Lighting, Framing, and Sound

 

Framing is how the picture is shown, such as what is in the frame and what is being blocked. It also includes where in the frame an actor is. In a way, it is a lot like camera shots, but also includes more of its environment.  For example, a common trope used in framing is with tunnels or portals, such as in Stranger Things, where the characters look through an unknown portal to another dimension. This helps tells its story because it allows just enough information to be learned while leaving other information out, a very important part of horror.

- A character looks through an interdimensional portal. Note the framing of looking at the scene from this perspective, and what information is shown to the viewer. 

Lighting helps sets the scene by improving the detail and visual appeal of a set, just like in a picture. It also helps set up the symbolism of a scene's purpose, as well as its tone and theme. A good example is horror movies such as The Conjuring, during an exorcism, where the lighting is dark, with a single point of bright light. It keeps that horror element of that dark, while also having the symbolic effect of light against darkness. 

- Notice the light and how it directs attention to the important parts of a scene and location.