How to Film a Thriller

There are certain thriller conventions that are very common in a thriller, all these techniques of camera work is what makes a thriller what it is. These are listed below:

* reverse shots
This shows the character and then what the character sees. Thrillers can be quite hard to keep up with so this helps the viewers keep up to date with what the full surroundings are.

* fast pace shots
Fast pace shots build up suspense when something bad is about to happen. It keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for a climax to build.

* non-diegetic music/sound
This creates tension AND suspense by using sinister music, this could be associated with death, misfortune and fear.

* extreme close ups
This usually creates curiosity because the audience aren't usually familiar with their identity.

* point of view shots
These shots are used to make the audience feel like they are part of the thriller, the viewer is put in the same situation as the character. This causes a "thrill.'

* diegetic background sound
When diegetic sounds are included it makes the scene more realistic as nothing is left out. Seeing as this thriller above is shot outdoors, the sound of nature was recorded; the scenes feel more natural.

* dark lighting
Dark lighting is usually associated with "scary" things, even being in your bedroom in the dark makes your heart beat a bit faster. This is why directors of thrillers love to put their characters in dark scene
* tracking shot

* high-angle shot
This shot is used in thrillers to make the character look isolated, weak and vulnerable. The minute they are put in a high-angle shot is when the audience know something bigger and stronger could attack them. This then makes the audience get emotionally attached to the character and

* hand held camera shot
The technique has been used to heighten tension and give realism to countless films and television programs.