Importance of genre and how I aim to establish it in my opening

Importance of genre

If production companies specialise in one specific genre they are more likely to be skilled in making films of that genre, so that audiences will rely on them for another good film. If a production company focus on making horror films, many of the same people are likely to see each of their films, as they know they are good at making that specific genre and this makes money from that audience every time they release a film.


How I aim to establish genre In my opening


In the 2 minutes of my opening i need to establish genre through the music, location, camera
movement, shot types, camera angles, editing, lighting and narrative.

Music

The typical music used in horror films usually classical music which starts out quiet and mysterious, with uneven notes in order to make the audience feel uncomfortable. The music gradually becomes louder with more instruments being introduced in order to create suspense before something happens. Sometimes when the music has got very loud and intense, it will go completely silent for a long period of time, so that when something jumps out it has a larger effect on the audience. I will use these music techniques in my opening in order to stick to the conventions, and so that when the masked person appears, it will cause the audience to jump.

Location

Locations in horror films are regularly dark and abandoned, or deserted as it creates an eerie atmosphere which relates to the genre. I want to stick to this convention and use a dark or dull area which is very quiet or abandoned, as it will give the impression that the character cannot be helped.

Camera Movement

Because there is a chaotic running scene in my opening, I want to use hand held camera, as it emphasises the action and in the scene. For the rest of the opening I will use panning or still camera.

Shot types

I also want to include long shots for the start of the opening emphasise the fact the girl is alone. But when she is being followed I will use a lot of close ups to create enigmas and help establish this film as a horror genre.