Project Plan

Introduction:

    For our media studies coursework, my team and I are developing an original opening sequence for a slasher film. We are approaching this as a collaborative environment where we can lean into each other’s technical strengths. We plan to utilize our collective skills in cinematography and post production to ensure we cover each other’s weaknesses and deliver a high caliber final product.

Why We Chose Slasher:

    We gravitated toward the slasher sub-genre because of its mastery of the "opening hook." Iconic franchises like "Scream" and "Halloween" have set a high bar for cold opens that are fast-paced, visceral, and immediately engaging. For us, the challenge lies in capturing that same intensity while using the genre’s tropes to explore more complex social themes.

Target Audience:

    Our target demographic is the 16–30 age bracket. This group historically shows the highest engagement with horror and is increasingly invested in true-crime narratives. By weaving themes of judicial failure and systemic flaws into the plot, we hope to resonate with an audience that is already critical of the modern justice system.

Representation:

    The narrative centers on a protagonist who is a victim of "wrong place, wrong time" circumstances, exacerbated by racial profiling. By casting our lead as a minority, we can visually and narratively highlight how bias influences the scales of justice.

Software:

    To achieve a professional "look" on a low budget, we are focusing heavily on lighting and post-production.

• Production: We’re prioritizing high-dynamic-range cameras to manage the low-light demands of night shoots.
• Post-Production: Adobe Premiere Pro will be our hub for editing and color grading. I plan to use After Effects for title design and to polish any practical blood effects.
• Sound: We’ll be cleaning and layering our audio in post to ensure the "stings" and ambient noise are as unsettling as the visuals.

Production Workflow:

    The sequence consists of several key beats filmed in chronological order to maintain consistency. First, we will film in a kitchen to capture a throwaway kill. This location allows us to use windows to create a sense of being watched while the victim is distracted by mundane tasks. Next, we will move to a garage to film the transition of the door opening. Finally, we will utilize a car where our main character enters and turns on the radio. This serves as a diegetic sound bridge to transition the mood or provide exposition via news reports.

Storyboard #1: