Sound can change everything. A normal scene can feel creepy just by using the right audio. In my film opening, I’m not using dramatic music, I’m letting small, realistic sounds build the tension. The goal is to make the audience feel uneasy without even realizing why.
1. The Car Scene – Quiet but Tense
Christina sits in her car, doing calculations. It’s silent, but not in a peaceful way. Every little sound feels important.
This is where the tension peaks. The sounds make it feel real and unsettling.
Shovel in Dirt – Steady, like she knows exactly what she’s doing.
Dragging a Heavy Object – Muffled and slow, like dead weight. For this one, I made a foley sound of myself dragging a plastic bag through dirt.
Why This Matters
This movie isn’t about the murder, it’s about her mind. Instead of telling the audience what to feel with music, I want them to pick up on the tension just from the sounds. Every little noise makes it feel more real, unsettling, and personal. This is my plan, but honestly, until I finish editing I don't know if things will change.
Day 2 of Filming: The Struggle for the Perfect Shot
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this film opening process, it’s that finding the right location is half the battle. Day 2 of filming took us to Regional, a public park that—on paper—seemed like the perfect setting. In reality? It took a lot of scouting, debating, and second-guessing before we settled on the right spot.
We needed something eerie but natural, isolated yet accessible. So, after what felt like an eternity of wandering around, we ended up near the Everglades, just behind the park. And honestly? Best decision ever. The landscape was surreal—tall grass swaying, the sky looking just off enough to set the mood, and an atmosphere that screamed psychological horror. The shots we got? Insane.
This is the best shot where you can see where we were filming, it was so beautiful.
But, of course, the real adventure started when we showed up to the park… with a dead body in hand. (Obviously fake, but still.) The reactions were priceless. Parents pulling their kids a little closer, joggers slowing down to double-take, and then there was the guy on a bike who just waved and smiled like it was the most normal thing in the world. Honestly, legend.
Filming in a public space definitely added to the chaos, but weirdly, it made the whole process even more fun. We had to work around people, stay in character while getting stared at, and make sure we didn’t cause a full-on panic (because let’s be real, a group of teens dragging a “corpse” through the park is not something you see every day).
At the end of the day, the struggle for the perfect location paid off. We got some of the best shots of the film so far, and the whole experience just made the project even more unforgettable.
After wrapping up in the Everglades, it really hit us—this was our last day of filming. Every struggle, every perfect shot, every weird public reaction led to this moment. Looking back, the chaos made it even better. This project started as just an idea, and now we have something real—something we’re so excited to put together in editing.
Now, all that’s left is post-production. Can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
We officially started filming for our film opening!
The first scene takes place in Home Depot, so we went on Sunday to get all the shots we needed. I expected a lot of issues, but everything went surprisingly smoothly. I was nervous about filming in public because I get embarrassed easily, but Home Depot was pretty empty, which made things easier. We got all the shots we needed in under an hour, which was way faster than I expected.
This is a blooper; the saw got stuck, and you can see me laughing. I love bloopers!!
One of the funniest parts was my mom having to wear heels for the scene. Our only ones were too big, so she kept switching between slides and heels between takes.
If you look closely, you can see my mom's slides, so we have to cut that out.
Also, I managed to get lost in Home Depot, it’s huge, and I couldn’t find some of the items we needed! But despite that, we ended up with over 40 seconds of footage from this location alone, which is great.
Overall, I’m really proud of how everything went. Now, onto the next scenes!
Before we could start filming, I had to get permission to shoot inside Home Depot. At first, I thought this would be simple, I’d just call and ask. So, I did. And they said no.
I wasn’t ready to give up yet, so I tried Lowe’s instead. When I called, they told me I had to contact corporate. So I did. Corporate then told me to call the store manager. At that point, I felt like I was being sent in circles.
This was me in class going in circles calling again and again.
Something about the email Home Depot sent me felt off, though. The way it was written just didn’t seem like a solid “no.” Not to mention how they messed up some sentences which I know happens and nobody's perfect but for such a big brand something fell off.
