Creating the proper, eerie atmosphere is essential for any great horror movie. Horror filmmakers must master the art of crafting creepiness in their scenes, and Rosco offers a variety of resourceful products to help achieve this. From the moody illumination created by the versatile and powerful DMG Lighting Fixtures, to the mystifying mist of the Vapour Fog Machines, to the limitless location options with SoftDrop backdrops, Rosco provides the tools that horror filmmakers need to create a supernatural atmosphere for their projects.
Lighting is one of the first visual aspects a horror filmmaker should consider. It can effectively transform any mundane location into an unsettling atmosphere. Filmmakers need precise control over light and shadows to instill fear in their audience, whether by hiding the monster in darkness or bringing it front and center to elicit screams.
Rosco’s DMG Lighting line is known for its range of soft light fixtures that feature a slim and lightweight profile. This combination allows filmmakers to place lights anywhere on set, ensuring optimal lighting for every scene. On top of that, the exceptional color science of the MIX® LED technology inside each light, alongside the various built-in effects, such as firelight, strobe & police lights, empower filmmakers to build uniquely eerie atmospheric effects for their horror movies.
Fog has occasionally been the antagonist in horror movies like The Mist, but more often, it is used to enhance the mysterious atmosphere of a scene. When it comes to fog effects for horror films, it’s crucial to consider both the fog machine and the fog fluid. A thick, opaque fog can be used to blanket the set and obscure the view for both the characters and the audience, while a thin, mist-like haze can subtly suggest the presence of something otherworldly as it picks up any colored beams of light in the shot.
Click each image to learn how filmmakers used fog & haze effects to create their unworldly atmosphere.
Rosco has different sizes of fog machines such as, the compact Mini-V Fog Machine ideal for smaller spaces, and the Vapour Fog Machine and Vapour Plus Fog Machine for larger jobs. The Rosco V-Hazer and V-Hazer Fluid are also available if you need to create long-lasting, beam-catching haze on set.
Additionally, Rosco has multiple fog fluids to choose from:
Horrifying stories can unfold anywhere, from the depths of outer space to post-apocalyptic deserts. While shooting on location in these settings can be difficult, expensive, or even impossible – a physical backdrop hung on set can create highly realistic and immersive environments without breaking the bank. Simply add a smaller backdrop outside a window to hint at a location, or surround your characters with a sinister, multi-storied backdrop.
Rosco SoftDrop is a backdrop solution that features countless realistic image options, durable quality, and our award-winning Day/Night Technology that allows one drop to provide different looks depending on if it’s lit from the front, the back – or a mixture of both. Whether it’s choosing an affordable drop from our expansive library of Rental SoftDrops, to creating a bespoke Custom SoftDrop – the Rosco Digital Imaging team can provide the perfect backdrop imagery for your project.
Horror filmmakers of all levels can rely on Rosco products to craft terrifying atmospheres. Use DMG Lights to manipulate menacing lights and shadows, usher in frightening fog with our fog machines, and trap your characters in any nightmarish location with SoftDrop backdrops. Elevate your horror filmmaking and bring your most chilling visions to life with Rosco’s innovative solutions.