Horror movies tap into our deepest fears, trying their best to make us feel spooky, but they are still addictive. The beauty and success of horror films comes from the fear of the unknown, the tension, and the adrenaline rush of the audience. Fortunately, for filmmakers, this fact enables anyone interested in the genre to make a spooky horror film on any budget; provided the basic principles are observed.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Filming (Pre-production)
Step 1. Prepare an idea centered on a villain
The villains will be the core of your film. Villains provide fear, create plots, and provide a unique element in a horror film. If this villain isn't good, your movie won't be good either. The villain doesn't have to be a person, but it still has to be scary. Usually, these criminals are demons. You can also get creative using mutant people, like the one in The Hills Have Eyes. While this idea is unoriginal, the radioactive landscape of the southwest world makes this film memorable. Another well-known villain is Jason from Friday the 13th. He is actually an ordinary serial criminal, but he is unique because he wears a hockey mask.
- Throughout history, criminals have been used to symbolize various fears in the real world. For example, vampires represent the fear of HIV/AIDS in the '90s, and the fish monster in The Host is a symbol of the state of the South Korean economy.
- Many films succeed by employing various groups of villains (zombies, monsters, birds), invisible creatures (ghosts/demons), even different types of villains (Cabin in the Woods, V/H/S).
- Villains aren't the only way to make a horror film unique. However, a well-crafted villain is essential, or your film will fail.
Step 2. Understand the plot of the horror film when writing the script
Horror films are usually unique because of the villains, setting, and, sometimes, the main characters. Horror films are generally not known for their very unique plots. This should make your job easier. It's still possible to deviate a bit from the established template, but most horror films usually follow this structure (even if they seem all different):
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Opening:
It starts with a scary incident. This event can be the villain's first victim, for example in a murder or an incident that is the starting point of the film and shows the "style" of the villain. For example, in the movie Scream, this scene is when the babysitter character (played by Drew Barrymore) and her boyfriend are killed.
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Background:
Who are the main characters in your film, and why are they in a "bad" place in the film? This scene could be teenagers visiting a cabin, or a family moving into a spooky old house. This section makes up the first 10-15% of your film.
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Warning:
This section contains the first hints that things are starting to go wrong. There may be people missing, furniture moving, or characters awakening an evil force from the past. However, usually most characters will ignore or pay no attention to these signs. This section marks the 1/3 point of your script.
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Delay Point:
Then, suddenly something happens that makes all the characters realize that they are in a bad situation. This section is usually marked by a scene of death or great fear, which is when the villain becomes clear to everyone. This part generally occurs in the middle of the film. The characters then decide to run or fight.
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Big Obstacle:
More and more characters die or fail, and the villain is in an advantageous position here. Evil is winning, and maybe only the protagonist is trying to fight it. Usually, the characters believe they've won, but then the villains come back stronger. This is the section that marks the 75% point of your story.
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Climax:
Your main character makes a last-ditch effort to save himself, either by escaping or defeating the villain. This part must be described with the most frightening circumstances, as well as the most tense and scary moments/battles.
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Solution:
Generally, at least one character gets away, and the villain seems to have been defeated… until the next film sequel.
Step 3. Find a scary and accessible location to shoot a movie
Most horror films use very few locations, so the viewer can "get used to" a place before it gets scared. It also triggers feelings of claustrophobia and makes filming easier. Find your location and bring a camera to record it day and night. Make sure you can film there successfully.
- Some examples of good ideas are in the woods (especially at night), cabins, wooden buildings, or abandoned houses.
- Make sure you have permission to film in that location before starting. Filming takes a lot of time and effort, and you need a distraction-free location to work in for 7-14 days if you want to make a feature-length film.
Step 4. Recruit the cast
Actors don't have to have acting experience, but they do have to be willing to work long hours to get your film done. Also make sure they are willing to accept the director's orders. Horror movies aren't famous for their good acting, so try to prioritize actors and actresses who seem fun to work with, and can scream out loud.
