Story Telling
American Horror Story stands as a testament to the captivating artistry of horror storytelling, boasting an impressive 12-season anthology that unfolds a unique and chilling narrative with each installment. With each passing season, viewers are treated to a fresh tale, delving into the twisted depths of human psyche and the macabre underbelly of various settings, eras, and themes.
Season after season, American Horror Story ventures into uncharted territories, drawing audiences into worlds where the line between the natural and supernatural blurs, and where the human capacity for both malevolence and resilience is put to the ultimate test. From haunted houses and eerie asylums to witch covens and dystopian societies, each season immerses viewers in a relentless onslaught of dread, suspense, and terror, leaving an indelible mark on the psyche.
Through its masterful storytelling, American Horror Story captivates audiences with its willingness to venture into the most sinister corners of the human experience, offering a chilling exploration of the darkness that lurks within and beyond the realms of human comprehension.
The third series of American Horror Story, titled “Coven,” is set in the vibrant city of New Orleans, unfolding in real-time and delving into the intricate lives of six witches residing together in a community known as the ‘Coven’. This enthralling narrative explores the complexities of their relationships, both within the Coven and with the world outside.
As the story progresses, the witches find themselves confronted by a series of formidable adversaries that pose significant threats to their existence. These adversaries come in various forms, including powerful rival witch factions seeking dominance, malevolent supernatural entities intent on wreaking havoc, and influential forces in New Orleans’ mystical underbelly that challenge the Coven’s authority and power.
The witches must navigate treacherous alliances, unravel ancient mysteries, and confront their own inner demons, all while striving to protect the sanctity and survival of their Coven. With each episode, the series unfurls a tapestry of gripping conflicts, heart-wrenching betrayals, and hard-fought battles as the witches band together to defend their way of life and uphold the legacy of their sacred sisterhood in the face of imminent peril.
This particular season of American Horror Story holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers, drawing them into a captivating narrative centered around the struggles and tribulations of young women grappling with newfound and enigmatic powers beyond their comprehension. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious and enigmatic boarding school designed for extraordinary girls, the season unfolds as a riveting exploration of the complexities of power, identity, and the relentless pursuit of control.
Within the confines of this extraordinary school, a coven of witches, under the charismatic and formidable leadership of the indomitable Fiona Goode, grapples with the challenges of honing their abilities under the tutelage of Cordelia Fox, daughter of the reigning supreme. The intricate dynamics within the coven, marked by ambition, jealousy, and the eternal quest for dominance, serve as the backdrop for a gripping tale of both personal and collective transformation.
At the heart of the season’s plot lies the insidious power struggle within the coven, as Fiona Goode, consumed by her fear of losing her supremacy, sets out on a treacherous mission to identify and eliminate the burgeoning power of her eventual successor. As the witches grow in strength with each passing episode, the tension escalates, leading to a climactic showdown that hinges on the ultimate trial known as “the seven wonders,” a rigorous test designed to unveil the true identity of the next supreme of the coven.
Throughout the season’s progression, viewers are drawn into a web of intrigue, suspense, and mystique, as the young women grapple not only with the forces that seek to undermine their power but also with their own inner turmoil and the complexities of their burgeoning abilities. The season’s narrative offers a poignant exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the seduction of power, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American Horror Story.
Idea Development and Research
Idea 1
I had the idea of making a film set in the 80s, about a group of teenagers having a party in the woods and someone they used to bully plots the murders of each and everyone of them, leaving one final girl surviving the attack and killing the killer at the end.
Idea 2
Another idea i had was to make a film about a young girl discovering a tik tok trend about dopplegangers attacking (the mandella catalouge). The girl sees her alternate self and the more she sees it the more powerful it becomes and its appearance becomes more anthropomorphic. The more it looks like her the closer it gets to kill her. In the end up she kills her, absorbing her characteristics and her appearance tricking her friends and the audience into thinking she is her and that everything is fine, revealing that the real libby is dead in her bedroom.
