CASE STUDY, SCARED TO DEATH: THE THRILL OF HORROR FILM
EXHIBIT OVERVIEW: Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film is a permanent exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) Originally introduced as Can't Look Away, this landmark exhibition explores the evolution, artistry, and cultural resonance of the horror genre in film and television, Anchored by the creative vision and curatorial participation of iconic horror directors: Roger Corman, John Landis, Eli Roth, their collective filmographies form the backbone of the exhibition—many of their seminal works are showcased, and each director helped select and contextualize the films presented throughout the gallery. The exhibition immerses visitors in the world of horror, crafted by these genre legends through original props, costumes, set pieces, and multimedia experiences.
ASSIGNMENT: Commissioned to develop distinct immersive soundscape loops for The Turrett (exhibit entrance staircase), the Main Gallery, and the Zombie Jail.
AUDIENCE
Exhibit is targeted at enthusiasts and horror fans, film history buffs, pop culture scholars, families (with content warnings for more intense areas), and curious general visitors.
CREATIVE OVERVIEW: In terms of its content, presentation and personality, the original Horror was conceived as an entertaining educational vehicle for the widest possible audience — including families & young children. The reimagined Horror 2 however, does far less explaining how to scare people — than it does actually scaring them.
The Turret: Stairwell Entrance The audio for the stairwell will use an immersive sound design approach, completely devoid d of any musical elements. The sound composition will be based on an “insect takeover” motif. These sounds will be fundamentally sharp, harsh and though recognizable, disconcerting & unnatural Speaker position, reverb and echo will make the space sound bigger. Altered chattering, scuttling insect sounds will issue from the top of the speaker array while speakers at the bottom of the stairs create a low menacing series of events and “attracts.”
The Turrett: Entrance Stairwell Soundscape)
MAIN GALLERY MASTER SCORE: The score that will play throughout the exhibit is derived from the original Can’t Look Away score. However, the transient, panning, moving mix that was the hallmark of the original will be replaced by a traditional “stationary” mix. This will allow the score to work more like a conventional horror film score — working the ebb and flow of tension and apprehension. Like the original, a musical heartbeat will drive the score and provide the bed linking all sections. Over a 15 minute span, the score recedes into the pulse and creates open quiet interludes. These quiet sections provide a clear field, increasing the immersive effects of the individual exhibits. A sixteen (16) channel/speaker array plays back all audio for the master ambient score and the Slasher, Vampire & Zombie attractions.
Main Gallery Soundscape
ZOMBIE JAIL This attraction’s sound design supports the Video/Window array that will do the heavy lifting. Creepy subtle pads let you know you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sound design will be primarily diegetic. Altered/surreal aquarium bubbles and water-filters for the heads in tanks, the zombie stuck in the closet etc.This soundtrack will work harmonically with the master ambient score and will be an audible part of the experience.
Zombie Jail Soundscape