Horror Basics, Part 1

Horror Basics, Part 1

There are some horror movie basics that need to be looked at even if you do not plan to use them in your horror film. I am not the biggest fan of bloodshed and violence in my films. I do not love horror movies like the Saw sequels or Hostel, but I do love bloody violence in movies like Hobo With A Shotgun and the new Evil Dead.

What I am saying is that blood should be part of your film, but do not make it the point of your film. You are a movie maker. Let’s make it sound more impressive. You are a motion picture director and or producer. Always keep in mind that if they do not like your story and your characters they will watch it once and not bother to tell anyone about it unless adding the word sucked when describing your movie.
Let’s make sure that your digital feature film is something more than a connection of one bloody scene after another. Horror movie making is as much about what you don’t see as what you do.

 Okay here is a tutorial on a basic effect that many of you may use in your low budget horror movie.


Next up is a look at something you need to focus on during every single scene. Lighting. If they cannot see it, and there have been many horror movies during your life as a viewer where this has come up, they will not like it. A movie where the action is too dark is one that will be dismissed. I have to ask you, why would you want to spend money shooting a scene only to find out in post that it is unuseable. It is so dark that you do not know where to place the sound effects. Learn how to light.


Okay that is it for today. Take a moment to stumble us on stumble upon and add us to your google plus.

Horror Films Need Blood

            Horror Films, Blood Drive

    Let’s face one fact that if you are going to make a modern horror film you are going to need blood. Your actors are filled with it and if they do not mind bleeding for the cause the you could go that route other wise you are going to have to make some of the fake stuff.

    There is a simple way to do this and most fake blood is made the same way. You can experiment on the basic recipe and come up with a look and thickness that suits your project best. With the use of Dslr cameras to shoot many films I have noticed that some of the blood looks to bright and thick to be realistic. You need to be careful and do a few test before you settle on the blood that you are going to use.

    Here are quick tutorials on making blood.

     Okay now that we have looked at fake blood how about fake skin for your digital feature film. It will involve getting some liquid latex and if you are one of those people who are allergic to latex I can not help you. (Okay do not cry, if you have to you can use silicone inside of latex.)

    You are going to need this skill even if you are not shooting a horror film. Blood and stab wounds have to look realistic in action and or dramas. And if you are one of those people shooting a walking dead or zombie film this make up effect is a must.

Good luck with your project and remember to stumble us on Stumpleupon and add us to your google plus. If you wish to learn more about the basics of filmmaking please visit us at thephonefilmmaker.info. Thank you for visiting.