A free Halloween family learning day exploring the camera techniques used by filmmakers to create suspense, danger and fear on screen.

What makes a horror film actually scary?

It's not just the monster. It's not just the music. It's the camera.

Get On Set: Family Edition — Scary Movie Edition is a FREE Halloween family learning day at The Light, Durham — exploring the filmmaking techniques behind some of the most spine-tingling moments in cinema history. How directors use camera angles, shot sizes and movement to build tension, create danger and make audiences grip their seats.

Delivered by Crew Gal Creative House and funded through the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, this is a hands-on, practical family learning day with a very spooky twist. You'll get behind the camera yourself and try out the techniques used by real filmmakers to create suspense and fear on screen.

No experience needed. No industry knowledge required. Just bring your family — and maybe a cushion to hide behind.

What happens during the day?

11:00am — Welcome & Industry Introduction

We kick off with a welcome from Crew Gal Creative House and an introduction to careers in film and TV production — the roles, the routes in and the opportunities available across the screen industry in the North East.

12:00pm — Guest Speaker Q&A

Hear from an industry professional about their career in the screen industry. Ask questions, get advice and find out what it really takes to build a career behind the scenes of film and TV.

1:00pm — Lunch

A complimentary crew lunch is provided for all attendees.

1:30pm — The Workshop — Scary Movie Filmmaking

This is where it gets hands-on. You'll explore the camera techniques used by filmmakers to create suspense and danger in horrors and thrillers — angles, shot sizes and camera movement — and then try them out for yourself. What makes a low angle feel threatening? Why does a slow zoom create dread? How do filmmakers use handheld camera to put you inside the action? You're about to find out.

What's included — all free

Welcome session and industry introduction

Guest speaker Q&A

Hands-on scary movie filmmaking workshop

Complimentary crew lunch

Who is this for?

This session is for everyone. You don't need any film experience or industry background. We welcome:

Parents, carers, grandparents and older siblings

Young people curious about film and TV careers

Families who want to explore screen industry opportunities together

Adults considering a move into the screen industry

Community groups and family networks attending together

Created especially for communities that are often overlooked or underrepresented in the TV and film industry, these sessions are designed to break down barriers, build confidence and open doors.

Description supplied by the event organiser.