Preparing the film opening: the story behind

Creating Stalker was an intense and thrilling experience, blending fear with excitement as we brought this unsettling story to life. From the initial concept to the final edits, every decision was made to immerse the audience in the terror of being watched.

Building the Story

The premise of Stalker is simple yet terrifying: a girl walks home alone at night, sensing someone following her. She makes it inside safely, but the fear doesn’t end there. Later, as she lies in bed, the TV suddenly turns on, revealing security footage her stalker is trying to break in.

We wanted the opening to capture a slow building dread rather than rely on sudden scares. The real horror comes from the unsettling realization that even the safety of home isn’t enough to escape.

Filming in the Perfect Setting

To achieve the eerie atmosphere, we shot at night with minimal lighting. A recent storm had knocked out the outdoor lights, which at first seemed like a problem, but it actually made the setting feel even more isolated and creepy. The wind howling in the background added an extra layer of unease, making every shadow and movement feel more ominous.

One of the biggest challenges was capturing the perspective of the stalker without revealing too much. We used shaky, handheld camera work to mimic the feeling of being watched from afar, and for some shots, we even attached a phone to a stick to get creative high angle views, adding to the feeling of an unseen presence lurking nearby.

Bringing the Fear to Life

Editing played a huge role in building suspense. I focused on lingering shots, and subtle sound design to create a feeling of paranoia. The final scene, where the TV starts was designed to be the ultimate gut punch moment. The realization sinks in, and then, cut to black. No explanation. Just the chilling thought of what happens next.

The Experience: A Mix of Fun and Fear

While Stalker is meant to terrify the audience, making it was a mix of adrenaline and excitement. There were moments when we genuinely spooked ourselves, especially while filming in the dark with the wind making eerie noises around us. But at the same time, experimenting with shots, problem solving on set, and watching the tension build in the final edit made the entire process incredibly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

Preparing this film opening was more than just a creative project: it was an immersive experience that pushed us to think outside the box and fully embrace the genre of psychological horror. The combination of real fear and cinematic techniques helped bring Stalker to life in a way that feels raw, unsettling, and unforgettable.