Red Sky.

By Jonathan Samuroff

Genre, Codes and Conventions

• The film is a horror film, so certain codes and conventions need to be displayed to ensure the audience know that they are watching a horror film. As the film is a zombie horror film, codes and conventions include; Blood & gore, death, victims, zombies & the undead, the unknown, and a large isolated setting.

Synopsis

Two teenage boys are taking an ordinary stroll through the forests one afternoon. It's been a mundane day, and this is reflected in their speech and actions. This all changes when a zombie emerges from the shrubbery and proceeds to finish them off. This is just the start. Soon enough, the zombies threaten everyday civilisation as we know it. Is anywhere safe...?

Script

• Film not based on dialogue

• Improvise few lines at the start.

• This would make the dialogue feel more authentic and reinforce the idea that the two main characters are good friends. Given the context of the project, I don’t feel a long written script would be very necessary.

Typical camera shots• The shots used in the film are a good representation of

conventional horror films. Extreme shots are common, with extreme long shots being used to convey open spaces, and a sense of fear as there is nowhere to escape.

• I am going to utilize the power of the close up, as I feel this will enable the audience to build better character connections.

• Close ups and extreme close ups are used to show emotion in the characters, by highlighting their expressions. This delivers impact to the audience by eliminating unnecessary objects and isolating significant incidents.

Location

• The location I chose for the film is the Attenborough nature reserve.

• I chose an area in there because it is an large enclosed space, surrounded by bushes and trees.

• This is instantly recognisable as a potential scene in a horror film, as one of the clichés of the genre consists of a forest scene.

• This enables a set up, where a monster hides, and emerges to attack their victim.

Characters and casting

Two teenage boys – These will be played by my friends Sam Handsaker & Sam Brown. I chose people I know because I wanted the relationship to look real,And not fake, which might happen if I chose people who didn't know each other. As well as this, Sam Handsaker has a background of acting, both in and out of college. Hopefully this will ensure that my film comes out looking more professional.The characters they play are two ordinary 18 year old boys. Their conversation is crude, which is what you might stereotypically expect from such people.

Zombie – this is played by me. This had to be done as I couldn't find any other people willing to help me. As I'm directing as well, extra planning has to go into filming to ensure all shots are properly set up. I have no acting experience, but as the part only consists of walking up ans attacking the two characters, I don't see that being a problem.

Target Audience

• The target audience for the film is the age range 15 – 29, primarily male. This is the core audience who regularly watch and enjoy horror films. By targeting this audience, it will be most successful in getting people to watch the film, as they are more likely to enjoy this film, than one from another genre such as Westerns etc.

Certificate• The film will be an 18 certificate.

This is due to the amount of violence, strong language and gore present in the film. Also, my audience will feel better about going to see the film, as they will feel more mature. People younger than 18 will also enjoy this, as they might feel “cool” and “rebellious” by watching it when they’re not legally allowed.

Promotion

• Twitter / Facebook. My target audience frequently use online networking, so this will be an effective method of targeting.

• Viral. This targets internet users who may not use social networking.

• Posters / trailers. This will ensure my product is known about by a wider audience who might not otherwise use the internet as much.

• Magazine features / interviews. This will entice movie fans who actively research film.

Technology

• As it is an independent film, there are many restrictions and limitations concerned when it comes down to technology used. The whole film was shot on one portable camcorder without a tripod, as one wasn’t available at the time of filming. The footage was then uploaded to a Mac, and edited using imovie.