Codes and Conventions of a Horror Trailer

By Archie McCarthy

Codes and Conventions of Horror Trailer

Death and Blood

- Seem to be the main theme of every horror trailer- Creates a sense of fear- A mass amount of blood is usually shown/ over exaggerated.

Dark Atmosphere

- Aims to produce a Dark and Scary Atmosphere- Bad Weather- Dark Clouds- Heavy Rain- Storms- Can be contrasted to the start of the trailer

Dramatic Camera Angles

- Adds more suspense throughout- Shows the characters more- Point of view of the Antagonist- Shots overall show the 'best parts' of the film

Characters

- There is always a Protagonist who is the Victim, who usually survives at the end in the film but this is always shown to be doubtful in the trailer. - An Antagonist who is present but is not the main focal point.- Contrast and Battle between these two characters.

MusicStart:

|- Either none at all during the narration|

|- Or more joyful music is played which starts to get | | sinister during the end.|

Middle:

|- More Sinister music with bass which matches transitions.|

End:

|- Goes back to being sinister or a edited version of the joyful music|

Setting

- Usually an isolated location- Woods- Haunted house- Usually where not many individuals are present

Miscellaneous

- Disruption of normality - Usually signs of screaming and pain- Dialogue with cries of help- Titles can be shown in between shots- Credits shown at the end- Another shot can be shown at the end