That's an original idea. I don't know how long it would work for, because a webcam can't move so all your action must be happening in the same couple of metres. It could be possible to pull it off though, so I certainly don't discourage you.
The most important thing to do first of all is write your script. Without it, it's hard to know exactly what sort of effects your after and if the story is any good. Get it down on paper ASAP would be my advice to you, and then chuck it on the site so we can give some more feedback.

The question is, will the webcam be used as a webcam in the movie (as if the viewer is watching horror in someones house over the internet) or is that simply the camera you have and you're working with it.

If that is simply the camera you have you can reposition it between shots as a normal camera. If not, well it would be best to do the entire thing in one long shot without any obvious cuts or editing to make it look a bit more like a webcam was running while some internet guy got hacked and slashed live. How you put the makeup on without cuts would be tough, but you can mask some of that by having a person move in front of the camera, basically blocking everything and allowing a spot to hide the cut.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

I have the basic layout of the plot in my head, my idea is to have it start out with the character, a murderer, vidlogging about his latest kill, while a few quick shots of the murder intersperse his words. Already paranoid that someone might intercept the vidlog, he starts letting the small things get to him, like cars going by, the apartment creaking, etc. After this happens a few times, he breaks down crying, then calmly sits back in front of the webcam, apologizes to his victims, and without warning slits his own throat with a pocket knife.

I'm writing out a full script, I'll post it up here when I'm through.

And rjschwarz, thanks for the idea, one shot isn't feasable, so I'll write something in that requires the character to, say, fiddle with the lens or something, anytime a cut is absolutely unavoidable. The only time I don't want the video to look and sound like raw footage is during the opening monologue (with the quick flashes), and of course, the opening and closing credits.

quote:

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I'd like to make a short horror film, using only a stationary webcam for shooting, household items for blood/gore effects and makeup, and film editing using only free software.

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This is the blood recipe I use. The color and consistancy is perfect.

Mix 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon flour. Bring to a boil and let boil for 3 min. Then let simmer on low for about 15 min. Remove from heat and let stand around 5 min then mix in one 0.13 oz. package of black cherry (powder) kool-aid mix.

I got this from the "Eejit's Guide to Blood" on exposure.co.uk

There are some others on there but this ine is the most cost effective.

"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try." - Yoda