Genre

Film genres are identifiable classifications of films that have similar conventions, for example the same situations, content, theme etc. 

Horror
The aim of horror films is to create a sense of fear and dread for the audience. Horror films are often unsettling and portray the audience's worst fears. We know if it's a horror film due to the codes and conventions. The four key concepts of genre is: the settings, characters, themes and iconography. Horror films are usually targeted at 15-24 year olds.

The iconography of this genre involves; use of low key lighting- to emphasis shadows, weapons, blood and religious symbols.  Horror films use a lot of dark colours, mainly black and red. These colours signify the violence and death included in the film. Characters also wear dark clothing. An example are the 'Saw' films, as a lot of red is seen throughout the film which signifies that it is a violent film. The setting of horror films are mostly in isolated communities. Common settings are in a house, graveyard, hospitals and churches. Horror films use high/low angle shots, jump cuts and non diegetic/diegetic sounds. 'Halloween' effectively uses a point of view shot when the killer puts the mask on, this is done to make the audience see what the villain sees. Another example is Sweeney Todd, in this film we know it's a horror/thriller as throughout the film the mis en scene is dark, for example the lighting is always dark and the setting uses dark tones. Also the costumes worn are very old and dirty looking, these indicate the tone of the film.

Thriller
The aim of a thriller is to create suspense and excitement for the audience. The narrative revolves around the protagonist (hero) trying to solve the enigma and reveal the truth. The hero isn't always someone you'd expect. They are normally outsiders or people who are secretive.The hero and villain can often be quite similar, even though they are against each other. The setting of this genre is set in an urban environment, use of busy cities. The resolution is always rational, (not supernatural) unlike horror films. Instutions such as police or the government are often central to the film, this makes it more realistic. Violence is main idea in most thrillers. An example of thriller is Taken, throughout this film we see a lot of violence and them protagonist constantly on the move.

We can take the conventions of horror/thriller into account when making our opening sequence. From this is will help us create the mis en scene, for example what costumes to wear and how the lighting should be. We know to make the lighting quite dark and shadowy and the make up to be quite pale. This will help portray the horror genre as it suggests something bad has happened or is about to happen.

Sub-Genres
There are also sub-genres, which are sub categories within a particular genre. Horror has many sub genres such as: slasher eg (Psycho), science fiction eg (Alien franchise), supernatural (eg war of the worlds), teen horror (eg misfits), satanic (eg The Omen). Thriller also has many sub genres such as: conspiracy thriller (eg Bourne franchise), crime (eg Se7en), diaster (eg 2012), mystery (eg Shutter Island), religious (eg The Davinci Code).