In the end up, i decided to go with idea 2 as my first idea would have taken a lot more time than the time that was given for this project, but i will keep this idea in mind as i could pursue to use it in the future.
Research
I decided to do a horror film for the task as i think that horror films are more effective than other movie genres. I think this way as i watch a lot of horror films and they influence me with my work as i think the concept of horror stories are just better than any other genre as horror plots in movies bring more of an entertaining effect as it gives the audience excitement and thrill to carry on watching the movie. Horror movies draw in people so effectively as it is a combination of an adrenaline rush and an opportunity to learn about dealing with scary situations in a safe environment. When we are afraid, our endocrine system releases adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol to help prepare our body for physical action.
The main thing that gives me inspiration is probably American Horror Story: coven based on my previous project. Coven is about young woman unaware of their capabilities and how fair they can reach to their limit within these supernatural abilities. All these woman lead up to being “the next supreme” which means the leader of the withes, like their queen. I had inspiration of this within creating “ESME” as that story is about a teenage “witch” unaware of these abillities that she has and discovers them more and more as she goes on using them and she gets more out of control the more she uses her powers.
The inspiration from this was a trendy youtube series named “The Mandela Catalogue”, created by a eighteen year old student named Alex Kister. The Mandela Catalogue is set in the fictional Mandela County, which is invaded by “alternates”, otherworldly beings that use various forms of psychological torture on their victims with the ultimate goal of assuming their identity as “doppelgängers”. The series became popular online through analysis of its complex story and reaction videos from internet users.
The youtube series went viral all around the internet and made its way as a tiktok trend where creators would make videos pretending they have a duplicate version of themselves terrorising them in their home. If you see another person who looks identical to you, run away and hide,” is the TikTok sound framing the latest spooky trend – the Doppelgänger. The root inspiration of the trend is easy to pick up on. Lynchian vibes, 90s/80s filming aesthetics, creepy public announcements and the true horror of the black mirror.
The Mandela Catalogue inspired me as it is a small youtube series and i feel like it will be interesting to try and see if i can expand it into a short film into telling a story. The back story of my idea is that if you cant trust yourself you cant trust anyone. I think the horror concept of this trend has inspired my creativity within horror to create this challenging project.
Directors:
Directors play a crucial role in shaping the artistic vision, storytelling, and overall cinematic experience of a film. Their creative decisions and directorial style can greatly influence the narrative, visual aesthetics, and emotional impact of a movie. One important aspect of a director’s work is their visual style. This includes their use of camera angles, composition, lighting, colour palettes, and overall visual aesthetics. Some directors have a distinct visual signature that can be recognised across their body of work, while other adapt their style to suit the specific needs of each film.
Directors have different approaches to storytelling. Some may favour linear narratives, while others experiment with nonlinear or fragmented storytelling techniques. Understanding a director’s narrative approach helps in recognising their storytelling strengths, thematic interests, and unique perspectives on the human experience.
Directors have varying degrees of control over the filmmaking process. Some directors are known for their meticulous attention to detail and complete creative control, collaborative environments. Understanding a director’s level of control can shed light on their ability to shape their vision and execute it with precision.
Equipment:
When making a short film, various types of equipment are utilized to capture high-quality visuals, record clear audio, and enhance the overall production value.
Camera: The choice of camera greatly impacts the visual quality and aesthetic of a short film. High-end digital cameras like RED, ARRI, or Blackmagic are popular choices, as they offer superior image resolution, dynamic range, and color reproduction. DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras with video capabilities are also commonly used for their versatility and affordability.
Tripod provides stability and allows for steady shots. It is essential for static shots, panning or tilting movements, and maintaining a consistent frame. Tripods come in various sizes and weight capacities, catering to different camera setups.
Lighting Equipment is crucial for setting the mood, creating atmosphere, and highlighting equipment includes various types of lights, such as tungsten lights, LED lights, and HMI lights. Additionally, light modifiers like reflectors, diffusers, and flags are used to shape and control the lighting conditions.
