Locations

There are 3 locations where I will film the horror opening sequence. It starts outside in a wooded area and a local chalk pit. Later in the sequence Heidi wakes up at home.

The Woods

Shots: 3-14
Why have I chosen this location: Woods are fairly sinister to start with, they give off a feeling of isolation as there are no buildings around. This means that if something were to happen (which undoubtedly in a horror film, it will) there is no one around to help you.
Conventional of horror?: Yes, for the above reasons. Forest locations are used a lot in horror films, for example The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Risks/Potential problems:

• It is a public place that is very popular with dog walkers. It could be hard making sure that no one else is in shot. The same goes with wildlife, a rouge squirrel could change the atmosphere completely. 
• The weather: If it is particularly muddy that could pose as a problem because a lot of the scenes require running. If Heidi slips over because it is muddy not only will that take be no good but the rest of filming would also be in jeopardy because suddenly being covered in mud would ruin the continuity of the sequence.

The Chalk pit

Shots: 16 - 30
Why I have chosen this location: This will act as a good dead end to stop the chase and slow down the pace of the sequence. Also the cliff face (I say cliff face, it isn't as tall as a cliff but there is still a fair drop) will allow me to get a good range of shot types.
Horror conventions: I can't say this is overly conventional as I am not aware of any previous horror films to feature such a location but having said that the back drop is still woodland.
Risks/Potential problems:

• To get the shots I have planed I need to take the camera very close and possibly over the edge of the chalk cliff face/drop. Obviously this is relatively dangerous as I could fall over the edge but I think that is fairly unlikely. I have been to this location a fair few times and never run into too much trouble or got seriously hurt so this will not be a problem. I think it is also important to stress that I am not putting my actors into any potentially dangerous situations. I would hate to be responsible for their injury but if I fall and break something its my own fault.

The Bedroom

Shots: 31 - 46
Why have I chosen this location: This location is for when Heidi is waking up from her bad dream. It makes sense to film this in my bedroom as I have unlimited access to it and is a perfect setting for the action.

Horror Conventions: Horror films do often feature familiar homely settings. I think this is scary because if there is one place you should feel safe its your own home. This is the case in Halloween (1978) where the antagonist stalks a teenager in her own neighbourhood and eventually chased and attacked in her neighbours house.
Risks/Potential problems:

• There is not an abundance of space in my bedroom and getting all of the shots and angles I want could prove tricky.