is the directors own home. The main scenes take place in the bedroom, this then leads the audience to associate the happenings with that room. Therefore whenever the scenes cut to the bedroom, suspense is automatically created.

This is useful to know because my trailer will be similar, in the sense that it will be filmed entirely in my friend’s house. This makes it easier for the audience to follow the narrative.

Analysis of sound;

Whilst watching Paranormal Activity, I noticed that sound was used effectively to create suspense and tension. There is no non-diagetic sound throughout the film, as everything is filmed with a hand-held camera. The setting creates perfect oppurtunities to create sounds that will build so much tension for the audience, for example, the use of wooden stairs provides the director to use the sound of banging as if someone or something unseen is walking up them, this creates a great deal of tension and is really effective. This has given me a good insight into how to use sound correctly.


Characters;

Katie and Micah are the main characters and the only characters featured. This makes it easy for the audience to follow and enables a deeper understanding of their lives. Using only two characters also allows the audience to be able to sympathise with the characters more. We are able to learn about the history of the characters when another character is briefly introduced, the psychic who asks questions to both characters about their past.
What is also good about the characters is that they are not famous holly wood stars but normal people, therefore it becomes slightly more believable.

How is Paranormal Activity good as a trailer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSSqxrh5kp8


I thought this trailer was really good, I liked how it showed the audiences reaction to the film which makes it seem even scarier because you can see someone else's reaction to it. 

I also think the use of comments from magazines or viewers is effective as it allows the potential audience to see what others thought of the film. The text used also fits with the title which makes it look professional.

I decided to look at this trailer and analyze this horror film in more detail than others because it is a recently successful horror film which was made on an extremely low budget compared too many other films of today. Despite its low budget, it still effectively engaged its audience and has become so successful there is now a second being produced and shall be out on 22nd October.
I shall be seeing the second when it comes out.