Research - Color Psychology #10

 

Due to wanting to build suspense and an unsettling feeling for the audience in our film, I feel as if researching the impact of color psychology would allow me to apply and improve the film with the tone and suspense created using that knowledge.

The intentional use of color to stimulate certain emotional and psychological reactions from viewers is known as color psychology in movies and television shows. Filmmakers use color schemes to build people, improve narrative, and create engaging environments. Every color has associations and meanings of its own that affect how the viewer perceives and feels. (Fusco & Hellerman, 2023)

Through the use of color psychology, filmmakers can enhance the impact of scenes and narratives by appealing to viewers' subconscious reactions. Color psychology enhances the emotional impact of movies and television shows, whether it is through the ominous use of shadows, the vivid colors of a romance scene, or the colorless design of a dim future (Fusco & Hellerman, 2023)

Because viewers naturally connect colors like red, black, and dark blue with danger, violence, and the unknown, horror commonly uses these tones. The colors build suspense, trigger natural fear reactions, and indicate that there will be danger or uncertainty in the narrative. By using familiar color schemes, genre coding enhances these psychological effects, enabling audiences to recognize a movie as comedy, sci-fi, horror, or thriller only by looking at its visual tone. (The Horror HQ, 2024)

Child’s Play

In the Child’s Play (1988) poster, color is used to contrast innocence with horror as the poster uses color to quickly show viewers that the film is a horror story, even before they notice the details of Chucky himself. The poster features bright staturated color, such as red, blue, and a yellowish orange that are taken directly from the Good Guy doll design. Psychologically, these colors normally suggest childhood, safety, and playfulness, but in the horror context they become unsettling due to the overall view.

The background is almost completely black, which creates a sense of darkness and danger. Black is a common horror color because it suggests the unknown and makes the main figure stand out sharply. The red in the title and around the knife signals violence, blood, and fear, as red is one of the strongest danger colors used to signal “slasher”. The cold blue lighting on Chucky’s face adds a nighttime, unnatural feeling. These colors work together to create a tense mood that tells the viewer the film is frightening and violent.

The poster also uses color to highlight the theme of a child’s toy becoming a killer. The bright, toy-like colors, especially the orange hair and colorful clothing, stand out against the dark background, making Chucky look both playful and threatening at the same time. 

IT

The IT movie poster with the kid in the yellow raincoat uses color in a very clear and simple way to show danger and fear. The bright yellow jacket is the first thing you notice, and it stands out sharply against the dark background. Yellow is normally a cheerful, safe color, but in horror it becomes unsettling because it looks out of place. It makes the child seem small, innocent, and vulnerable. The background is mostly black and grey, which creates a cold, empty feeling and hints that something bad is hiding in the shadows. This dark setting warns the viewer that the story involves mystery, fear, and something lurking just out of sight.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             The red balloon he holds is a classic horror signal as red suggests blood, danger, and a trap. Against the background, the red balloon almost glows, making it clear that it represents something evil, drawing the child in. The contrast between the kid’s bright yellow coat and the deep red balloon shows the clash between innocence and danger. Together, the yellow, red, and black color scheme codes the movie as a supernatural horror story about a predator targeting children, and builds tension before the viewer even knows the plot.

Reflection:

My color palette will show the horror genre and mood slowly appearing by using dark colors like black and red. These colors are often linked to danger, fear, and the unknown, which helps build suspense. but will first come off as innocent with colors like green or blue, to overshadow danger and later reveal it, keeping the audience on their toes. Using mostly dark tones with small bright colors makes the scenes feel unsettling and tense. This helps the audience quickly understand the genre and feel the creepy mood from the start.

References

               Fusc o, J., & Hellerman, J. (2023, August 30). The Psychology of Color in Film. Nofilmschool.com; nofilmschool. https://nofilmschool.com/color-psychology-in-film

                         HQ. (2024, November 30). What Is the Role of Color in Horror Visuals? Thehorrorhq.com; The Horror             HQ. https://thehorrorhq.com/blog/what-is-the-role-of-color-in-horror-visuals

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• Reflection: How will your color palette immediately signal your genre and mood to the audience?

