SCARED TO DEATH: The Thrill of Horror Film
Horror
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, the exhibition delves into the evolution of the horror genre and its impact on society, examining how horror movies reflect societal fears.
Spanning more than a century of cinema, the exhibition explores different thematic sections dedicated to classic horror monsters like vampires, zombies, and werewolves, as well as psychological horrors and the living dead. Iconic artifacts contribute to the chilling atmosphere and underscore the genre's ability to tap into our deepest fears.
With the aim to spook, educate and entertain, "Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film" is an exploration of the enduring appeal of horror, the cultural forces that drive the genre, and the creative minds that have mastered the art of the scare.
SCOPE OF WORK: Create and implement immersive compositions for: the exhibit entrance stairwell (Turret), the Main Gallery and Zombie Jail.
Exhibit Stairwell Entrance (The Turret)
The audio for the stairwell employs an immersive sound design approach, devoid any musical elements. The sound composition will be based on an “animals sacrificing animals ” motif. These sounds will be fundamentally harsh and though recognizable, disconcerting & unnatural. Sacrifice occurs at 1:34. Speaker position, reverb and echo will make the space sound bigger. Altered chattering, scuttling unnatural 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.” Animals sacrificing animals. Not for the faint of heart.
Exhibit Entrance Stairwell (The Turret)
Entrance Stairwell Soundtrack
Main Gallery Master Score
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. The transient, panning, moving mix will allow the score to work more like a horror film score — working the ebb and flow of tension and apprehension.
Main Gallery Soundtrack
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 gallery score and will be an integrated audible part of the entire exhibit experience.
Zombie Jail Soundtrack
