Practical: Filming Candles

Practical: Filming Candles

Using candles in horror film openings is a common convention, as if the candle is focused on the flame, the background becomes almost invisible, creating the effect of hiding something.  

The sound of a candle being blown out is also an effective sound as it is short and sharp and signifies the shot being put into darkness. 

I found 3 large candles and thought that they represented the eerie candles seen in most horror films. I placed them in front of a white background and filmed from a range of angles. 

 

 

This was the effect made in the footage. If I adjusted the focus on the camera I could make the background black which looked more effective than having the candle reflect the white background.

 

 



 

The shot on the left has part of the background showing whereas the shot on the right has a different focus and therefore has a completely black background.

 



 

To create the effect of someone blowing the candle out I needed someone to hold the camera. I got my mum to hold the camera at the place that I decided looked best and record me.

I ensured that the room was quiet because I wanted to use the diegetic sound of the candle blowing out. 

 

Evaluation:

• The clips filmed look good and can used during the fast editing of our film opening
• It is a common convention in horror films to have candles due to the connotations of focus and being put into darkness when they are out
• The candles do not link to our narrative, but I think they will look good if they are edited well