Research - Film Openings #9

I'll be researching the importance of opening credits from the video that Ms. Ortiz had us watch for an assignment, and how they impact the film itself. After doing so, I’m going to compare them to how I’d want my film opening.

Opening credits are important as they inform the audience about the main people who worked on the project and are featured in it, as well as establishing the mood and reflecting the theme, as it is an opportunity to convey tone. This helps the audience to smoothly transition into being able to understand what is about to be portrayed, as they are usually visually creative to be memorable.(StudioBinder, 2020)

Film: Monsters Inc

The font has a fun/funky look as it is constantly bouncing. Fun puzzle/drawn movement in animations, animations move with the instrumental/sound, very colorful yet not super bright color, and includes doors throughout the entire opening, implying significance.

The music used in the opening is slightly upbeat as it is jazz-like with it constantly increasing volume/note, depending on what is going on, while still being neutral and feeling unnatural. This matches how the movie is unrealistic, as it deals with monsters and gives that slight upbeat feel to overshadow the unsettling feel that is behind it. 

The constant use of the doors in the opening foreshadows the significance it has on the movie's plot as it continuously shows monsters coming out of them and going into another. This overall sets the tone of the film as it all ties together to prepare and inform the audience on the feeling they are about to experience from viewing the film.

Film: Halloween (1978) 

The dramatic visuals and simple style of the Halloween (1978) title sequence set the tone for the horror movie. It gives a sense of creeping danger as the screen is consumed by deep black and vivid orange writing, and a jack-o-lantern that gradually grows slowly and zooms closer as it gives credit to those who worked on it.

        

In addition to referencing danger, this use of color defines the Halloween theme, as it uses different shades of orange and black to connect the story to the "Halloween" holiday while setting the tone of danger. 

The gradual movement towards the pumpkin's eye symbolically draws the viewer into the shadows. The imagery's simplicity, just one ominous pumpkin, fits the pattern of ignoring violence and danger in favor of creating suspense and the unexpected.

Reflection:

Studying the opening credits video helped me understand how they set the tone and mood of a film. Comparing Monsters Inc. and Halloween (1978) showed how different choices in music, color, and visuals affect how the audience feels. Monsters Inc. uses fun movement and color to create a playful tone, while Halloween uses simple visuals and dark colors to build suspense. These examples helped me think about how to design my own opening credits to match the mood of my film by taking some of the same elements.

References

            StudioBinder. (2020, May 18). Reacting to Opening Credits — What Makes a Great Title Sequence? YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFUtF0gNocM

                        (2025). Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/FCfv5P8GXU4?si=y5adeiR6dravliFC

                                    Halloween (1978) - Opening Credits. (2025). Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/8_tGvktfjjk?si=k0oc-BayHeW5q5HQ

Planning - Film Decision #8

 

The Decision Blog

Group Members

Camilla Zayas

Sofia Valdes

Jasmin Cueto

      

We are all contributing to the planning and filming while Camilla will research, Sofia will provide resources like the setting, camera equipment, etc, and the editing will be on Jasmin but will also be divided between all three members to capture the editing element in our film while leaving out stress and pressure on just on of us.

Comedy, Horror, Drama

For our film, we choose the horror genre as the film will be based off a horror story while still incorporating drama and comedy elements.

Justification

We chose the horror genre with a mix of drama and comedy to provide depth in our film and for it to be entertaining for the audience because it effectively uses codes and conventions to create an experience of suspense, fear, and psychological unease in the audience, while having its slight dramatic and comedic elements. The analysis of the scene in Terrifier demonstrates an understanding and visual of how these established techniques can be applied to make a quiet, atmospheric terror rather than relying mainly on loud, sudden shocks.

Filming

For camera work, the project will incorporate shaky handheld shots to create a sense of realism and show the audience a panicked point of view. Extreme close-ups on characters' faces will capture their fear and emphasize gruesome details. Wide-angle shots will demonstrate a sense of isolation and expose vulnerability within a large, unsettling environment. 

