Production - Props used

For the teaser trailer for my group, various apparatus will be needed to make the set for filming. The use of a crucifix is something which needed great thought, as using a real one would have been disrespectful towards some people, for using it in a demoralising aspect. So the thought of making one, was on the agenda from the origin of the idea. Making one out of two bits of wood, would have been challenging, as finding two pieces of wood that would be big enough to use, and for easy mobility to and from the set was virtually impossible. We had to think of spiritual aspects which would not be offensive towards Catholicism, yet be affective in the use of our production.

Crucifixion is an ancient method of painful execution in which the condemned person is tied or nailed to a large wooden cross (of various shapes) and left to hang until dead.

Using chains to symbolise the lack of hope the victim has was something which was a good idea. We wanted to make the scene look authentic yet also modern. Our first idea to use rope could case a danger risk, if there was a fire, so using handcuff/chains was a better idea as they had a release hook. These were also more affective as they created an eerie sound while filming.

The connotation of a candle, some would say would be romantic, yet with different props and the gothic make up, we were able to create a peculiar and enigmatic scene for our filming.

The connotation of a candle, some would say is a very religious element and a sign of hope, purity and innocence. Everything what the teaser trailer is opposing. The candles represent the voodoo what is happening in the film. As they are in a circle it shows the spiritual ceremony what the female character is doing.

Our first ideas were to burn black candles; however we have already used a black cape for the female character, and we wanted to have a contrast. We wanted the white candles to have a realistic affect, which adds to the horror theme in the film, with the thought that this could maybe happen.

Although not visible in the actual trailer as a prop, we had to use a black sheet to cover up one of the boards, as we wanted to have a very low key lighting through out our teaser trailer. We also needed this as the lights we were using where reflecting of the white boards which showed up when we looked back on the footage.

The book which we have used represents the voodoo which is being performed by the female character. The book represents the eerie feel to the film.