Before we actually created the final opening we had to complete a preliminary task, which consisted of us creating a short film. We were asked to do so, so that we could gain a proper understanding of how to use particular equipment, for example the tripod. We could also practise certain shot types and rules, like the 180 degree rule. After we had done this we were able to create a quality film which we could then edit accordingly.
Here is our preliminary task:
Evaluation-Target Audience
In order to reach our intended audience directly we decided that it would be effective to advertise and market our horror film opening on social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace. We knew by using these sites we would be able to reach a wide audience, but also address our intended audience. We thought it would also be a good idea to create a Youtube channel and Facebook account so we could upload certain snippets of film and gain audience feedback.
Evaluation-Distribution
As we decided our film would be a mainstream horror opening, we felt it would fit best as a blockbuster film. We felt that a mainstream distribution company would be interested in distributing our film as it would potentially sell out to a wide audience, who were interested in your typical horror movie. Companies like Pathe would be interested in distrubuting our film as it is simular to other horrors that they have previously dealt with. The possibilty to attract a large audience was available so we felt our film could easily be played in a variety of mainstream cinemas, like Showcase and Cineworld.
Evaluation-Representation
From the research we carried out, we were able to see certain tends in horror films, this was apparent regarding gender particulary. There were certain stereotypes, which I have addressed briefly in my codes and conventions evaluation, that we felt we should stick to.
In the photos above we can see the kidnapper, he is dressed in a big hooded jumper and jeans. As he is the dominant character, this conformed to the stereotypical view that males are the dominant sex. We ensured that his face was covered to create tension.
We decided from the research that we carried out, it would be fitting to use a female as our main character and victim. We decided that by having our villain as a male character it would create an interesting balance, as we have a stereotypically helpless women and a evil, strong man. This allowed us to keep to the codes and conventions and represent a traditional horror film.
In the photos above we can see the kidnapper, he is dressed in a big hooded jumper and jeans. As he is the dominant character, this conformed to the stereotypical view that males are the dominant sex. We ensured that his face was covered to create tension.
Evaluation- Codes and Conventions
To stick to the codes and conventions of a stereotypical horror film opening we used a variety of shot types to emphasise the reactions of our characters and to build tension and suspense. The use of close ups helped to scare the audience as they were not able to see the whole scene. The use of high-angled shots (shown below in the screenshot) successfully make the character look vulnerable. Also, as generally in horror films the female character is seen as the victim we felt it would appropriate to use a female as our main character, this also appeals directly to the codes and conventions. 
We created a collage of photos which featured various females being tortured, and used newspaper clippings, torn up clothes, hair and jewellery, which the audience would assume belonged to the kidnappers victims. We liked the idea of using this collage to show the audience that our kidnapper had done this before. The props (this link allows you to view the props we used on Mike's blog) we used also highlighted the disturbing nature of our film. We decided that, whilst filming the collage of photos, we would film handheld as it would create an interesting effect, also we wanted it to seem as though, maybe it was someone looking at the collage, e.g. the victim captured in the flat or the kidnapper himself. We liked the shaky view as it created more suspense. The idea of having clippings and photos on the wall also created the sense that the kidnapper is in some ways proud of his killings, which makes it more frightening.
We created a collage of photos which featured various females being tortured, and used newspaper clippings, torn up clothes, hair and jewellery, which the audience would assume belonged to the kidnappers victims. We liked the idea of using this collage to show the audience that our kidnapper had done this before. The props (this link allows you to view the props we used on Mike's blog) we used also highlighted the disturbing nature of our film. We decided that, whilst filming the collage of photos, we would film handheld as it would create an interesting effect, also we wanted it to seem as though, maybe it was someone looking at the collage, e.g. the victim captured in the flat or the kidnapper himself. We liked the shaky view as it created more suspense. The idea of having clippings and photos on the wall also created the sense that the kidnapper is in some ways proud of his killings, which makes it more frightening.Most of the film openings we watched incorporated non-diegetic sound to match the pace of the film, for example the title sequence of Saw, uses a slow yet eerie piece of music teamed with various noises from the surroundings, which created tension as we could not see what was going exactly. The music we used, composed by John Sinclair, worked well with the pace of our film opening as it built up tension and atmosphere as the kidnapper is slowing progressing up the stairs to where he has tied up his victim. Also, the cuts between the victim struggling to get free and the kidnapper advancing closer and closer create a sense of anxiousness as we don't know what will happen. We kept certain diegetic sounds in our final film, for example the victims scream at the end, and the door squeaking. We felt these were the most poignant and frightening.
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