Location Scouting

Location Sourcing

Horror films tend to be set in isolated places, typically in the countryside. 

We wanted to film in a similar area to comply with the conventions of the horror genre.

Scream 4 (large, country home)

Amityville Horror (large, country home)

Cabin in the Woods (small, old, isolated cabin)

We also wanted to maintain naturalistic mise-en-scene for the inside of the home, like is seen in many horror films.

(Scream)

(Funny Games)

(Insidious)

To achieve this we decided to film at one of our own houses so that the setting and mise-en-scene of the character’s home would be realistic

Our options were:

Annabel Briggs’ House	Annabel Evelyn’s House	Jasmine Poynter’s House	Georgina Sparks’ House
Reasons for: Painted white - connotations of the colours can be used to symbolise innocence of the victim  Hedge surrounds house, makes it appear more isolated	Reasons for: Countryside Wall length windows means it is easy to film the outside shots which we planned to do through a window  Surrounded by a large hedge, makes it appear more isolated	Reasons for:  Realistic and natural-looking mise-en-scene  Location (i.e. suburban area) is relatable for many of our audience which could make the opening more frightening	Reasons for: Isolated Coutntryside Big glass windows, good for natural lighting and fits with storyline
Reasons against: Town area Nearby/surrounding houses	Reasons against: Angle and positioning of the house means natural lighting can’t be used Semi-detached house, neighbours can sometimes be heard	Reasons against: Town area Nearby/surrounding houses	Reasons against: Harder for everyone to get transport to

We decided George’s house would be best for filming as we liked the setting due to its isolated area in the countryside and the lake in the background could be used to create an eerie atmosphere. 

It will also get good, natural lighting from the large kitchen windows during the morning where/when we are planning to film the majority of our opening, which reduces costs and health and safety risks.