Location Recce: Planning

Location of our film

Location can be used to capture the main feelings required to create a successful movie and to support the genre. We intend for our film to be shot at several different locations.  It is important that all of these locations are accurate and create the mood which is intended for our film.

Locations for any successful horror genre film could be:

• Abandoned houses
• Barns and farms (abandoned)
• Cabins
• Hotels
• Graveyards
• Basements 
• Woods/forests
• Overly perfect/sterile house 

The locations for psychological thrillers are very similar to this, although there is likely to be more modern, technological props included in the mise en scene.

Our first location will be the front of a house in a rural area. Small communities or isolated places are widely used as they are part of a horror movie convention. The detachment that we see from towns/cities of people, will make  the characters seem vulnerable as they are separated from the rest of civilisation; a feeling that the viewer may mimic. Isolated places such as this, will seem unsafe as there would be nobody else present to help a weaker character.  A ordinary, suburban house will be the main location of our film.  This is where most of the events will happen. You will see this location from the outside with music booming from the house. The image to the right is of the outside of the house at night (when we will film):

Some of the scenes will be shot inside of the house. The audience will be shown the hallway of the house. We will particularly focus on a bedroom where you will see an investigation board full of: photographs, news paper clippings and post-it notes. The bed will also be used in flashbacks of Martha and Noah as it is a soft environment. This will oppose to the distressing environment that Martha finds herself in after discovering that Noah has some involvement with the death of her parents. The main area that we will film is in the hallway. The rooms adjacent to this

Location Recce Mindmap

A collection of codes and conventions in relation to the genre of our film.

Target Audience/Profiling: Research

The target audience of horror/thriller can vary, dependent on the amount of: expletives, gore and film of a sexual nature. The demographic of a horror/thriller movie is likely to be 12 and above. As a result of including more: swearing, scenes of a sexual nature or violence, the age rating will increase. Films that contain adult themes, hard drugs, frequent strong language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail, would be rated 15. Sexual activity may be portrayed in these films but without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and justified by context. Typically, horror/thriller movies will attract teenagers and young adults aged between 15 and 30. In order for our movie to appeal to this audience, the movie must include some of the following: slight to moderate: swearing, violence, gore and adult themes (sexual themes). Only those over 15 years will be permitted to watch our film. Nobody younger than 15 would be able to rent or buy the movie. 

Our target audience is not only those 15 and above, but also females. This is because the main character is a female, although a majority of the actors playing the smaller roles, are males. We chose to target the film more towards females as horror/psychological thriller is often aimed at more towards males, given the lead roles being played by males. This target audience has been made appropriate because we will cast a female actor to play a female protagonist which would naturally attract this target audience. In saying this, both males and females will be able to relate to some of the feelings that Martha portrays, even if it is at a lesser degree.

Furthermore, our film is targeted towards the C1 and E classes. This is the lower middle class of the population. When researching types of class and their relevance in relation to film, we found that lower middle class makes up the largest part of the population. Therefore, aiming our film towards this class would mean that it could be more successful. Another reason why we have chosen to aim it towards this class is because the audience is likely to relate to the characters within the film (the E class because the characters will be near their age). This is because the characters will mimic the attitudes, appearance and behaviour of the same class to them.

Another reason why we decided to choose a 12 age rating is because of the inclusion of slight/some violence. This is included in one scene where we are planing to film shots of one of the main characters being involved in a car accident. In these shots, you will be able to see blood and a body lying dead on the floor. However, there won't be much detail in this scene other than close ups of the blood, and so this would be appropriate for a 12 rated movie because, according to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) 12 rated films "may contain small and infrequent scenes of violence and should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context." Therefore, our film would meet the regulations of this age category. Our film would be better suited to the description given for age 12 rated movies. In parts, there will be mild swearing which is also more appropriate for an older audience. 

Casting Callout: Planning

Casting call out

Plot line

Disturbed by the loss of her mother and father at a young age, Martha has become completely consumed by their death. She obsesses over the accident that lead to it and the mysterious figure seen at the scene. Her obsession leads her to making one huge mistake, potentially destroying anything she had left to live for.

Requirements for the part of:

Martha 

We are looking for a young, Caucasian, female actor; aged between 16 and 20, interested in psychological thrillers/horrors. You would be playing a mentally disturbed orphan, living a fixated and lonely life. Preferably with ginger hair and/or a fringe. We need the actor to be between the heights of 5ft and 5ft 6inches. We'd like to cast a confident individual who has the ability to bring a dominant presence to the screen as the character will need to become progressively more dominant as the film goes on.

Noah

For this part, we are looking for a male aged between 16 and 20 with an interest in psychological thrillers/horrors. You would be playing the role of Martha's best friend. The characters personality is very relaxed and kind hearted, although . Ben acts as a supportive, brotherly figure to Martha, who is emotionally and mentally venerable. We'd preferably like to cast a lighter haired male (blonde or light brown), who is around 6ft and slightly muscular. Any actors applying for this role could also consider applying for the role of the mysterious figure.


Extras

We are looking for a variation of actors to be featured in the background of the shots. We'd like to cast an equal number of males and females, aged between 16 and 21. There may be small speaking roles available last minute under the directors direction. Ideally, around 30 extras will be cast. Majority of direction for these parts includes: dancing, pouring drinks and chatting.

To apply for any of these roles, please contact ... We look forward to hearing from you.

Requirements 

All actors must:

• Be able to achieve a wide variety of emotional states. Therefore, previous acting experience required. 

• For auditions, you will be required to attend a casting day where screen tests will be completed alongside different actors. These will be recorded for later analysis. 

• Scripts will be provided 2 days before castings and will need to be learnt in preparation for this.

• Actors need to be available upon short notice (1 day notice period).

• Need to provide information about any allergies

• Sign a consent form, given permission to be filmed