Step 5. Prepare all the equipment
Horror movies require a lot of tools, including a camera, microphone, various lights, and special effects. Fortunately, horror films don't require a high budget. For example, Paranormal Activity or the Blair Witch Project. Both of these films make the most of cheap cameras and microphones to produce a very scary film.
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Camera:
On most films, you need at least 2 cameras (preferably 3). With advances in technology, you can shoot movie scenes with your iPhone 6 or a bunch of webcams. The most important thing to prioritize is the recording format; make sure it's the same, for example 1080i. Otherwise, the video quality will change in each scene.
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Microphone:
If your budget is tight, spend some money on audio equipment as viewers are more likely to notice poor sound quality than video. While you can use a microphone from any camera, consider buying a shotgun or Tascam type microphone as a good investment to improve film quality.
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Lighting:
5-10 cheap clamps and extension cords are often used in independent films, but buy a professional light set of 3 or 5 if possible. You can also use house lights and bulbs and heat-resistant paint (to color these bulbs).
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Important Accessories:
You will need a memory card, spare hard drive, tripod, light reflector, extension cable, black tape (for cables), and video editing software. You will also need fake blood.
Part 2 of 3: Shooting Movies
Step 1. Realize that evil unseen is scarier than what can be seen
The human imagination will always create images that are scarier than what can be seen on the screen. Why? Because everyone will imagine the things that scare them the most. This is why, in the early part of a horror film, you are shown only brief glimpses of the evil at hand. You may only see the outcome of a murder, or the moment just before death, so you'll have to imagine the rest for yourself. Horror speaks of the fear of the unknown; so let the audience wonder as long as possible.
- Think of a time when you were afraid of the dark. A crackling sound, a slight flash of light, a face in the window; things like this will certainly be scary because you don't know him. The unknown is always a scary thing.
- Make this a key principle when you make movies.
Step 2. Create a shot list for each scene before you start the recording process
This shot list is easy to make; it contains every corner that you have to record in the process of making every day. This list helps you to work effectively and ensures all relevant details are present in the final output of the film. To create one, just draw a scene in standard comic book form. Show every angle that needs to be captured, even if it feels less necessary.
- Make sure you record every detail needed; if a spectator needs to see a knife on a table, make sure the knife is recorded alone.
- Movies are not shot live like dramas. The shot list shows you how to move the camera, get specific information, and prepare for future shots. For example, you have to show the villain in the window for one second. Instead of trying to get the actors into the house to make this scene happen, bring out the villain. You can record them separately and then put them in a movie.
Step 3. Preview beforehand
You must be the first to arrive and the last to leave each day. You will encounter many problems; the actors might get sick, the weather might get bad, and you have to make 100 decisions (about lighting, character placement, costumes) every hour. The only way to record successfully is to work as much as possible before your workday even starts:
- Preview the shot list in one day; make sure you know what to record and what to miss when time is up.
- Practice the scene with the actors. They must know their respective roles and parts before the camera starts to run.
- Double-check the camera and light positions. The actor will be disturbed if you adjust the lights in the middle of the movie recording process. Prepare all these elements before the actors come.
Step 4. Make bright footage; more than you think
The main mistake of horror filmmakers is that they believe that to get a dark and scary lighting effect, they need a setting that is also dark. However, this will actually only result in a recording that is not smooth and ugly. Instead of trying to reduce the light, focus on producing good, clearly visible shadows, in strategically bright places. The darkness issue can be adjusted in post-production, so you don't have to worry if the current movie shot looks bright and cheerful.
- Cameras need light for good video results. This is why you should darken the footage in the editing process, instead of trying to record in the dark.
- Horror films are known to often use dramatic light effects. This means there are dark areas that are almost entirely black, which are contrasted with bright and glowing areas, as we can see in the opening scenes of House on Haunted Hill.
