Research: Target Audience Feedback

Once we collected several different idea's for our opening 2 minutes of our teen horror movie, we recorded all of the idea's people had via voice recording, here are the following responses we've had back by various people.

Research: Sharing Our Pitch With Our Target Audience

The following paragraph is the synopsis of our film 'Hung-over'...

Jordan and a couple of his friends have recently finished school and plan to celebrate by drinking around a friends house. As the night passes people start to randomly disappear. The next morning Jordan sees a car, belonging to a friend who has gone missing, parked outside a garage. As he searches for his friend in the garage he is unexpectedly hit causing him to become unconscious. As he wakes up he finds himself in a race to escape from the killers grasp.   

To find out people's views on our synopsis, we voice recorded several different peoples view on what we could film for the first 2 minutes of our film. Their views, as the target audience, will help us create an opening 2 minutes which would be suitable and interesting for the target audience.

Research : Dead Mary, Dead Wood and Wrong Turn

On Friday, we watched the opening 2 minutes of 3 teen horror movies called Dead Mary, Dead Wood and Wrong Turn and then analyzed all the different horror conventions which are likely to happen in a horror films in the openings.  

The conventions we looked at were Secluded location, characters forget an obvious threat, power is cut, problem with phone, character investigates a strange noise, character runs upstairs (not outside), character hides by a window/behind a door, character inexplicably falls over, vehicle won't start, fake scare, warning goes unheeded, someone dies in 5 minutes, x years before/later, stormy weather and character takes a short cut. We ticked the conventions which shown up in the movie and analysed the final results to see which conventions are the most commen.
The most commen conventions which were shown in all 3 of those films were secluded location, fake scare and death before the first 5 minutes. I think that directors use these conventions the most in the first 2 minutes of the film as it builds up the tension in the viewer.The use of the fake scare might be foreshadowing what happens in the latter stages of the film. They use the secluded location to make the film seem more creepier, if the movie was set in a school then it wouldn't be scary and they would also use the death before 5 minutes to make the viewer aware of the dangers in the movie and what might happen in the latter of the film.

Planning: Hungry Films: Our 60 second pitch

The following script is the one me and my partner Deet Bains came up with to pitch our idea's for our horror film called 'Hung-over' ..

Deet: Hi I'm Deet
Josh: And I'm Josh and together we are called Hungry Films
Josh: Through a discussion we cam to a conclusion that we are targeting a 15+ age the reason why is because from our research we found out that this is the most popular age within the film industry. Also from looking at the BBFC ( British board of film classification) website we found out that our film fits within the guidelines for a 15 because of the horror content.
Deet: The name of our film, 'Hung-over' relates to the concept of the plot, you could say it was a pun. The concept of our film is about a group of students who've recently finished school, their plan is to celebrate at a friends house by getting drunk, however one of the group members inexplicably disappears but nobody notices until the next morning. Jordan, who was at the house the night before, stumbles upon his friends car which is parked outside a garage, Jordan decided to enter the garage where he finds his friend hung from the ceiling, Jordan falls unconscious. Once Jordan wakes up he finds himself in a race to escape this unknown killer who's been killing all of his drunk friends. 
Deet: That was our 60 second pitch.

To watch our 60 second pitch click HERE
Our 60 second pitch starts at 7:20!

Planning: Plot of our horror film

During todays lesson, we started brainstorming our first initial ideas for our horror film, due to the plot of the film, we've decided to name our film 'Hang-over', you will notice once you've read the plot that the title is a kind of pun. Hang-over is going to be a slasher type horror film which means we will be targeting ages 18 and above. The concept of 'Hang-over' is about a group of anonymous people who are keen to have a good night by getting completely drunk, however there nights start to become odd as people start to vanish inexplicably. Whilst trying to find his friend after a long night of drinking, Jordan stumbles across his friends car which is parked outside a garage, Jordan finds his friend hung from the ceiling then falls unconscious, once he wakes up he finds himself in a race to escape from this unknown killer whoms target is to kill Jordan. In the end Jordan escapes from the killers grasps and makes it to his friends car which is parked outside, however the car won't start leaving Jordan in certain danger, the killer, who's face has still not been uncovered, finds Jordan trapped in the Car and instinctively kills him. The killers face is finally shown after killing Jordan as he is walking away from the scene, leaving the film on a cliffhanger.

Research: British Board Of Film Classification

Who are The British Board of Film Classification?

The British Board of Film Classification is a specially run company which was set up in 1912 who are responsible for the age ratings on movies which are released in Britain.

What are the guidelines?

There are 5 different guidelines created by BBFC to certificate films shown in the UK, these guidelines are called U, PG, 12/12A, 15, 18, R18.

U - Universal (Suitable for all ages)


Violence: Mild violence only. 
Discrimination: No discriminatory language or behavior, unless clearly disapproved of. 
Horror: Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause anxiety in young children.
Imitable behaviour:  No dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
Language: Infrequent use of mild language.                                               
Nudity: Natural nudity, no sexual content.                                                  
Sex: Mild sexual behaviour, for example, kissing.                                       
Theme: Must be appropriate and sensitive for young children.  
Drugs: No reference to illegal drugs or drug misuse.                                                     
 
PG - Parental guidance 

Discrimination: Discriminatory language and behaviour is unlikely to be unacceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in educational or historical context.Drugs: References to illegal drug use must carry a suitable anti- drug message.
Horror: Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. 
Imitable behavior: No detail or potentially dangerous behavior which young children are likely to copy. 
Language: Mild bad language only. 
Nudity: Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. 
Theme: Where more serious issues are featured nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour. 
Violence: Moderate violence without detail, may be allowed, if its justified by its content. 

