Lighting in horror - daylight

Continuing my study in the horror genre, I thought, yes I've touched on horror in darkened settings, but have I tried to depict the atmosphere of horror in the daytime?
When thinking of horror in the light of day two titles from the horror genre came to mind. The first example that sprang to mind was Paranormal Activity 3 (2011) - an invisible demon stalks a family of 4, and unlike its predecessors which focused on promoting a horror atmosphere in the evening, this one is shot in both day-time and night-time.

As the character in this title (Toby) is invisible it already creates a sense of mystery for the audience, adding feelings of anticipation, keeping the viewers in a constant anxious state, wondering when the invisible demon will strike next. Running upstairs chasing her younger sibling, the eldest daughter Katie bumps into thin air. Looking up in terror, the audience cannot see what she has bumped into. The only indication of a supernatural presence is a dark shadow on the floor. Suddenly, she is lifted off the floor by her hair, evoking feelings of fear as well as a physical reaction in the audience.

The second example that came to mind when I thought of horror in daylight was Left 4 Dead 2 (2009)

http://ohitsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/left-4-dead-2-the-parish-new-characters.jpg

http://www.co-optimus.com/images/upload/image/2009/left4dead2%202009-10-28%2022-20-53-54.jpg

Using subtle hints of red, orange and yellow for the sun mixed with dark shades of blue in the background and grey and brown for the lighting on the buildings in the foreground, this evokes feelings of warmth and happiness as the nightmare is almost over. The lower tones of white for the flash-light create minor shadows, thus maintaining the element of darkness even in the daytime.

http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2009/07/left-4-dead-2-hands-on-preview/left_4_dead_2_3.jpg

During the stand-off against the horde in the third chapter of the level, I saw a great deal of colour value; the sunlight reflecting the bright colours of some surrounding buildings giving a higher value, whilst the scaffolding and construction equipment seemed to absorb the light and create lower colour value. Again, this creates a visual sense of darkness within the light of day which maintains the atmosphere of horror.


What relevance does this research provide for the development of my project and horror?
The relevance of this research is so I can identify and elaborate on the lighting, colours and shadows in a daylight setting. This will help expand options for my project as I have not yet decided whether I will be doing my 3D environment in a day-time or night-time setting. This research will also help me with any future colour tests because the recognition of colours and how they evoke moods, feelings and emotions will be very important for the successful portrayal of horror in my 3D environment.