Point-of-view shots from the victim's perspective will build suspense and place the audience directly in the same view at the characters. Medium and close-up shots will also be used to focus on the villain's unsettling stillness and the victim's growing discomfort, as seen in the Terrifier example.

Editing

In terms of editing, quick cuts will be used to punctuate high-tension moments and jumpscares. The production will also incorporate slow pacing, mirroring the Terrifier scene, to build an unease feeling before a scare. Cross-cutting will be used to build dramatic irony, showing the audience a threat approaching one character while another remains unaware.

Sound will be the use of non-diegetic, eerie music to create an ominous atmosphere and deep suspense. Sudden loud noises, in conjunction with quick cuts, will be used so that the audience is startled with jumpscares. Heavy use of silence will create moments of intense tension, making the audience anxious about what might break the quiet. 

Additionally, minimal dialogue so that it emphasizes unsettling silence.

Mise-en-scene will be low-key and dark lighting to create shadows and a sense of mystery. 

The narrative will explore themes such as the fear of the unknown, isolating characters to increase their vulnerability, and focusing on the protagonist's desperate urge for revenge.

 

Backup Choice

If there was to be an issue in producing our initial film genre idea, we will choose to do a backup genre of an action film thats consists of fighting scene and other related scenes. This would work as it would consists of all the elements we already plan to use for our production while keeping it entertaining and fun to do.

Target Audience

Our target audience that we feel would be more likely to be interested and want to continue watching are students who can relate to the characters/subjects in the film and have interest for horror stories, leading to it being aimed at more in late middle school to high school students.

In addition, its aim being towards teen with personal issues that can connect them in a way that relates to their life, imaging the characters of our story, is also towards the coming of age students that our genre will attract viewers with feeling and suspense to give a thrill people so commonly love.

Representation

Our film opening will represent people and issues as it will clearly demonstrate the typical personal issues teens deal with such as bullying and self-esteem with more that the target audience can relate to. This allows a clear representation of the characters, how they are, and their vague background.

The film while challenge the typical bully stereotypes and usual victim while adding mini twists to it to add more personality to the characters for more depth and emotional attachment. This will effectly connect with the audience as it would make them feel more attached and never at unease with the plot twists of the film.

Early Vision

Our first ideas consist of a story of school bullies and relationships dynamic with another or the victim. The film will include some comedic input to keep it interesting as well as including suspense as a tone to keep it unexpected and pursued viewers to continue to watch and enjoy. We have not exactly panted a setting we want to incorporate in our film, but will most likely utilize our school hallways and classes while using other setting like a house, playgrounds, and other public places as part of our mis-en-scene.

Challenges

The challenges I expect during all of the filming, editing, and overall tasks when making the film are getting the angles and takes right, making sure they match and go together smoothly, editing to put everything together, and the sound during the film, such as any background that interferes with the story of the film.

 Another big challenge that can affect the film negatively is scheduling a certain time and date to work and produce our film, but will be worth it in the end. We are familiar with each other, therefore it should easier to work together and produce our film to the best of our ability.

The strength my group brings is Sofia's camera, bringing better quality of the film to really see the story clearly as well with the feelings it'll give with the clearer quality, Jasmin's past editing skills and knowledge to add ontothe cinematic piece and use all the cinematic elements to influence the story, and Camilla's thorough research and information she collects on how to add onto and put the story together.

Research - Genres #7

Introduction:

The three genres I will be focusing on are Drama, Comedy, and Horror. I chose these genres because they give a unique and emotional storytelling experience while still entertaining the audience. I also find them very interesting when they are used all together to give a creative and exaggerated feeling with a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.

Drama

Camera Work: Usually close-ups and medium shots to capture subtle emotional expressions, as well as slow-moving shots to allow the audience to focus on the actor’s performance.


Editing Style: Slow-paced to allow the scenes to be completely read and understood. Long takes and continuity editing are frequently used.


