Lights Out Short Horror Film

Lights out is a short horror film that is roughly 2 minutes long. It was produced by the public and wasn't part of any major production/ distribution company therefore being made on a very little budget. It was first brought to my attention via Facebook as it was shared on my news feed. I instantly made a connection with the film and decided to do an analysis of it as I am in the exact same shoes as the people who made it, in terms of budget, actors, equipment etc.

The story starts with an establishing shot of a block of average flats, setting the scene for the audience. This also enlightens me on the fact that the producers haven't gone to any extravagant locations to film, they've literally used their own living space.

Next we see a mid-shot of the actress coming out of what appears to be the bathroom and walking along the hallway to the light switch. The mine-en-scene is her dressed in ordinary female bed wear and what you would expect to see in your average flat, i.e a coat stand.

As the actress turns on the light, that is when we first see the appearance of the 'villain' in the dark at the end of the hallway. We see no details, such as the face, gender, clothing, or figure of said villain, just a silhouette in the dark. This is the exact same effect Im trying to achieve as it 'plays on peoples everyday fears'. It will also make the viewer jump at the same time, but not in the incredibly dull way jump scares do as in the paranormal activity films. This also stays with the audience and leaves a lasting impression with them when they get home. Oddly, theres also no music played throughout the film, amazingly this actually adds to the suspense even more as it kinda makes the viewer feel like they're actually there in the film!

Im considering using this similar effect in my film as I think it gives the film a unique twist and creates a more realistic feel for the audience.

We then see the actress turn the light on, to find the figure gone, she turns it off to see it return, this happens a few times. The camera angle is that of an over the shoulder shot, giving the impression that we are stood behind her, this camera angle also doesn't change throughout the 'light on, light off'. This creates the effect of being frozen in place and unable to take your eyes off the hallway. Id like to use this effect to in my short horror film as it creates the 'as if you're actually in the film' feel Im aiming to create.

On the fifth time she turns the light off, the creature appears in a different but closer spot, making the audience jump again but not as a cheesy jump scare.

We then see the horror in the actresses face via mean of a close up camera shot. Out of fear she tapes the light switch shut to leave the light on as she sleeps, this also plays on peoples fears, especially kids as they leave the light on as they are afraid of the dark.