This is the reply I got which felt weird.
I had a feeling that if I went in person and actually talked to someone, I could get them to say yes. So, I did just that. I walked in, asked to speak to the manager, and explained my situation. And guess what? They said yes!
Moral of the story: Sometimes, emails and phone calls won’t get you what you need. But showing up in person and asking confidently can make all the difference.
I wanted to build tension for my film opening without giving away too many details. Instead of showing a murder or explaining what happened, I’m letting the audience figure it out through Christina’s actions. Everything she does seems normal at first, but things start to feel off as the scene plays out.
Here I made a script that will really help me and my actress while filming. It will act as a guide.
Script:
EXT. CAR – DAY
Christina sits in her car, lit by the bright afternoon sun. She scribbles in a notebook, biting her lip. Her eyes dart between numbers, her mind racing. Something’s off.
She exhales, snaps the notebook shut, and steps out.
INT. HARDWARE STORE – DAY
Christina moves down the aisles.
She grabs duct tape. A knife. A shovel. Black trash bags.
Each item lands in the cart. No hesitation.
EXT. PARKING LOT – LATE AFTERNOON
Christina throws the bags in her trunk. The lid slams shut. She gets in and drives away.
EXT. SECLUDED AREA – SUNSET
The car stops.
Christina steps out, walks to the trunk, and stops. Just for a second.
Then—she opens it.
Inside, something heavy was wrapped in black plastic.
She grabs the duct tape, securing it tighter before dragging it out.
EXT. GRASSY AREA – SUNSET
A shovel sinks into the dirt.
Christina digs. No breaks, no second-guessing. Just digging.
Finally, she stops, staring into the hole.
She pushes the wrapped object over the edge. A thud.
She takes a shaky breath, reaches into her pocket, and pulls out her wedding ring.
She stares at it for a second—then drops it in.
Dirt piles up. Then, she turns and walks away.
My teacher made us a Nearpod which really helped me when making this script.
When it comes to psychological horror movies, sound is everything. It's what makes our skin crawl, our hearts race, and our minds trick us into seeing things that aren't really there. While visuals are important, the right use of sound can completely change how a scene feels.
Why Is Sound Important in Psychological Horror?
Builds Suspense – Creepy background noise, eerie music, and sudden silence can make a scene feel ten times scarier. When a horror movie goes quiet, we instinctively know something bad is about to happen. As noted by Anna Taborska(2024), "Sound is just as important as visuals in horror films, in creating atmosphere, but especially in crafting jump scares."
Triggers Emotional Reactions – High-pitched violins, distorted whispers, and deep, unsettling bass sounds create anxiety and tension. These sounds mess with our brains and make us feel like we're in danger—even when we're just watching a movie. Mathias Clasen explains that horror movies use sounds we naturally associate with danger to frighten audiences.
Plays with the Unknown – Psychological horror thrives on the fear of the unseen. Strange noises in the distance, whispers, or an off-key melody make us feel like something is lurking just out of sight. Our imagination fills in the blanks, often making it scarier than if we actually saw the threat. As Clint Westwood(2025) points out, "The capacity of ambient noise to toy with the imagination of the audience gives it great power."
Creates a Sense of Isolation – The absence of sound can be just as terrifying as loud, sudden noises. Dead silence in a scene makes us feel alone and vulnerable, which is a key part of psychological horror. Meredith Geaghan-Breiner, and Ben Nigh(2021) state, "Sound has been an important element in film for a long time. But in horror movies, it plays an even bigger role."
How I'll Use Sound in My Film Opening
Since my film opening is a psychological horror, I want the audience to feel uneasy from the very first second. Here's how I'll use audio to create that effect:
Distant, Unclear Noises – I'll use sounds that feel far away but unidentifiable, like muffled whispers or a soft, distorted hum. This will make the audience question what they're hearing and build tension.
Silence Before the Scare – Right before something unsettling happens, I'll drop all sound. No background music, no footsteps—just emptiness. This will make the next noise (whether it's a sudden sound or a creepy whisper) feel even more intense.