Microphones: Clear and high-quality audio is essential in a short film. Different types of microphones are used based on the recording needs, such as shotgun microphones for capturing dialogue, lavalier microphones for individual actors, and boom microphones for capturing audio from a distance. Audio recorders and mixers are also employed the capture and monitor sound effectively.
Editing Software: After capturing the footage, editing software is used to assemble and refine the shots into a cohesive short film. Popular editing software includes Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer. These software tools allow for trimming, colour grading, adding visual effects, and integrating audio elements.
Types of shots:
Different types of shots in film contribute to the overall visual storytelling and can evoke specific emotions or convey important information.
Wide Shot, also known as an establishing shot, a wide shot captures the entire scene or location. It provides context, setting, and establishes the spatial relationships between characters and objects. Wide Shots are often used at the beginning of a scene or to show the grandeur of a landscape of environment. They create a sense of scale and help orient the viewer.
Medium Shot, frames the subject from the waist up, allowing viewers to see facial expressions and body language more clearly. Medium shots are commonly used in dialogue scenes or to focus on a specific character or action within a larger setting. They create a sense of intimacy and connection with the characters.
Close-up shot zooms in on a specific part of the subject, typically the face or an object, filling the frame with detail. Close-ups are used to emphasize emotions, reveal details, or create a sense of intensity. They can convey subtle expressions, heighten tension, or draw attention to important visual elements.
Tracking Shot involves moving the camera alongside or following the subject. It can be achieved using a dolly, Steadicam, or other tracking equipment. Tracking shots add dynamism and fluidity to a scene. They can be used to follow characters, create a sense of movement, or showcase action sequences. They immerse the viewer in the scene and provide a cinematic experience.
Point of view shot represents the perspective of a character, showing what they see or experience. It immerses the audience in the character’s viewpoint, making them feel as if they are experiencing the events firsthand.
Long shot shows the subject from a distance, typically emphasizing their full body or capturing a significant portion of the scene. It can be used to show the characters actions or interactions within the environment.
Extreme Close-up zooms in even closer that a close-up, often capturing a specific feature or detail. It is employed to draw attention to minute details, gestures, or expressions with a high level of intimacy or significance.
Pre-Production
Short Film-Double
A young girl named Libby, comes across a social media trend called the Mandela catalogue. It creeps her out but she grows curious about what it is and starts researching it. The trend becomes often content on her phone, almost every time she uses her phone. She starts to see a figure but it isn’t clear of what it is. The more she sees the figure the more clear its appearance becomes. She recognises the figure to have the same appearance as herself. She thinks nothing of it at first as she is convinced its her mind playing tricks on her. The more she saw it the more it was getting close to attacking her. One day from coming home, she goes on her phone and scrolls on tik tok. In the corner of her eye, she can see that her bedroom door is slightly open. She looks up and her doppleganger is stood staring at her with a sinister grin. Looking back at her phone then quickly looking back at the door the figure has vanished. But the hallway light is flickering. Libby goes to discover what is happening. At the bottom of the hallway the alternate is covered in blood tapping on the front door. “Hello, who are you?” Libby calls out. The alternate rapidly turns her head at Libby. “Get out of my house” Libby yells. The alternate slowly starts walking up the stairs towards Libby. “What do you want”? Ignoring her, the alternate starts sprinting towards Libby screaming at her. Next scene she wakes up in her bed as if everything was nothing but a bad dream. Getting ready for the party she’s having at her house. Getting everything ready before her friends turn up. She puts all the drinks and snacks onto the kitchen counter but the living room lights start to flicker and the tv starts going static. Ignoring it Libby carries on preparing the table, until she hears the video playing on the tv saying “if you see another person that looks identical to you, run away and hide”. Libby slowly walks her way into the living room. The alternate is stoop at the back door in the kitchen, holding a knife covered in blood. Libby runs upstairs with the alternate following her. Cuts to the doorbell ringing, then Libby’s double (pretending to be brad) walking towards the door to answer it. Friends walk in as “Libby” greets them into her home. “Tip Toe by tiny Tim” playing . Camera moves from the living room all the up stairs to Libby’s bedroom into the cupboard. The real Libby is tied up in the cupboard. The End
Cast & Crew:
Trinity Sykes as “Libby”
Trinity Sykes as “Alternate Libby”
Camera Operator: Hannah Grace
Equipment:
2 Cameras
A microphone
Fake Blood 2x
white eye contacts
cheap grey outfit
Script:
When i was writing a draft of the idea for this film, i was sat in my bedroom, on FaceTime to my friend and i had each scene planned out in my head, and where to shoot the scenes around my house.
