Locations
In the horror genre, locations are essential as they need to portray the right energy and atmosphere to the audience aswell as have significance to the storyline. From my research on other short films of the horror/thriller short filmgenre, I have understood that they are limited to very few locations, with many of them only having one location. From this I have decided to only use afew locations aswell as with too many locations, it could be even more time consuming to film. Addtionally, issues such as lighting can be an issue when too many locations are used, especially as I plan to experiment with colour grading and colour correction.
Horror Location Mood Board
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The mood board has given me some inspiration for where I might want to use as some locations for my short film. Considering the low budget, I would have to use a public area. Due to the story, I would like to go on a location scout to a forest/lake area In harlow that I kno. I would like use this location as it is close to my family, therefore I could easily access it. Additionally, It is a very different location to something you would find in London which I realy like. Additionally, since it is out in the open, if i film at the right time, the lighting should be god to work with, compared to an interior shot which would require professional lighting to look professional.
The area is also very isolated, and would fit in great for a horror/thriller location due toconventions of horror short film being about atmosphere and ambience over cheap gore and 'jumjp' scares.
Additionally, I like to look of other isolated areas such as an underpass and other areas such as a rusty bridge. All of the locations I plan to use are easily accessibe and have a great creepy abience.
My Locations
'Bridge'
I plan on using this bridge as its visually looks quite gritty nd run down. This is a conventnion for horror/thriller which is what my ai is. Additionaly, The way the bridge is structured, with many angles and curves makes it easy to shoot someone walking in a very interesting way. This is a good location for me as it is not too far from where I wil be staying when filming and when colour graded, i believe it can look creepy and ominous
'River'
I have chosen to use this river for my short film as it will be quite easy to film here, as the space is very open and there is access to the other side of the river which would be good for getting extra shots from a different angle. Additionaly, I plan on creating a ense of isolation, therefore a location like this is good as it is very quiet but also very open. With colour grading, This river cn be transformed to a very creepy location which will hopfully convey horrror and foreshadow the dark themes of my short film.
'Underpass'
I really like the underpass location as even without colour grading or editing, it already makes me feel uneasy. I would like to use the underpass as a scene where th character is being followed as I would like to make use of this location for a eerie scene. The contrast with the dark and light, making whatever is in the underpass not clear is unnerving and i would like to experiment with creating fear from the unknown vs. typical horror films which use loud noises and jump scares.
Recces
The main protagonist will walk down this path, and as he reaches this point, a splash will be heard and as he turns arounf, a close up shot will be used and then an insert shot of the bridge being empty will be shown.
The camera will go here and I plan to use this stationary postion to film a longshot of the character walking, as well as some mid shots and close ups of the character.
From talking to a friend who has had previous experience in filming for live tv shows and editing, I have learnt to shoot several of the same shots but from different angles as when it comes to editing it would be easier to match character movements and look more interesting to watch.
The character will run here before moving on to a different scene. I plan to have the character looking into the water before running off in fear. This will be one of my opening scenes that will set the story and tone for the rest of the film.
The camera will go here and I plan to have a range of shots from close ups to longshots as the character will run to the edge of the river. This scene will involve a girl falling into the water and the other character witnesses this and attempts to help her.
I want the reflection to be shown in the background of the shot. this is to show that the girl is no longer at the bridge.
The protagonist will be positioned here, by the edge of the river and he will be frantically searching for the girl. I want the character to be relatable as possible therefore exploring the fact that he wants to go and help the girl but is to scared. Thi would create sympathy for the character as he had good intentions.
The camera will go here and this shot will be an over the shoulder shot of the character kneeling by the river. This scene will show the protagonist panicking. I may do another version of this scene with lots of camera movement to connote the characters chaotic mindset.