Layering Sound Effects – Instead of just adding a single sound, I'll layer multiple unsettling noises together. For example, if there's a shot of an empty car, I could mix in a faint breathing sound, an old radio static, to make it feel eerie.
Natural Sounds- I want to utilize natural noises that with the help of lighting and what's happening in the scene can make it much scarier like the wind blowing, faint footsteps, digging, etc.
By carefully crafting the audio in my film opening, I'll be able to control the audience's emotions and make them feel the fear I want them to experience. Sound isn't just background noise—it's one of the most powerful tools in psychological horror.
Sources:
Geaghan-Breiner, Meredith, and Ben Nigh. “How Sound Is Used to Build Suspense in Scary Movies.” Business Insider, 30 June 2021, www.businessinsider.com/how-sound-is-used-to-build-suspense-in-scary-movies-2021-6?
Tab.orska, Anna. “Crafting Fear: Filming Techniques to Evoke Emotion in Horror Movies.” Raindance, 17 Sept. 2024, raindance.org/crafting-fear-filming-techniques-to-evoke-emotion-in-horror-movies/.
Westwood, Clint. “The Role of Sound Design in Creating Fear in Horror Movies - Severed Cinema.” Severed Cinema, 9 Jan. 2025, severed-cinema.com/the-role-of-sound-design-in-creating-fear-in-horror-movies/.
“Why Sound Is so Important in Horror Movies.” Psychology Today, 2022, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-we-love-horror/202209/why-sound-is-so-important-in-horror-movies?
In psychological horror, every detail matters, especially what a character wears. Christina, the main character of my film opening, is a 36-year-old woman who looks completely put together, but under the surface, she's hiding something dark. Her outfit isn't just about fashion, it helps tell the story of who she is.
Here's the costume my partner and I decided on:
Jeans- Simple but stylish, jeans make her look casual enough to blend in but not sloppy. They also make sense for someone who needs to move comfortably, even if she's up to something wrong.
Black Top- Black is one of the most powerful colors in film. It represents mystery, control, and even danger. Christina's black top makes her look sleek and confident, but it also hints that she's hiding something. Black is often linked to villains, but it's also a symbol of power, showing that she's completely in control of what she's doing.
Black Blazer- A blazer makes her look professional and sharp. This helps her blend into normal life, she could be on her way to work, grabbing coffee, or, in her case, buying supplies for something much worse.
Heels- Most people wouldn't wear heels if they were panicking or rushing. Christina however, isn't panicking. The fact she can walk so confidently in heels, even while she's doing something so disturbing, shows just how in control she is.
Short Blonde Hair- A clean, well-kept haircut makes her look responsible and put together. Blonde hair is often associated with warmth and innocence, as well as stupidity. This makes it more unsettling when she does something horrible. It tricks the audience into thinking she's someone they can trust.
Neutral Makeup (Browns & Golds)- Christina's makeup is natural and put together not over the top. The browns and golds make her look mature and fitting for her age and personality. She's the kind of person that looks put together when she's doing something horrifying.
Black Leather Bag- A high-quality bag shows that she has money and taste. It's also practical, it's big enough to carry small supplies, adding to the idea that she's always prepared.
Jewelry- Christina's jewelry is subtle but meaningful. It includes her wedding ring which is key to the plot. She throws it into the hole she dug, symbolizing her marriage's end.
How Her Outfit Adds To The Story
Christina's outfit is meant to trick the audience. She doesn't look like someone who would commit a crime, she seems like a normal, successful woman. That's what makes her scarier. She isn't dressed as a typical scary villain but like a normal woman making her blend in.
The color black plays a huge role in how she's seen. It's a color of power, elegance, and mystery, but also linked to danger. As stated in lafilm.edu, "Black signifies grief, fear, mystery, and evil, but it also evokes thoughts of simplicity, tradition, and sophistication." This shows how powerful the color black can be.
