Research : Conventions commonly found in Horror films.

Setting
Generally, horror films place characters in in places where no-one can help them. Settings typical of this are urban environments, dark streets and narrow alleyways. The narrow alleyways give a sense of claustrophobia that is out of their control usually. This is done in order to make the audience uncomfortable, as well as the characters that are placed in these situations. Other places include abandoned houses, and isolated areas with dark histories. These places are almost always associated with darkness and unfamiliar.
Technical codes
Camera work is very important in order to convey certain themes and feelings in a film. High and low camera angles are an example of how fear can be established in a certain scene. POV can be used to show different perspectives from the characters in a film. By using this code a the audience is shown a varying angle at which to look at. Hand held shots make the camera shaky for the audience, and it makes it harder to see and creates tension because of the lack visibility, so entices the audience with the increased tension. Frame work is also effective for this utilising this technique and makes is difficult for the audience see the main threat in the film. Disturbing sounds are key and can be used sparingly for a false jump, or can be used as ambient diegetic sounds like footsteps. Extreme close ups are able to identify the audience with the feelings and mood of the character in that moment in time(and can make the audience fear more for what the character may have seen). Editing can be controlled by speed and can reflect the mood of the scene accordingly.
Icons
Colours like black and red are the most basic icons of specific themes like death, blood and danger. These can be manipulated through lighting that is expressive. Low-key lighting can be used to create dark shadows etc.
Mise en scene 
Props can be used to represent  the horror genre, such as weapons and other icons that link with other horror themes.
Themes

• Good vs evil
• Revenge
• Nightmares
• Insanity
• Lust 
• Envy
• Madness 
• Self consciousness