How to Make a Horror Film - 3 Key Elements That Will Make Your Film Stand Out

Horror movies are known for being dark and scary. This is largely due to the lighting and shadows that are used. Whenever possible, try to shoot your horror scenes at night. This will make the shadows that fall on your actors darker and scarier. It will also make your film look a lot better as a whole, especially when you use things like blue gels to simulate moonlight. Using small bulbs on your cameras (such as 60w china balls) can also be an effective way to create shadows and heighten the tension in your shots.

The first thing you need to do is think about what really scares you. This is crucial because if you don’t have an idea of what really makes you afraid, then it will be difficult to convey that fear to your audience. Remember that horror is a very personal experience and the scariest films are those that can make audiences feel like they are truly living through the story.

Another important factor is the way in which you create your monster, ghoul or villain. This is where special effects can either make or break your film. If your special effects look cheap or fake then your film won’t be taken seriously and it will fail to have any impact on the audience. It’s also important to avoid overusing jumpscares in your movie. These are often less effective than subtle scares that happen over the course of a scene. This method allows the audience to become more invested in your characters and creates a more eerie effect that will actually scare them.

The next key element is the way in which you build up the conflict between your characters and the horror. Usually, this will come to a head in the form of your protagonists being caught off guard by something unexpected or having to make a decision that could have devastating consequences. This is where the stakes are highest in a horror film and this is the moment that will give your audience a heart-racing experience.

A final aspect is the climax, which is usually what happens at the end of your movie. After all the blood, sweat and tears, it’s typically at this point that your heroes will triumph over their enemy or escape their unenviable situation.

The key is to hook your audience right away and keep them invested throughout the whole movie. The best way to do this is to start your film off with a shocking scene that will get them on edge and then continue to deliver on the promise of danger, suspense and scares throughout the entire runtime. If you can keep the audience hooked then they will be glued to your screen, waiting eagerly for the next scare. So, with these tips in mind, you are now ready to start making your own horror film. Good luck and don’t forget to stay safe!