- Colored lights, especially green, red, and blue, can create a very scary atmosphere for your scene.
Step 5. Define blocking constraints for each long scene
blocking is where the actors are and where they need to move. You can then set the cameras, lights, and sound equipment around them. Accurate movement requires determining blocking before the recording process so that this process can run smoothly because everyone knows their position. blocking is also your most important decision as a director. This blocking can be simple, for example, "sit here and talk" or complex like, "start near the refrigerator, approach the stove, open the door, then jump in surprise".
- Keep blocking as simple as possible, such as walking in a straight line, entering and exiting the standard way, and staying still. Movies are not a stage for drama and your cameras will only win a small part of the whole scene.
- Let the camera move if possible, not the actors. The less the actors need to move, the easier it will be to light, film, and edit.
- Blocking is important for time-consuming recordings. For example, if you want to follow the movements of a killer in a house, you need to know which rooms he goes to, what he sees on the way, and where he stops. Then, you have to make sure the lighting in all these locations is even.
Step 6. Carefully create special effects
Keeping in mind the principle that "what doesn't look is scarier than what you do," take a minimalist approach to most of the special effects you use. A moment of sudden suspense without real bloody violence is scarier because the viewer's imagination will usually seek the scariest results. The more important thing to know is, trying to produce Hollywood-style effects and failing will make your film look ridiculous and less scary. As such, some of the special effects that you should pay special attention to are:
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The villain.
When you finally uncover the identity of the criminal, do well. This does not mean that the way of disclosure has to be complicated. For reference, you can watch The Babadook, and Friday the 13th. Just make sure the method you choose is scary, and take advantage of the shadows to add further effect.
- Main properties. You can buy toy guns and knives online. These tools allow you to effectively "kill" the actors. Antique shops and flea shops are also good places to buy scary old-fashioned props, decorations, and costumes at bargain prices.
- Fake blood is a must in horror movies. There are many recipes that you can look for. However, corn syrup and food coloring are the most standard and effective tricks.
Step 7. Record scenes that add to the tension of the atmosphere whenever possible
For example, blood on the walls, nervous actors, scary cobwebs in the corner of the room; all of this should be recorded while the set state is still consistent. These recordings will serve as an extension to your film (B-Roll), and are used to create atmosphere and add tension. Between each scene, film the actors exploring the set, dark rooms, and special effects; these will all be useful in the editing stage.
You should also return to the set without the actors and record as many houses and other parts of the set as possible. These recordings are a good way to introduce a scene, for example when a character enters a room for the first time and we see it from the character's point of view
Part 3 of 3: Editing Movies to Trigger Fear
Step 1. Watch and take notes on all the horror movies you can find
Editing is a time when random scenes turn into scary moments, and the best way to make the most of this process is to learn from the experts. Record not just what happened, but when it happened. When do the scary moments appear? How far from each other? How do the editors prepare a scary moment to make it even scarier?
You'll notice that the scariest movies, especially the famous ones like The Shining, Aliens, and The Exorcist, give each scene a break. These films build suspense to almost unbearable, then present the most terrifying scenes
Step 2. Come up with small scary scenes before showing the big "moments"
To scare someone means to talk about anticipation. The feeling of fear will disappear once the villain appears, or the acting is bad, unless we have prepared the moment effectively. Focus on the characters as they walk through the scary corridors. Use a long-take (single camera angle without cropping) to indicate that someone is sneaking up on another character, who didn't expect their arrival. Avoid the urge to rush into the scary moment; preparing good introductory steps will make the moment that much more sinister.
Step 3. Build dramatic irony in your scenes
Dramatic irony will be your best friend in the editing stage. Dramatic irony is when the audience learns something the characters in the film don't. The longer we hold on to this knowledge, hoping the characters will run away, the more afraid we will become.