12/12A - Suitable for the ages 12 years and above

Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behavior must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. If its aggressive its unlikely to be acceptable. Drugs: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorized.  
Horror: Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent. 
Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which can be copied, or appear harm or pain free. 
Language: Moderate language is acceptable. The use of strong language must be infrequent. 
Nudity: Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief.
Sex: Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. 
Themes: Mature themes are acceptable, but must be appropriate for young children. Violence: Moderate violence is allowed, but should not be dwelled upon in detail. 

15 - Suitable for ages 15 years and above

Discrimination: The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. 
Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug taking.
Horror: Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which can be copied.
Language: There may be frequent use of strong language. The strongest terms may be acceptable if justified by the content.
Nudity: Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail.
Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail.
Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence: Violence may be strong, but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. 


18- Suitable for ages 18 years and above (usually suitable for adults)



The consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at '18' the BBFC's guidelines concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. However, these are the more likely exceptions: 

• Where the material is in breach of criminal law. 
• Where material or treatment  appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals, or through their behaviour, to society. 
• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context

R18-To be shown only in licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years old

The "R18" category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults in licensed sex shops. The following content is acceptable: 

• Any material which is in breach of the criminal law.
• Material likely to encourage an interest in sexual abusive activity.
• The portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent.
• The infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or simulated.
• Penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm. 
• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of clearly-consenting role-playing game. 

Research: Analysis of Horror survey

Here is a link to my survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PH6ZJC8

Currently 10 people have answered my questions on my horror survey which can help me understand more about the viewers preferences when watching a Horror film, the results of the survey are below....

Question 1: Are you male or female?

Male: 9
Female: 1

Question 2: How old are you?

12-15:  1
16-20: 7
21-25: 2
26+: 0

Question 3: On average, how often do you watch horror movies?

Very Often: 2
Quite Often: 1
Sometimes:2
Not much: 4
Never:  1

Question 4: Do you enjoy watching horror movies?

Yes: 6
Sometimes: 2
No: 2

Question 5:  If you clicked yes on the previous question, why do you enjoy watching horror movies?

- The bulid-up/tension
- Trangressions and subversions.
- they take me to the darker side of things, they speak to many of my questions and thoughts about death   and help me deal with death in a healthy, unfearful way. i find the drama and tension to be riveting, and drama to be extreme.
- Because I enjoy the intensity
- It's funny To see people's reactions and your own

Question 6: Whats your favourite sub-genre of horror movies?

Action Horror: 3
Comedy Horror: 4
Gothic Horror: 2
Phychological Horror: 5
Zombie Horror: 4
Slasher Horror: 2
Science Fiction Horror: 3

Question 7: What is your favourite Horror film?
- Dawn Of The Dead
- Final Destination
- Saw 2
- Final Destination
- Saw
- Jaws and Texas chainsaw massacre
- a nightmare on elm street (1984), invasion of the body snatchers (1956), and phenomena (1985).
- Sinister
- Nightmare on elm street

Question 8: What interests you the most about Horror films? for example the plot, characters etc
 -Storyline
- Plot
- Making the audience jump
- The plot and building up suspense
- Plot
- Human action, reaction and interaction in the face of a threat.
- imagery, characters, themes, and conflicts.
- The plot, and how they build up tension
- Plot

Independent research: Why do we like Horror films?

Why do we like horror films? its has the same answer as why do we like riding roller coasters? or why do people parachute out of planes from 10,000ft? its because we love the thrill. Thrill comes in different varieties depending on what sort of person you are, every human being loves to be thrilled in some sort of way, it gives them an adrenaline boost which makes them feel excited and energetic, but why does Horror films give us that thrill? Horror movies create all different types of thrill, it could be if the film was based around one character, the audience could imagine them being in that character shoes and feeling the same thrill as what they do throughout the film, or, if the plot of the movie needs to be put together, the audiences feel the thrill of putting the puzzle together to make out what's happening.

Another reason is why people like to watch horror movies is that when the film is over, they feel like they've accomplished something, If you were to watch a movie you really didn't want to watch but you were forced to by friends, if you were to watch the whole film you'd feel that you've proven them wrong and that you can watch them sort of films. The fact that you feel you've accomplished this is giving you that extra boost to when you next watch that horror film, it gives you more confidence and therefore more enjoyment watching them.

In conclusion to my question, people like to watch horror films as it gives them a buzz and a thrill which gives them the confidence to be able to enjoy watching horror films, personally though, I do not get that sort of thrill from watching horror, which is what I was talking about previously that it depends what type of person you are, I feel horror to be a waste of time as its something to not look forward to see, I prefer to watch comedies which give me that thrill and laughter which is something horror sometimes doesn't provide.