Putting together a horror/suspense short at DVinfo.net

David Delaney · October 16th, 2006, 06:37 PM

I wanted to get some opinion on the best types of shots for a suspense/horror film of a girl alone at a house with someone possibly stalker outside. I was thinking alot of wide shots to show the person is alone in the house, some shots outside the window looking in, some close-ups of plot items (like locking the door etc) and maybe a few overhead shots to show the depth of the room.
Suggestions welcome...

Jay Kavi · October 17th, 2006, 12:36 AM

I don't know about the best "types" of shots, But definitely avoid shots that setup the standard horror movie cliches. Have a style and shoot it in a fresh way. I personally like close-ups in horror films, for some good visual (not necessarily good or scary) horror flicks check out Lost Souls or The 2003 texas chainsaw massacare.

David Delaney · October 18th, 2006, 08:17 PM

I agree on the close-ups. I am watching When a stranger calls and other films to see what really builds suspense. Thanks for the suggestions.

Marco Wagner · October 19th, 2006, 11:08 AM

Don't forget sound, in horror, sound is a major player.

October 16th, 2006, 06:37 PM	#1
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	Putting together a horror/suspense short I wanted to get some opinion on the best types of shots for a suspense/horror film of a girl alone at a house with someone possibly stalker outside. I was thinking alot of wide shots to show the person is alone in the house, some shots outside the window looking in, some close-ups of plot items (like locking the door etc) and maybe a few overhead shots to show the depth of the room. Suggestions welcome...

October 19th, 2006, 11:08 AM	#4
Marco Wagner Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Saint Cloud, Florida Posts: 1,043	Don't forget sound, in horror, sound is a major player. __________________ www.facebook.com/projectspecto

October 17th, 2006, 12:36 AM	#2
Jay Kavi Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 243	I don't know about the best "types" of shots, But definitely avoid shots that setup the standard horror movie cliches. Have a style and shoot it in a fresh way. I personally like close-ups in horror films, for some good visual (not necessarily good or scary) horror flicks check out Lost Souls or The 2003 texas chainsaw massacare.

October 18th, 2006, 08:17 PM	#3
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	I agree on the close-ups. I am watching When a stranger calls and other films to see what really builds suspense. Thanks for the suggestions.