Virus - Screening Shorts

Andrew is working late at the office when he receives an email from his girlfriend, Amber. The email is blank but contains an attachment. Andrew downloads the attachment, a QuickTime movie shot from Amber’s webcam, only to discover some shocking footage...

Clip Details

Genre: Horror

Country of Origin: UK

Medium/Content: Colour, Sound, Live Action, Fiction

Themes: Danger/Fear, Loss/Memories, Work/Ambition

Clip Length: 6:10

Age Group: S1-S3

Classroom Activities

01 Critical

Before watching the film, cover the video screen and ask pupils to listen
Note all the moments in the film when the camera moves (pans, tilts, tracking shots and zooms). Discuss what effect these camera movements have on the storytelling.
Complete a 'Tell Me' Grid Analysis of the film and discuss as a group.
Show the opening minute of the film and ask your pupils to spot the linking content/idea in the various shots.
Discuss what can we tell about the main character Andrew’s relationship with Amber, his girlfriend. How does the filmmaker indicate this?
How many different kinds of camera are used in the making of the film? What effect does that have?
The story is told in ‘real time’ (everything actually happens in the space of six minutes). What effect does that have on the dramatic tension?

02 Cultural

In groups, ask the class to make a list of all the thriller/horror stories or films they know. Then ask them to list the features they have in common. Then ask them to compare this film and work out what makes it different in the way it makes you scared.
Count/list how many electronic devices or machines are shown in the film. Discuss what point the filmmaker is trying to make here.

03 Creative

Plan and produce a short film based around the premise of a camera left filming, unknown to people.
Edit a trailer for ‘Virus’, using the conventions of a horror trailer. Or can you edit it in another style – like a romance?!