Preliminary Project - Planning

The idea

For my preliminary project, I want to create a short video to practice my filming and editing skills. The main idea behind it is ambiental horror.

The shots

I plan to include static shots of nature, alternating with short and agitated shots, all filmed at dusk. The quick change between the still shots and the very dynamic ones, along with the low light in which they will be filmed, will help create a feeling of stress, fear, and discomfort, typical within the horror genre.

The camera work

The static shots will be filmed at a slight angle, so that the horizon line is askew. The lack of movement will create a slight discomfort and expectation that something is about to happen, which is where the dynamic shots come in; the filming will be shaky, dynamic, constantly moving. This will create an effect of agitation and fear caused by confusion.

This is a rough layout of the sequence of shots:

-static shot of an empty dirt road in a forest at dusk; no wind, no movement whatsoever; horizon line is slightly tilted, and road is centered within the frame; the camera is angled slightly upwards, so that the trees take up most of the frame space, making the viewer feel small

-first person shot of running through the forest, off the road; heavy breathing audible; camera looking frantically all around

-static shot amongst trees, dirt road visible from the side; wind blowing weakly, if possible

-first person shot of running, ending abruptly with the person falling to the ground; the frame gets dark, we can hear some heavy breathing; video ends suddenly

The editing

The still shots will stay on screen for longer, while the dynamic ones will be sandwiched in short spurts in between them. The colours will be washed out, the contrast quite weak, which perfectly shows the dreariness I want to portray in the scenes.

The sound

The static shots will be very quiet, and any nature sounds will be muffled. The dynamic ones will be quiet save for some heavy or scared breathing. The stark contrast between the two will help keep the viewer on edge, while also creating the feeling of fear.