Conclusion of Survey Results For My Trailer

Question 1:

Would you prefer the trailer to be fast pace or slow pace?

Fast pace was most preferred as it builds tension and action within the trailer. Therefore, when shooting and editing my trailer I will ensure that the clips are short and the trailer moves along at a fast pace.

Question 2:

What setting/location do you enjoy seeing in a horror trailer?

Old/haunted house was chosen the most by my research group as it can create a creepy and eerie atmosphere. Forest/woods was the second most chosen and therefore I am considering that for a second location to help the narrative. However, I will be using an abandoned buildings one of my locations because I think that this will heighten the eeriness of my trailer and create a higher sense of danger.

Question 3 and 4:

Do you prefer a female protagonist or a male protagonist?

My survey showed that my demographic would prefer a female protagonist because (as said in question 4) they feel that they can relate more to that character and because they enjoy watching a female lead more so than a male lead, as it is not as common.

Question 5:

What sound and music within a horror trailer would be effective to create tension and fear?

I asked my demographic to pick two answers for this question. The top two were eerie sounds and music and minimal dialogue. This will create a tense and creepy atmosphere and the minimal dialogue will allow the audience to concentrate more on the action but also keep up with the narrative.

Question 6:

What traits do you like to see in the protagonist?

My survey mostly answered brave, kind and strong and therefore when casting my protagonist I will choose someone who can portray this well to please my demographic.

Question 7:

In your opinion what are the most effective and thrilling camera shots used in a horror trailer?

For this I asked my demographic to rate the camera shots from 1-8, the highest scoring shots were over the shoulder, close ups and canted angles; therefore, I am going to make sure that my trailer includes these shots. These are conventional for horror trailers as close ups are intense and allows the audience to see the fear in a character's face much clearer and canted angles gives the shot a sense of psychological uneasiness or tension. However, I have decided not to include the canted angles because my demographic wanted more of an action horror rather than a psychological horror.

Question 8:

Do you expect high-key or low-key lighting in a horror trailer and why?

The most popular answer on my survey was low-key lighting as it creates tension and gives the trailer a creepier atmosphere.

Question 9:

Do you prefer a conventional trailer or a more unique trailer?

Conventional was preferred most because then the audience can follow the action more and sort of know what to expect.

Question 10:

Which sub-genre of horror do you like the most?
Again, I asked my demographic to rate the genres from 1-7 and the top two were action and Slasher, therefore, when I'm considering my plot and my shots I will ensure that I incorporate both these genres in order to satisfy my demographic.