How to Shoot a 30-Second Horror Short Teaser

Halloween is the perfect time for filmmakers to get creative and share some spooky content. What better way to dive into the spirit of the season than with a fun, low-pressure filmmaking challenge? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned filmmaker, creating a 30-second horror short teaser at home can be a great way to showcase your talent. Even if you have limited resources, you can still make something chilling and effective—all it takes is a little planning and creativity!

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 grab your camera, spend a little time brainstorming and planning your story. Since it’s only 30 seconds long, focus on one clear, suspenseful moment. Think of it like a "hook" that makes people want to see the rest of the film.

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 & Finalise

Once you’ve captured your footage, it’s time to bring it all together. 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:

Submit halloween short-film here

 

Deadline is 4th November