1. Researching genre
The Horror genre

2. Locations
Locations in horror films tend to be abandoned or scarcely populated to
emphasize the isolation of the group or individual that is in peril. Ghost towns
are common as well as any other environment that connotates isolation or
being alone. Locations may also have a ‘dark’ history such as an asylum or a
place where someone was murdered as this allows plots about the
paranormal. Rural areas are also used because they are away from civilization
making the story tense as the victims cannot escape
Other locations include: Haunted houses, subways, shopping malls, dark
dingy streets, built up urban areas, hospitals, laboratories, stranded ships and
graveyards.

3. Iconography
The visual style of horror films usually uses colours like red and black that
make the viewer think of blood, evil and danger. Lighting is used to
exaggerate shadows and unfamiliar shapes out of proportion to create an
uneasy atmosphere. Props can be used to clearly identify the horror genre.
Specific props are associated with certain groups of people. The props that
will stand out the most are usually weapons, masks and paranormal or
religious icons. Iconography can also be applied to creatures of the horror
genre such as vampires being associated with capes and fangs and
werewolves with howling. Other props are associated with the supernatural
or paranormal like Ouija boards, ancient books and shrines.

4. Themes
There are many recurring themes in the horror genre. The involvement of the
paranormal or the supernatural with stories including things like ghosts and
demons. Unknown terrors are also a common appearance as they can cause a
great deal of anxiety and fear within the viewer. Many horror films include a
large amount of gore for shock value. Another common theme is the serial
killer in which a single antagonist kills many protagonists or innocents such
films like this include Friday the 31th, Nightmare on Elm street and Scream.