To help with schedule, i decided to create a timetable for filming, so it would be easier for me as the director and for the cast (mainly Trinity).
This helped a lot as it helped navigate around my schedule and the time i had to create this film for the project.
Production
On the day of filming due, to personal reasons Trinity cancelled. I had to improvise and switch around Trinity’s and Hannah’s roles. So now that i had Hannah playing the lead role, i had less stress as i didn’t have to worry about Hannah cancelling on filming as she informed on her free time and how she was available to film whenever i had scheduled. I also changed the title from “Double” to “Mirror”, as it made more sense and it was more catchy.
Getting Hannah in costume for the “Doppleganger” was fun as we used one of her old outfits she no longer wears and we covered it in blood and ripped up the top. Hannah did her own makeup. I wanted the doppleganger to look like Libby but a disorted version of her to bring the horror effect of the film. The hard part of getting Hannah ready for the doppleganger scenes was getting the eye contacts in her eyes, but a youtube tutorial later we finally got them in.
The Script changed a lot during the process of production as everyone who i asked to be extras for the last scene couldn’t make it for filming. So i had to improvise and make it out that the doppleganger killed her friends hence on their unattended visit. To do this, it was a good job Henry pulled through and actually showed up for filming so we could actually have a scene to film.
Editing:
At first with the editing process, i decided to make a rough edit with the footage i had so far during the process of filming. I used imovie for the rough edit as it is the only accessable software i have whilst at home. This helped as i had more of a idea of how i wanted the film to turn out whilst editing it.
At college i decided to edit the rest of the scenes using Premiere Pro as i now have more experience with working with that Software as i used it for my last project but this time i have improved from that as i had no help from anyone with it.
Poster:
With creating the poster i had the idea of having both the character and the double in the same frame. I created the title using Photoshop and i wanted the text to have a reflection effect for the poster. Then made this transparent so i could add it onto the poster.
Then for the poster, i took a photo of Hannah dressed as the doppleganger, then another photo of Hannah as “Libby”.
I then used a app called Video Star on my phone to edit the photos together. Then i added the text onto the photo. I made the photo look smooth and more realistic by using “bg blend” and changed the colouring of the photo.
Completed Movie
Evaluation and Reflection
This project was exciting for me as i have experience on creating a short film from last years Final Major Project. I feel like i wasn’t as stressful during production as i was making “ESME” as i had the experience of what not to do for a more successful process. Last time i used a high amount of cast for almost every scene, whereas this time i only had 3 characters throughout the whole movie, and only one cast member played 2 characters so this helped alot.
Coming up with the idea of the film was easy as i already had the idea building up in my head way before we came back to college. The idea came from a youtube series named “The mandella catalouge” which is about the mandella effect, which explains the theory of seeing something that isn’t actually there or believing something happened when it didn’t. The series talks about alternates and how dangerous they are. This then became a TikTok trend where people would dress up scary and act like they have their own doppleganger. I decided to take this for the idea of a short film.
I think overall, the project presented me with the opportunity to work on my mistakes and improve on my skills within directing, editing and filming. In my creative sense, i feel that making horror films isn’t my best skill as of right now because the more i watch the film, the more i feel like it looks goofy and has more comedy than horror elements.