How to make a Horror Film

1. 1
   Get a scary idea for the movie. But make it good so they wont suspect it coming. And when it comes, make it as scary as it can be. It could be more frightening if you HEAR noises, rather than SEE the ghost or monster etc.
2. 2
   Turn your idea into a plot, or story. A great way to get an idea is to brainstorm ideas, then choose one and write the story. Always have a story before filming, or else it might turn out cheesy.
3. 3
   Find a place to film the movie. Good ideas are in the woods (especially at night), cabins, wooden buildings, abandoned houses, etc. Make sure that you have permission to film at the location before you start.
   
4. 4
   Find a cast who's willing to star in your thriller. They don't necessarily need acting experience, but that depends on the complexity of your movie. Make sure they are willing and able to take orders from the director.
5. 5
   Add scary and scratchy, eerily atmospheric music for suspense. Add scary, screechy music for when something surprising happens.
6. 6
   Have a scary killer/monster/whatever. For some reason killers that don't talk are scarier than ones who do. Make sure their motive is simple (revenge/insanity is good)
7. 7
   Make something completely ordinary the center of the drama (paper bag, telephone, toilet, doorbell, TV, videotape). If you do it well, it will be scary!
8. 8
   Have a plot twist (at the end or middle end).
9. 9
   Add good effects (if the blood looks like ketchup you're not going to scare anyone so use hot sauce or tomato soup instead. It looks more realistic) If you choose to go with effects...that is. Its proven that a sudden moment of suspense without graphic bloody violence is more scary because the watcher's imagination finds the scariest possible outcome that they personally can imagine... much scarier than even a realistic gore fest... think De Niro's Hide and Seek... Scary because of the suspense, not because of the blood, or the realism of said blood.
10. 10
    Make sure you use good effects. if you want to make magic balls, fire, explosion etc. use effects lab pro! An alternative, which is more expensive, but can give much more professional results is called Adobe After Effects (it has motion tracking, color correction etc., see a site called VIDEO COPILOT).
    • If its murder in your film,make it realistic by cutting out newspaper articles and terms.(Example:Cut out photos and articles of Missing people,deceased people, etc. And Use your Psycho as the plot of those Situations.)[p.s.Don't Use Real Names of suspects and or Deceased]
11. 11
    After all of the filming is complete, start moving it to the computer. Editing it is often fun, but frustrating, seeing as it could be erased with one click.
12. 12
    About half way into editing, set a release date. Put up posters around school or the neighborhood. Try not to invite general public though, just people you know.

Things You'll Need

• Script or permanent plot sequence
• Characters that perfectly fit your actors
• Organization
• Camera (3ccd is a benchmark for broadcast quality)
• Tripod
• Microphone - preferably a "rifle" mic
• Lighting
• Charged batteries and blank tapes!!!
• Fake blood, costumes, wigs, masks, and whatever else is necessary (stock up on the costumes, makeup, and blood at the Halloween section at Wal-Mart!!!!!!!)
• An empty house or two. Free of people not involved in the Filming is better.
• Good video editing software, specifically for NLE or Non-Linear Editing (like Windows Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, AVID media composer)
• Creepy soundtrack/soundscore
• willing friends
• A very scary or eerie set, to set the motive for the movie to be chilling.
• And have a movie premier to show to all of your friends, it's loads of fun!!!
• (If you want to get yourself noticed,try placing a video on "www.youtube.com". You'll recive reviews, comments, rates, and easy fans. Just Sayin')

SOURCE: Wikihow