Sound: Realistic sound design, natural dialogue, and minimal non-diegetic music. When music is added, it is often emotional, soft or orchestral.

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In the bus stop scene, the camera uses close-ups and medium shots to capture Forrest’s calm, heartfelt storytelling, with slow editing and natural sound design that emphasize his sincerity and emotional depth. It is set in a realistic park with natural lighting and everyday props with the scene showing themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth through Forrest’s character-driven reflections.

Mise-en-scene: Realistic settings like homes, schools, or hospitals. Lighting is natualistic, with costumes and props that reflect everyday life.


Themes: Conflict, relationships, identity, morality, coming of age.


Narrative Elements: Character-driven stories, internal struggles, emotional turning points.

Comedy

Camera work: Reverse shot during dialouge for punchlines, wide shots to show physical comedy. Zooms or quick pans for comedic effect.


Editing Style: Snappy, fast-paced cuts to keep energy high. Jump cuts may be used for comic timing.


Sound: Light-hearted or quirky music. Exaggerated sound effects enhance slapstick or awkward moments.

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In White Chicks, the shopping mall scene uses energetic camera work with quick cuts, wide shots, and close-ups to emphasize the comedic tension and exaggerated expressions during the makeover. The bright lighting, upbeat music, flashy costumes, and a fast-paced editing style, the scene demonstrates themes of identity, disguise, and social pressure through humor.

Mise-en-scene: Bright Lighting and colorful setting. Costumes are often exaggerated or character-specific to enhance comedic traits.


Themes: Misunderstanding, irony, awkward situations, love, friendship, failure.


Narrative Elements: Unlikely events, exaggerated reactions, punchlines, situational humor.

Horror

Camera Work: Shaky handheld shots, extreme close-ups, wide angle shots for suspense. POV shots to immerse the audience in fear


Editing Style: Quick cuts for jumpscares or slow editing to build tension. Cross=cutting to create dramatic irony


Sound: Eerie music, sudden loud sounds for jump scares, heavy use or silence.

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In Terrifier, the scene where Art the Clown silently stares and smiles at Tara in the pizzeria uses medium and close-up shots to capture his disturbing stillness and her growing discomfort, with slow pacing that builds unease. The naturalistic setting, low background noise, and minimal dialogue highlights themes of unpredictability and fear, turning an ordinary public space into a moment of quiet psychological terror.

Mise-en-scene: Dark lighting, confined spaces, creepy or abandoned settings. Costumes might include blood, dirt, or unnatural details.


Themes: Fear of the unknown, survival, death, isolation, supernatural forces.


Narrative Elements: Final girl trope, haunted locations, mysterious deaths, supernatural or psychological horror.

Plot Sketches:

Drama

A young teenage girl sits in a waiting room at the hospital. Her hands tremble as she stares at her phone, waiting for a message, then she gets flashbacks that show tense moments between her and her twin sister. 

As she waits, she begins to cry silently to herself, revealing the emotional weight of the situation. The scene ends with the doctor walking toward her, with an unreadable expression.

Comedy 

Three girls attempt to record a cooking tutorial for a school assignment, but everything goes wrong. They spill everything everywhere, forget the ingredients, and argue over whether salt or sugar goes into the cupcakes. 

The oven catches on fire, and it ends with the cupcakes looking crazy all over, but they continue to laugh anyway.

Horror 

A woman moves into a cheap apartment, and the landlord says the previous renter suddenly left. On her first night, she hears knocking coming from inside the closet with soft breathing. 

She slowly opens it, but nothing is there. As she turns away, the closet door creaks open again with a voice whispering “My turn”. The lights flicker and the scene cuts into a black screen.

Reflection

The Drama genre feels the most achievable to me because it requires minimal effects and relies on strong acting with tone and real-life settings. Comedy excites me the most as it allows room for so much creativity, improvising, and instant feedback from the audience. Horror may be the most difficult with the resources I have due to it requiring careful lighting, sound design, and tension building. Overall, all these genres fascinate me, and to learn more about them allows to me to apply what I know for when I potentially use them in future assignments.