Thriller Planning: basic shot list

The scene will begin with an over the shoulder shot of a young girl, of the age of about 17, adjusting settings on a camera. This will establish the main character, and immediately shows a character signifier - the camera itself. This also shows the girl's vulnerability; she is focused on her camera work and so is distracted.
This will then cut to an extreme close up of the camera. The shutter button will be pressed and the camera will flash. This suggests confusion, as flashing lights can often disorientate people. this could also be effective in slow motion, as this would add to the disorientation. Disorientation is often used in thriller films as the feeling can be quite frightening, for example in Donnie Darko, a psychological thriller.
Next, it will cut to a close up of a hole in the wall. Through this, a shadow will appear, and then move away. This gives the impression that the girl is being watched. This is a generic convention of thriller films, as it often feels threatening. This is used in thrillers such as The Strangers, to create the effect of the victims being 'hunted'.
Then, a high angle tilt shot of the girl looking anxious will be used. The high angle of this shot will emphasise the vulnerability of the girl, and the tilt will reflect the disorientation and confusion. This tilting effect is a generic convention of thriller films. It is most famously used in 'The Third Man' when Holly Martins is in a city which he doesn't know. This helps to put the audience in his situation; feeling confused and lost.
After this, it will cut to a point of view shot from the girl looking around the room. Point of view shots allow the audience to see from the characters perspective. This puts them even more into the situation, making it seem more threatening as they feel they are living it vicariously through the character. This shot will end by focusing on a hand sticking out of a doorway.
Next, it will cut to an extreme close up of the girl's face. This will display her expression, which will be confused and scared as she moves towards the hand she has seen. This shot will add tension and suspense to the scene.
Then, it will cut to a point of view shot from the girl, looking around the corner and finding a body. A point of view shot is particularly effective for this part of the scene, as it makes the audience feel as if they are in the girl's situation and have just found the body themselves.
To finish, it will cut to an over the shoulder shot as the girl begins to run out of the door, but will show a threatening figure standing in the doorway. This creates a cliffhanger, making the audience want to know what happens next, and how the rest of the film pans out.