The final scene of The Silence of the Lambs, with its nighttime glasses telling viewers that the female lead is being stalked, is unbearable; This scene gives fear in the best way
Step 4. Use quick cuts and scenes to develop curiosity and confusion
The end of creating tension is the release of an energetic moment. This is when the killer strikes so we can't breathe. Long takes build suspense, but dramatic fast cuts can make the audience scream and hold their breath; because they couldn't believe the horror they saw. Here, the suspense releases, but the audience is also blown away, so you can quickly re-build the rest of the suspense.
It's this tug-of-war that sets the rhythm of a good horror film and is at the heart of any good editing section
Step 5. Use sound effects to build tension slowly
Sound design is very important in filmmaking, especially horror films. However, the best sound designs are usually not realized; this design just goes into the storyline of the film. This is especially true in horror films, one sound is the perfect way to keep the audience tense. The leaves blowing in the background, the floor creaking, the piano keys being pressed in an "empty" room, and many other examples, fill us with terror because we don't know what makes these sounds. Don't neglect the sound design and effects; both of these are important factors for creating fear.
- Sound also includes music, which is usually minimalistic and dark in tone. If you can't record this music yourself, use "royalty-free music," which can be found online and is free to use in a film. You don't have to worry about possible lawsuits.
- If possible, try creating your own sound effects. Set up a portable microphone and record your own voices and incorporate them into your movies for unique spooky effects.
Step 6. Take advantage of the "jump scare" in moderation
A jump scare is when you enter a scene – which is usually accompanied by sound effects – so quickly that the viewer is shocked. Often times, something that suddenly attacks the character is considered cheap by the audience, because this type of fear doesn't last long. It also feels manipulative because anyone can startle you by suddenly making a sound and immediately showing a shocking scene. This means, take advantage of 2-3 jump scare elements that can keep the audience interested, especially if it is built through a strong atmosphere.
- Many modern film directors use fake jump scares, taking advantage of something ridiculous, such as a cat or someone knocking on the door. More other directors took advantage of anticipation. They develop an expectation that something will startle and hit us, but there is nothing. You will be led to a relaxed feeling, so the next fear will be twice as strong (though not in a horror movie, such as "Ex Machina).
- Listen Insidious to learn a very well-designed thrilling jump scare.
Step 7. Correct the coloring and add any special effects in the final stage
However, keep in mind that effects like explosions and fires can look bad and don't work well in a horror movie, so keep the trick here on correcting color and tone gradations, compositions, or environmental effects, such as fog and dust particles. You can use free programs like DaVinci Resolve, or Adobe After Effects.
Color grading is when you create a film based on a similar color palette. In horror movies, this usually involves getting darker scenes and adding blue or green color effects to create a scary atmosphere
Tips
- Read online criminal archives so you can understand more about massacres and other things (which makes your film more believable).
- Add a strange alternative at the end of the film to surprise the audience. Kill the person who looks the least likely to die. Turn a sweet and innocent child into a killer helper, for example by luring people to their death. Do something the audience doesn't expect.
- Scary and disgusting are two different things. However, just because disgusting isn't all that scary doesn't mean you can't take advantage of it; just don't let your film depend on the disgusting elements. Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most successful horror film directors, and he never overdoes the repulsive aspect of his films.
- Use good quality video editing software, not cheap ones. Here are some sample programs: Adobe Premiere, Avid Media Composer, Apple Final Cut Express, and Sony Vegas.
- Just before the scariest part, show a normal or calming scene. Then, suddenly something scary appeared. Thus, the audience will be more unpredictable and afraid.
- If you're making a monster movie, don't show the full body of the monster until the very end. Show only the paws or tail, or other parts.
- Make your movie scary by adding heavy breathing sound effects, or black and white visual effects.
Warning
- If you use a video creation/editing program on your computer, always save your work incrementally. Otherwise, you may lose the fruit of this hard work after the completion process, and have to start over again.
- Make sure you have permission to record in the area you want to avoid being prosecuted.
