How to Shoot a 30-Second Horror Short Teaser

Halloween is the perfect time for filmmakers, film students, and video creators to showcase their talent with a spooky horror short film. What better way to embrace the season than with a fun, low-pressure filmmaking challenge? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced filmmaker, creating a 30-second horror teaser at home is a great way to experiment with horror storytelling and cinematic horror techniques. Even with limited resources, you can still craft a creepy atmosphere that keeps audiences on edge. All you need is planning, creativity, and smart filmmaking techniques!

For this Halloween film competition, we’re keeping things short and sweet: your goal is to make a 30-second horror teaser. A teaser is a short, suspenseful clip that gives a sneak peek of your horror story. It doesn’t need to reveal everything, just enough to leave the audience intrigued and wanting more.

You’ll need:

• A smartphone or basic camera
• Simple household items for props, costumes, lighting
• Editing software (free options like iMovie, Cap-Cut)
• Your filmmaking planner (optional but recommended for organisation!)

Let’s break down how you can plan and execute this in under 48 hours, even with minimal equipment.

 

Step 1: Plan Your Teaser

Before you start filming, brainstorm your concept. Since you only have 30 seconds, focus on one suspenseful moment. Think of it as a teaser trailer filmmaking exercise—a hook that keeps viewers engaged.

Here’s how to structure your teaser:

• Set the scene: Where is your horror taking place? Your living room, a creepy hallway, or your back garden?
• Introduce a character or presence: Is there a victim, a mysterious figure, or something unseen (like a ghost or monster)?
• End with a cliffhanger: Leave the audience guessing. Maybe the character hears a sound, sees something terrifying, or the lights go out.

 

Step 2: Scout Your Location & Props

You don’t need a fancy set to make something creepy. Use what you have at home! Think about how you can transform everyday spaces into a horror setting with some simple adjustments:

• Living Room or Bedroom: Dim the lights, close the curtains, and use a flashlight for eerie shadows.
• Bathroom: Fog up the mirror and have something appear in the reflection.
• Hallway: Long, dark hallways are perfect for suspenseful reveals.

Look around your home for simple props that could add to the horror vibe:

• Old dolls, masks, or Halloween decorations
• Sheets (for ghosts or creepy figures)
• Everyday objects that can make noise (creaky doors, footsteps)

 

Step 3: Lighting & Sound

Lighting and sound are key to building tension, and the good news is, you don’t need professional gear to create a spooky atmosphere. Here’s how you can work with what you have:

• Lighting: Use lamps, phone flashlights, or candles to create mood lighting. Play with shadows—lighting your subject from below or the side can make them look extra creepy.
• Sound: The right sound effects can elevate the fear factor. Use your phone to record eerie noises like creaking doors, footsteps, or whispers. You can also find free sound effects via Cap-cut, a free video editing software.

 

Step 4: Shoot Your Teaser

Now that you have your plan, it’s time to shoot! Since you’re working with limited time, focus on getting a few great shots rather than trying to film everything perfectly. Here are some quick tips for shooting your horror teaser:

• Keep the camera steady: If you don’t have a tripod, prop your phone or camera on a stack of books or a shelf to keep it steady.
• Experiment with camera angles: Low angles make things look more threatening, while high angles can make characters look vulnerable.
• Don’t show too much: Sometimes the scariest things are the ones you don’t see. Suggest something terrifying with shadows or out-of-focus figures.

Want to know which camera angles will suit your halloween short film? Check out our blog "Mastering camera angles and shots"

 

Step 5: Edit & Finalize 

Now that you have your footage, it’s time to polish your teaser.

 Here’s how to keep the editing process simple and effective:

• Trim and tighten: Make sure your teaser is exactly 30 seconds. Cut any unnecessary footage to keep the pace quick and tense.
• Add sound effects: Layer in your recorded sound effects or free sound downloads to heighten the suspense.
• Use filters and effects: If your editing software allows, play with colour filters to give your teaser a darker, more cinematic look.

Want to build momentum and pace in your halloween short? Check out our blog on "Honing the art of film editing" 

 

Step 6: Share Your Horror Teaser

Once you’ve polished your 30-second teaser, get ready to showcase your work!

FAQs

What makes a good horror teaser trailer?

 

A great horror teaser builds suspense, intrigue, and atmosphere within a short timeframe. Focus on strong visuals, eerie sound design, and a cliffhanger ending to keep viewers engaged.

Do I need professional equipment for this competition?

 

Not at all! Many filmmakers create incredible horror shorts using just a smartphone and free film production software like iMovie or CapCut. Cinematography tricks and smart editing can make your film look polished.

Where can I find free horror sound effects for my teaser?

 

Platforms like Epidemic Sound, Pixabay, and Videvo offer royalty-free horror sound effects perfect for enhancing your film’s creepy atmosphere.

 

Deadline is 4th November