Lighting

     For the film, I want to create an ominous and unsettling environment, and I think lighting can be really effective in helping achieve this effect. Therefore, for this blog post I will be researching kinds of lighting that can be used in my horror film. 

    -Backlighting: This is a lighting technique that is done by placing the light behind the subject, it creates a halo of light around the outline of the subject. It can be used to create mystery by showing the outline of the antagonist but now revealing their true identity. An example of this being used was in Halloween (1978), showing Micheal Myers silhouette with backlighting from a streetlight. 

    -Low-key lighting: This technique is done by using minimal lighting to create shadows and contrast between light and dark areas. This can be used to create mystery and suspense by hiding elements in the shadows and darkness of their surroundings. An example of this is in The Babadook (2014), low key lighting was used to create a dark and ominous atmosphere with lots of shadows.

    -Spotlighting: This technique is achieved by using a narrow beam of light to highlight specific areas or characters, it creates suspense and tension by creating a sense of realism and fear of what is lurking beyond vison. An example of this is a character exploring a room with a flashlight which only allows certain areas to be seen.

    -Practical Lighting Effects: This technique is lighting through physical light sources such as lamps or candles. This creates a sense of realism and authenticity by making situation that seems realistic and eerie through the only lighting available. An example of this is The Descent (2005), the characters were using headlights to navigate through caves. 

These are the sources where I found most of my information:

Horror Movie Lighting: Techniques that the Masters Use

These five lighting techniques will help you create scary horror scenes