Source:
The Los Angeles Film School. “The Psychology of Color - the Los Angeles Film School.” The Los Angeles Film School, 12 June 2017, www.lafilm.edu/blog/the-psychology-of-color/.
Props aren't just random objects in a scene, they help tell the story, set the mood, and give the audience little clues about what's really happening. In our psychological horror film opening, every prop has a purpose. They don't just sit there, they show who Christina is and make the scene feel more real and unsettling.
When my partner, Addison, and I started planning, we made a list of all the props we needed and why they were important. Since our film is all about quiet tension making the audience feel uneasy, we chose props that seem normal on their own but, when put together, tell a much darker story.
Key Props and Why They Matter
Pen and Notepad- Christina is seen writing and doing calculations in her car. At first, it's unclear what she's planning, but it shows she's thinking ahead. She's not acting on impulse this is all carefully planned.
Purse- She carries a black leather purse while shopping which is part of the costume but also serves as a prop to make her look like a regular person running errands. It adds realism and helps her blend in.
Shovel- Obviously for digging, but it's also symbolizing something bigger, she's burying more than just a body. She's burying her past, her marriage, and any chance of going back.
Duct Tape & Black Trash Bags- pretty normal items, but together, they feel off. They hint whatever she's doing, it's not good. These props make the audience realize how prepared she is.
Pillows for Fake Body- To make it look like Christina is actually moving something heavy when she drags the "body."
Fake Body- The most important prop for making the scene feel real. Wrapped in black plastic, it lets the audience imagine the worst without showing too much.
Machete- A super unsettling object. If she already killed him, why does she need this? It makes the audience wonder if she's making sure he can't be identified, adding more mystery.
Car- More than just transportation, the car represents isolation where she's alone in her thoughts. It's also where she goes to bury the body.
Ring- The biggest clue. When she drops it into the grave, it silently confirms that the body is her husband. Without saying a word, the audience understands the plot.
Why Props Are So Important
Every single prop in this scene helps create suspense. They don't just make the scene feel real, they make the audience feel uncomfortable. As stated in nightmaretoys.com, "When it comes to creating spine-chilling, hair-raising films, horror props play a crucial role in setting the eerie ambiance and heightening the fear factor. These props are meticulously chosen to immerse the audience in a nightmarish experience, amplifying the suspense and terror on screen." By picking the right props and using them in just the right way, we make sure the audience isn't just watching the scene, they're feeling it.
Source:
Wilks, Alex. “Which Horror Props Are Used Most Often during Filming?” Nightmare Toys, 13 Oct. 2023, www.nightmaretoys.com/blogs/news/which-horror-props-are-used-most-often-during-filming. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Hey! In this blog post, I’m going to talk about the development of Christina. Character development is one of the most important parts of a film. If a character doesn’t feel right for the story, the whole thing feels off—like something just isn’t working.
Naming Christina
I think a character’s name is a big deal when it comes to their development. My partner, Addison, and I searched online for women’s names, scrolling forever until we found the perfect one, Christina. We literally searched up the most common female names and landed on sss.gov, where the name Christina was number 58. It just felt right. It sounds sweet, but it can also have a different vibe depending on the context. We also needed a name for Christina’s husband, but since he isn’t the main character (and, well, he dies), we didn’t put as much thought into it. We just searched for common male names and landed on Luke. I won’t lie, Gilmore Girls definitely had something to do with that choice.
Creating Christina
Christina goes through a massive change in the story, she starts as a normal, loving person but transforms into something completely different. Since her whole personality shifts, we needed to show that in how she looks too. At the start of the film, before everything happens, she wears bright, happy colors to show her original personality. Here's a mood board I made to show that.
But after the tumor starts affecting her, she switches to wearing all black, symbolizing the dark turn her character takes. She was once bubbly and full of love, but that love turns into anger. She loses empathy, becomes obsessive, and stops caring about right and wrong. Her lucid dreams take over, and she turns into someone unrecognizable. Here's the other mood board.
For my film opening, I'm creating a psychological horror centered around a woman who has just killed her husband, The story unfolds in a quiet mysterious way, with no dramatic chase scenes, no sudden bursts of violence. Instead, it's all about the eerie calm that follows the crime.
