{"id":156497,"date":"2021-07-09T09:06:09","date_gmt":"2021-07-09T14:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=156497"},"modified":"2021-08-17T10:39:58","modified_gmt":"2021-08-17T15:39:58","slug":"7-pacing-tips-editing-horror-films","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/7-pacing-tips-editing-horror-films\/","title":{"rendered":"Editing Horror Films: 7 Pacing Tips for Your Next Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-horror-happens-in-the-edit-let-s-explore-how-pacing-can-create-a-feeling-of-dread-that-keeps-your-audience-on-edge-and-fully-engaged\"><span id=\"horror-happens-in-the-edit-lets-explore-how-pacing-can-create-a-feeling-of-dread-that-keeps-your-audience-on-edge-and-fully-engaged\">Horror happens in the edit. Let\u2019s explore how pacing can create a feeling of dread that keeps your audience on edge and fully engaged. <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well-made horror films stick with you. The horror classics, they keep you up at night and give you pause at odd times during the day. It&#8217;s a lingering feeling. It&#8217;s not simple fear. It&#8217;s something more existential and heavy, something you can&#8217;t easily shake off. It&#8217;s a feeling that convinces you, <em>even though you know better<\/em>, that there&#8217;s got to be one more scare to come. Because you&#8217;re in its clutches. It&#8217;s right behind you. There is no escape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What <em>is<\/em> that feeling? And how do you harness it for your own horror film and video projects?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That feeling is dread, creeping or otherwise, and it&#8217;s the product of editing. While there are indeed many elements that make horror films what they are, ultimately it&#8217;s the pacing created in editing that&#8217;s going to keep your audience on edge long after the end credits have rolled. Let\u2019s explore the editing ins and outs that make the horror genre click. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-titles-and-intro-animations\"><span id=\"1-titles-and-intro-animations\">1. Titles and Intro Animations<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o8POSOF_4Zk?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to put your horror projects in the best (or darkest) light as soon as possible, set the scene early with some horrific\/terrific title and intro animations. So, before we wander too far into the woods of editing for horror, download these 100% FREE assets (inspired by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0796117\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">M. Night Shyamalan<\/a> film <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt4972582\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Split<\/a><\/em>) for creating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/create-horror-titles-in-after-effects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">suspenseful title sequences in After Effects<\/a> and a <a href=\"https:\/\/filmbodega.com\/blog\/free-premiere-pro-horror-titles-template\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">free Premiere Pro motion graphics template for horror trailer titles<\/a>.  &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_OkJjd51_J4?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-scripting-and-understanding-the-genre\"><span id=\"2-scripting-and-understanding-the-genre\">2. Scripting and Understanding the Genre<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg\" alt=\"Children of the Corn\" class=\"wp-image-127150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg?resize=277,156 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg?resize=359,202 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg?resize=543,306 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg?resize=560,315 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Children-of-the-Corn-Folk-Horror-1.jpg?resize=150,84 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>It&#8217;s important to first study the horror genre by watching classics like <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0087050\/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Children of the Corn<\/a><em>. Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_World_Pictures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">New World Pictures<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nailing a film&#8217;s pace actually begins in pre-production. To create a memorable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/icontent-creator-starter-kit-folk-horror-films\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">horror film<\/a>, one must first understand the genre itself. By studying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/guide-to-basic-film-genres\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">genre theory<\/a>, and specifically the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/genre-breakdown-horror-films\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">horror genre<\/a>, you should be able to turn your rough idea into a fully-realized concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From there, it takes a careful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/best-screenwriting-contests\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">scripting<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/top-5-storyboarding-apps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">storyboarding<\/a> process to really unlock what makes the story work, and how you might want to build it visually. Remember, to make good horror, one must study good horror. Watch as many movies as possible to learn from the masters <em>before<\/em> you even start trying to shoot and edit your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-the-horror-film-story-arc\"><span id=\"3-the-horror-film-story-arc\">3. The Horror Film Story Arc<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/m6H_FPvKpWI?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building upon the previous point, your pacing will be tighter if you have a firm grasp on the tenets of storytelling. Horror films most often follow the principles of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/the-recurring-myth-behind-your-favorite-films\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Hero\u2019s Journey<\/a> to help outline their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/plot-structure-for-films-and-screenplays\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">plot and structure<\/a>. At the very least, you should have a basic understanding of storytelling traditions before you try to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/rules-of-three-act-structure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">break the rules of the three-act structure<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of my favorite examples of how pacing and story can come together to create something terrifying is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/genre-breakdown-sci-fi-films\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">sci-fi<\/a>\/horror crossover <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0078748\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Alien<\/a><\/em> (1979), directed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000631\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Ridley Scott<\/a> and written by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0639321\/?ref_=tt_ov_wr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Dan O&#8217;Bannon<\/a>. The film\u2019s pacing is really what develops the suspense, with each act perfectly placed in sync with each other, all culminating with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/filmmaking-lessons-making-of-alien\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">infamous chest-burst scene<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-creating-tension-and-suspense\"><span id=\"4-creating-tension-and-suspense\">4. Creating Tension and Suspense<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"441\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg\" alt=\"Silence of the Lambs \" class=\"wp-image-156573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg?resize=300,175 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg?resize=277,162 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg?resize=359,210 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg?resize=543,317 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg?resize=560,327 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Silence-of-the-Lambs-1.jpg?resize=150,88 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Tension in a horror film is created by both the characters and storyline, as seen here in <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0102926\/?ref_=nv_sr_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The Silence of the Lambs<\/a><em>. Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Orion_Pictures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Orion Pictures<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At every step along a horror film&#8217;s production timeline, the ultimate goal is to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/filmmaking-tips-creating-tension-suspense\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">build tension and create suspense<\/a>. When it&#8217;s time to actually get down to filming, directors and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/tips-from-cinematography-masters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">cinematographers<\/a> will often shoot an array of options for each scene, including variances in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/7-standard-filmmaking-shots-every-cinematographer-must-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">shot types<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/filmmaking-conveying-emotions-with-lenses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">lenses<\/a>, and other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/create-compelling-film-composition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">compositional elements<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, it&#8217;s the editor&#8217;s job to make the best choices for when and where those shots are used in order to create pacing that ramps up the tension and suspense. And, while many directors work directly with editors to piece together their films, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/film-editors-storytelling-gatekeepers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">a good editor<\/a> should have a strong understanding of these different filmmaking techniques and how they can help build tension and suspense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-don-t-forget-sound-design\"><span id=\"5-dont-forget-sound-design\">5. Don\u2019t Forget Sound Design<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WnozP8OWeik?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Soundtrack and sound design&#8212;both of these audio elements are crucial when developing a horror film&#8217;s mood, theme, and pace. A perfect example of how sound design can help establish a film\u2019s pace is found in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm1024677\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">John Krasinski<\/a>\u2019s 2018 horror film <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt6644200\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">A Quiet Place<\/a><\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The film is notable for its lack of dialogue, yet renowned for its intense use of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/charlie-clousers-logic-plugins-horror-films\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">sound design and effects<\/a> to tell a suspenseful horror story. You can read more about how <em>A Quiet Place<\/em> used (and didn&#8217;t use) sound in its edit in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/quiet-place-masterclass-sound-editing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-finding-the-right-rhythm\"><span id=\"6-finding-the-right-rhythm\">6. Finding the Right Rhythm<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"403\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg\" alt=\"Us\" class=\"wp-image-156502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg?resize=300,160 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg?resize=277,148 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg?resize=359,192 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg?resize=543,290 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg?resize=560,299 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Us-Horror-Editing.jpeg?resize=150,80 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/the-power-of-match-cuts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Match cuts<\/a> and other editing techniques help with the rhythm of an edit, as seen in <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt6857112\/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Us<\/a><em>. Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universalpictures.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Universal Pictures<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can&#8217;t talk about pacing without talking about rhythm. And, while the two terms share similar meanings, they&#8217;re quite different when it comes to filmmaking. The editor of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm1443502\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Jordan Peele<\/a>\u2019s horror film <em>Us<\/em> discusses how he uses rhythm in his editing process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>There are long stretches of nonverbal scenes that really become about the rhythm you\u2019re telling a story through imagery, through physical action, and you\u2019re conveying emotions through a combination of cutting physical action, music, movement. And, in a lot of ways, it felt like composing a piece of visual music. <\/p><cite>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm2538611\/?ref_=nv_sr_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><em>Nicholas Monsour<\/em><\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can read our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/interview-editor-nicholas-monsour-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">full PremiumBeat interview<\/a> with Nicholas Monsour to learn more about how he used rhythm to dictate pacing while putting together Peele\u2019s modern horror classic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-horror-assets-and-overlays\"><span id=\"7-horror-assets-and-overlays\">7. Horror Assets and Overlays<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-SUfNMmYYxc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Innovative post-production techniques and editing tricks have long been a vital part of the horror genre. So, just like how we started our list, we\u2019re going to end it with more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/free-halloween-assets-for-horror-film\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">free horror assets and overlays<\/a> to help film editors develop their horrifying pace in post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And, while it\u2019s important not to rely too heavily on digital effects for your terror and suspense vibes, adding the right mix of fog overlays to obscure characters and action is a tried-and-true technique for conjuring those glorious feelings of dread that linger with audiences.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more filmmaking advice, techniques, and resources, check out these articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/3-practical-horror-gore-effects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">3 Practical Gore Effects for Your Next Horror Short<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/tips-for-student-film-sets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">5 Ways to Avoid the Horrors of Every Student Film Set<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/mr\/horror-music-nature\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">In the Shadows: The Changing Nature of Horror Music<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/fantastic-fest-horror-filmmaking-advice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Fantastic Fest: One Horror Filmmaker\u2019s Advice from Over 30 Features<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/indie-film-genre-mumblecore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">What is Mumblecore? A Guide to this Indie Film Genre<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Cover image from <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt7784604\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Hereditary<\/a><em> via <a href=\"https:\/\/a24films.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">A24<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Horror happens in the edit. Let\u2019s explore how pacing can create a feeling of dread that keeps your audience on edge and fully engaged. Well-made horror films \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":156505,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3843,39],"tags":[536,5376],"class_list":["post-class-post-156497","post-class-post","post-class-type-post","post-class-status-publish","post-class-format-standard","post-class-has-post-thumbnail","post-class-hentry","post-class-category-filmmaking-2","post-class-category-video-editing","post-class-tag-filmmaking","post-class-tag-video-editing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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