Initial Ideas: Discussed

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Night-time: We chose to set the film in the dark as from research we found that it created fear instantly. It also helps to feed a fear of the unknown as it is harder to see.

Woods: From looking at 'The Blair Witch Project' and other film trailers we found that woods generate terror because they are inclosed and things are easily hidden. We have chosen to film our trailer in some local woods that are owned by a family member.

Party: We have decided to start the film with a party scene as it is a typical thing that teenagers do and lets the audience fall into a false sense of security much like the beginning of the trailer for 'Case 39'. We were inspired by an advert for the TV program 'Skins' (click here for trailer).

Unseen villain: We have been inspired to have an unseen villain by 'The Blair Witch Project' as we feel it will add the the suspense of the film. We want to have a long shot of the villain flash up at the end of the trailer to surprise and alarm the audience. It will also add to the viewers curiosity.

Blank screen: We have found through our research that the use of a blank screen with audio is very effective in panicking the audience and creating curiosity. In both 'Buried' and 'Don't be Afraid of the Dark' use a blank screen very effectively.

Phone with limited signal/battery: This is an idea that we gained through watching 'Buried'. We found that it produced suspense as the character had a limited amount of time to contact someone for help.

Trapped: This was also an idea we had after watching 'Buried'. It creates a feeling of claustrophobia which is a very common fear amongst the public, therefore adding to the horror. It also means that the character is in more danger because they are unable to get away. We will probably use a pheasant cage for this aspect of the trailer as we know there is one in the woods we will be filming in. We think that the central character should escape from this cage during the film, only to be dragged back by the villain. This affects the audience because it gives them hope for a happy ending but it is dashed and they again question if the protagonist will ever escape.

Finding friends things: We thought this would be a good idea as it would build anticipation and curiosity as the audience will want to know what has happened to these other characters.