The Film Opening
The opening scene begins with the woman in her car, focused as she does calculations. What she's planning isn't immediately clear, but something feels off. She then heads to a hardware store where she quickly purchases a shovel, a machete, duct tape, and black trash bags, items that, on their own, might not seem suspicious, but together they paint a much darker picture.
She drives off into the night, the trunk carrying something heavy. The camera stays on her as she works, wrapping what appears to be feet in black plastic. Then, she begins digging. There's no hesitation, no second guessing just precise, deliberate movements. Finally, she drops something small into the pit a wedding ring before covering the hole. The ring is what gives you the clue that it was her husband.
The goal of this opening is to create tension without giving too much away. The audience should feel unsettled but still have questions. Did she really kill him? Why? How did she do it? This film isn't about the act of murder it's about the mind behind it.
The Plot
Christina a 36 year old woman married to Luke Moore has the picture perfect marriage. They met in high school and since then have been together. Christina always wanted kids but Luke was diagnosed with infertility and they were never able to have them. Although many couples break things off after they find out about infertility Christina and Luke grew stronger helping each other out through these hard moments.
One day Christina started to feel sick, taking pills became her comfort. They weren't drugs they were over the counter pain killers. She began taking a lot as she got many heavy headaches. Luke even started to notice and got worried and told her to go to the doctors but Christina brushed him off. Little by little Christina wasn't acting like herself as if her personality was changing. She would get mad very easily and even got depressed. Even as she was struggling with everything Luke was always there for her. She started acting very differently and was still having horrible headaches, it's as if it wasn't the Christina everyone knew and loved. It got so bad Christina started having lucid dreams that felt real to her of Luke cheating, and even abusing her.
She started to make a plan to kill her husband, she couldn't handle it anymore. She planned it very meticulously. The minute her husband fell asleep she stabbed him over, and over, and over again. She stopped stabbing him when he stopped breathing. She cleaned up the mess and the next day put him in the trunk of the car, as if nothing happened. She then headed to the store and calculated his size for the hole she was going to dig. She bought everything she needed, headed to the Everglades and started digging. She wrapped him up and dropped him and her wedding ring into the hole.
She then went back home as of nothing happened, but when she stepped into her house she fainted. Her neighbor which was a good friend of hers noticed her front door wide open so she walked in to make sure everything was okay. She saw Christina laying there without a wedding ring and rushed her to the hospital. Doctors found that Christina had a brain tumor which explains why her personality changed. When she woke up they asked about her husband and she said she didn't remember. Her neighbor Emily said that when she found her she had no wedding ring, so she inferred that he left her. Christina heard this and played along, showing her psychotic mind, blaming it on her husband.
Hey, so the next step in my film opening is the storyboard. Now that I have my film opening in mind creating a storyboard will be very helpful to express my ideas visually and maybe tweak them. A good storyboard keeps everything organized and gives me a solid plan to follow. It's super helpful not only in the planning stages but also when you're out filming. Trust me, with experience it can get very chaotic out there, especially trying to remember shots and what you want it to look like. That's where the storyboard comes in handy it's a very helpful guide. Although the storyboard is my initial idea, I have changed shots and visuals while filming because in person they look better.
Here's the storyboard we made. Check it out below!
Hey, blog!! It's officially week 3 of working on my film opening, time is rushing by. Today in class my teacher set up group meetings where we got to share our film ideas and give each other feedback. My group included my classmates Emi, Roman, Isabel, and Sofia. It was super helpful to see what everyone is working on and it was super helpful getting feedback, it really helped with opening up my project.
Emi - Western: Death Is No Friend
Emi's film is a classic Western, but there's one big challenge filming in Florida which doesn't exactly scream Wild West. The story follows a cowboy with a bounty chasing them. Emi is handling costume design and she showed us some and they were amazing drawings. One of her group members is going to try to sew the costume which I think is super cool. As a group, we recommended Southwest Ranches as a filming location as they have a bunch of barns and stables, which could make it look more Western. Another idea we gave her is to film in black and white to give it the classic Western movie feel, especially if they add graininess while editing. Emi also mentioned filming during high noon and the showdown ends at a sunset. I love her idea and I cannot wait to see how her group does her project.
