How Research Impacted the Group Idea

Genre

By researching the horror genre, we were able to discover different areas of the horror genre and how they have evolved towards horror films today. Horror films have many sub-genres such as hammer horror, and gorenography. From this research we have been able to come up with a horror film idea which fits under one of the types of sub-genre horror.

Narrative

We learnt about different narrative theories for film and how each theory helps to set out a storyline for a film plot. From researching the typical character types and the generic storyline plot which involves finding a new equilibrium. In addition to this the theory that one thing within a story line leads to another event later throughout the film. In addition, from research of the typical character types, it has helped us to stem and create our own characters which would fit the character roles. For example, our main character Louise is the villain/helper.

Representation

The research we conducted here was to do with the gender roles and the different ways both women and men are represented throughout horror films. In addition, we researched into the final girl theory and how the final girl is always represented as a less feminised character compared to her other fellow female characters. Also, the idea that the final girl always has an androgynous first name, such as Laurie from Halloween or Dana from Cabin in the Woods. Females in general are often seen as objectified by other men within the movie. From this research also we were able to add in our own final girl which fits the same traits.

Audiences and Institutions

We conducted this research through The Woman in Black where we were able to discover how to attract the right target audience for a film. In addition, we were able to see the different methods on how to release a product through teaser trailers and posters. From this we have been able to find out that we need to create a good enough trailer to attract our primary audience.

Media language

Media language involves the concept of Mise-en-scene. Which involves all the key points for a film or piece of media. It includes, camera shots, costume, make up, iconography, props, setting and others. This has helped us with our planning as we have taken all these and more aspects into account. For example, the wide variety of camera angles and how we can use different angles for different scenes and how the impact of costume and make up need to be taken into account. The location of where we need to film is also important as we want to set ours on a beach. All these topics will help us when it comes to planning out our trailer.