GOTHIC HORROR FILM PROJECT YEAR 8 TERM 2
This half term you will spend your English homework time working on a
Gothic Film project, linking in with the Gothic/Horror scheme of work in
school. You should spend at least 1 hour per week on it. You can
use a computer to present your work or it can be done on paper.
A tick symbol shows the tasks; details are then given. A star symbol
shows extra challenges for the keenest pupils!
Background: Just like gothic fiction, the following features can be used
in gothic film. These features include: terror (both of the mind and
physical), mystery, the supernatural, ghosts, haunted houses and Gothic
architecture, castles, darkness, death, decay, doubles, madness, secrets
and curses. Characters from gothic film include: tyrants, villains,
bandits, maniacs, Byronic heroes, persecuted maidens, femmes fatales,
madwomen, magicians, vampires, werewolves, monsters, demons,
ghosts and the Devil himself. It is up to you which features you will
incorporate into your film.
To complete your independent study you must hand in:
1. plot outline - week 1
2. film poster – week 2
3. character profile – week 3
4. story board for your opening scene – week 4
5. film review – week 5
Week 1 Plot Outline
Your first task is to choose a suitable picture to base your film on. Pick a
picture that sparks your imagination and that would also be a basis for a
fantastic gothic film. When you have decided on a picture, think
carefully about the following task:
Task 1: Come up with a film pitch to show to studios who might
invest in your film. A film pitch is when you describe the plot of your
film. How you present your film pitch is up to you. You may want to
make a power point presentation or design a billboard of ideas for your
film. Consider: What is the title of my film? How will my chosen picture
link to the plot of the film? What gothic features will my plot contain?
How will I make my plot exciting?
Challenge
Include a page of script from your film.
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Week 2 Film poster
Task 2: What poster would you want to advertise your film?
Remember the picture you chose for task 1 is only meant to be used as
a basis, not as a poster. You could use ideas from the picture but it is
your opportunity to show off your creative skills.
Consider: Colour/title/font- how will you make your poster look gothic?
Check out other film posters- how do they sell the film? How will your
poster link to the plot? What will you give away from the poster?
Week 3 Character profile
Task 3: Choose two characters from your film and design a character
profile for each one. Try to be imaginative with your profile. For example
you could include a C.V and a costume design.
Consider: What is their role in the film? How will you make them look
gothic?
Challenge
Create an interview for a film magazine with a famous actor/actress who
will be starring in your film.
Week 4 Story board
Task 4: Design a story board for the opening of your film. Your story
board needs to present the opening of your film in detail. It will help
people to understand the setting and atmosphere of your film.
Consider: How will you break down your opening into a story board?
What gothic images will you include?
Challenge
Design a 3D model of a gothic character from your film.
Week 5 Review
Task 5: You have just been invited to the premiere of your film. The
local press has asked you to write a review of your film. The review
could be done in the form of an article, film website or even a
radio/television programme.
Consider: Give a brief recap of what the film was about. In your review
give a balance of good and bad points. Mention the quality of the
acting/directing/special effects/sound effects. Try to give a flavour of
what people might enjoy about the film.
Challenge
Include photographs/film stills/illustrations of the film in your review.
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