This is an image I found online which was similar to Emi's designs.
Roman- Suspense: Title TBD
Roman had the idea of an interrogation scene but still doesn't have the full plot. He's planning on filming in his garage, which works perfectly as a closed-in setting and it's a very versatile environment. His dad is in law enforcement, so he has access to fake props that will make the scene look legit. The story centers around a Mexican cartel member, which will be played by Roman who gets interrogated by law enforcement which will be played by his dad. Wetalked about using a bag over the cartels head, and possibly adding some Spanish dialogue to make it more realistic. One intense detail Roman is considering is a waterboarding scene, which eventually leads to a confession. The biggest thing he needs to focus on is his final storyline and plot, but overall I am very excited to see the outcome.
This is the vibe I think Roman is going for.
Isabel-Mystery/Horror/Suspense: Title TBD
Isabel's film is going to follow a psychotic doctor who experiments on his patients by giving them drugs that slowly make them sick. She described his workspace as a mix of extreme organization and chaos, with jars labeled with patients' names and drugs that fill up over time. If a jar starts to get full, it has a meaning that the patient is close to death. One of the creepiest parts is the ending, he puts on his doctor's coat, answers the phone and someone says, "Hey doctor." Just a simple line but it seals the film opening with what the main character does with all those pills. She said she wanted to add the credits to the patient's files, which I thought was super creative. She's going to rely on close-ups. I am once again very excited to see how she executes this.
Having some files like this is what I think Isabel is going for.
Sofia-Dystopian: Fate's Deception
Sofia's film takes place in a chaotic dystopian society with a mix of agriculture and lower middle-class living. She's drawing inspiration from Divergent and The Hunger Games, which totally fits the vibe she's going for. In her world, people are given powers at age 15, but instead of being a gift, the powers are actually something bad. Depending on what power they receive, they are sent to either military or research labs. The film's opening focuses on two girls, and one of them gets their power, which causes major conflict. Costume wise Sofia is thinking of having the characters wear beige gowns to fit with the society. We suggested she used Markham Park as a filming location as it matched the agricultural vibe shes looking for.
I think this is what Sofia wants her costume to look like.
My Takeaway
Honestly, I loved getting to hear everyone's ideas and helping each other. Seeing where my project stands in comparison made me realize I'm on track with my progress, which was calming. I also got some really helpful feedback. I cannot wait to see how everyone's projects turn out!!
When developing my psychological horror film opening, I started to think about how audiences interact with media. Instead of just presenting a story for consumption, I want my viewers to engage with my film on a deeper level, questioning what they see, seeing things differently, and maybe even feeling like they're part of the mystery. That's where Active Audience Theory comes in.
What is Active Audience Theory?
Active Audience Theory suggests that people don't just absorb media like sponges. Instead, they interpret and react to it based on their own experiences, beliefs, and emotions. As stated in library.fiveable.me(2025), "This concept emphasizes the role of the audience in interpreting, questioning, and responding to media messages, suggesting that individuals bring their own experiences, beliefs, and social contexts to their viewing experiences." This means that two people can watch the same film and walk away with completely different understandings of it. In horror, this can be especially effective because fear is so personal, that what scares one person might not to another. According to Daniel Stoddart(2015), "Some social groups may be scared of things that other groups are not, this may depend on their hobby or interest, for example, a gamer would be more scared of zombies that a rabid horse. The things closest to us tend to be the most scary when utilised in the right way, the producer can easily do this by analysing the target audience and what they find most scary."
How it Applies to My Film Opening
Since my film is a psychological horror, I want the audience to feel unsettled, not just by what's happening on screen but by what might be happening. Instead of giving them all the answers, I want to create gaps in the story that force them to think.
