Treatment Two (Opening of film)

Title of film: Retention 

(n) Retention - the continued possession, use, or control of something.

Duration of film: 2 minutes.

Audience: 
Both genders aged 15-25 with an interest in horror, supernatural creatures/objects, fear of the unknown and thrills.

Certificate: 15

Distributor:
Brain Damage Films

Summary of Opening: 

Retention is a 2017 British supernatural horror film directed, written and produced by Sam Johnson, Gina Allen and Courtney Hutton. 
We see the final guest (Jace) arrive to Riley's new home gathering and see the teens discuss on how they can liven their party up. Riley's best friend Malia suggests they check the attic in which Riley exclaimed was left in 'such a mess' filled with old board games and trinkets. We watch as Jace and Malia venture into the attic and find an old Ouija board. The scene cuts there allowing the title of the film to be revealed before the scene then cuts to the five friends surrounding the board, ready to play. Malia, being the expert on such, guides her friends in starting the game until things take an unexpected turn for the worse.

 Suggested Elements: 

  The first element that an opening of a horror film will rely on is the suspense and building of tension. It is important the opening sets the story as well as creating that initial fear in the audience. Fear is by far the most important factor of a great horror story. The real trick to constructing this fear is to scare people with the fears they might not have had before watching this film. It is too early on in the film to start adding jumpscares. If we just throw a bunch in at random points, the film will lose it's build up and viewers will eventually grow wise to the act and find it less appealing. The opening is where we have to build on sound and music to create that perfect build up. The best scenario consists of someone waiting for something to happen, and when it does it's completely unexpected. A better horror story is one that builds up the suspense. We don't just want minor chords and a load of jumpscares, we want emotional connection with the characters and we want to live out their stress.