Here are some ways I plan to use Active Audience Theory in my film opening:
1. Unreliable Perspective- The film might make the audience question whether what they're seeing is real or not by the character's mental state. This makes them active participants in figuring out the truth.
2. Minimal Information- Rather than giving out information, I want to leave certain details unexplained, which will allow viewers to piece things together by themselves.
3. Sound Design Tricks- Audio can make people feel unease without them even realizing why. I plan to use subtle eerie sounds to make the audience aware of every sound.
Why it Works for Horror
Horror isn't just jump scares, it's about making people feel something long after they've finished watching As stated in Sociology.Plus(2022),"The elements that interact with media consumption include prior experience, present beliefs, family, employment circle, and friends." By using Active Audience Theory, I can make sure my film isn't just something people just watch, but something they experience and interpret in their own day. I want them to leave them questioning what they saw.
Sources:
Active Audience - (Intro to Film Theory) - Vocab, Definition, Explanations | Fiveable. (2024). Fiveable.me. https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/introduction-to-film-theory/active-audience
Active Audience Definition & Explanation | Sociology Plus. (2022, October 8). Sociology Plus. https://sociology.plus/glossary/active-audience/
St Stoddart, D. (2015). Audience Theories in Relation to the Horror Genre: Prezi.com. https://prezi.com/4zut-gylwj1m/audience-theories-in-relation-to-the-horror-genre/
Filming at Night for My Psychological Horror Opening
As I continue working on my psychological horror film opening, I've been focusing on the key element of filming at night. Night scenes are crucial for setting the tone and building suspense, but they also come with challenges. To make sure everything goes well, I've broken down some tips I learned and how I will use them
1. Lighting Challenges
One of the toughest parts about filming at night is the lighting. Cameras need light to capture clear, sharp images, and if there's not enough light, footage can turn out grainy. In horror, especially psychological horror, graininess can ruin the atmosphere, so controlling the lighting is a must.
What I’m doing:
I’m using practical lights like street lamps or small indoor lights to give my scene the right balance of light and shadow. Placing my actors near these light sources allows me to control the amount of shadow in the scene, which adds to the tension. Dim lighting will be my friend for keeping the audience on edge.
Example of using lighting that's already outside
2. Exposure Settings
Another key element when filming at night is adjusting the camera’s exposure settings. If I overexpose certain areas, the footage can lose that moody, suspenseful look. If it’s underexposed, it can make the scene look too dark, hiding the details.
What I’m doing: I’m playing around with my camera settings to get that perfect balance. I need to make sure the lighting in the scene is enough for the camera to capture the action without washing out the details or making it too dark.
This chart helped me to understand camera settings
3. Using “Magic Hour”
If I want to avoid pure darkness, I’ve learned that “magic hour,” the time just before sunset or after sunrise, is perfect for shooting. The lighting during this time is softer and more atmospheric, creating a natural eerie effect without the scene being pitch-black.
What I’m doing: I’m timing my shoots around Magic Hour so I can get that dim lighting that feels spooky but still shows enough detail for the audience to stay engaged. This lighting is key to setting the right tone for my horror opening.
Filming in Magic Hour
4. Using the Right Tools (iPhone Tips)
A lot of people, which might be me (I think I’m going to use a camera instead), might be using an iPhone for shooting. While phones are limited, some tools and apps help maximize the potential of the camera. Still, I feel more comfortable just using my iPhone camera I do like the idea of playing with the app before shooting my film opening.
What I’m doing: I’ve been using an app called Filmic Pro to control the exposure and focus manually, which is so helpful in low-light situations. It gives me more creative control over the shot and ensures I can adjust the settings quickly on the go.
Filmic Pro
Final Thoughts
Filming at night is definitely a challenge, but it’s also what makes my horror opening stand out. By mastering the use of lighting, exposure, and tools like Filmic Pro, I’m confident the final product will have that dark, tense, and eerie feel that’s essential for psychological horror. I’m excited to see how it all comes together!
Here are some videos I watched to get some information. These really helped out.
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