Research into Genre - Horror and Thriller, the difference.

Conventions on the Thriller Genre
The narrative of a thriller film is generally based around a crime, for example a serial killer on the loose. The main purpose of a Thriller films is to "Thrill" the audience and leave them in suspense. The suspense is conveyed through sound, editing, mies-en-scene and cinematography. Additionally, thriller films are usually set in mundane situations where extraordinary events occur. 

Editing
Thriller films rely on editing to encourage the audience to engage their interest. For example, cross cutting is often used to build up suspense. Cross cutting establishes action occurring at the same time, often in the same time in two different locations. Generally the editing pace goes from one extreme to the other, it is either a fast editing pace to convey that the film is action packed, or there is often a slow editing pace to create a feeling of tension. Here is an example of cross cutting in a film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmptU7vEkNU  the scene also includes various Canted Angles which is a shot used to make the audience feel uncomfortable and that there is something wrong. 

Sound
Thriller films rely on both diegetic and non-diegetic sound to add to the suspense in a thriller film. the non-diegetic scores are generally of a slow tempo which may gradually increase. For example, if a character was about to be confronted by a serial killer, the tempo may increase the feeling of fear too, for instance the sound of a tap dripping water is often used, where the dripping sound gradually increases in volume. 

Mise-en-scene
The mies-en-scene of the film can also convey the traditional feelings of fear and suspense found in a thriller film. For example, if the thriller film was set in an abandoned countryside the location choice would create a feeling of isolation and loneliness. The most intense scenes may also be filmed on a nigh time or low key lighting may be used as these features are associated with fear. 



Forms and Conventions of a Horror 
Horror films are films which encourage the audience to feel emotions of disgust, fear and horror. Horror films often tie-in with the fantasy genre by including supernatural forces within the films. Horror films aim to deal with the audience's worst nightmares and their worst fears such as: serial killers, and outbreak of a deadly disease, as well as supernatural forces. 

Editing
The editing pace of a horror film is generally very similar to a thriller film. The editing pace encourages the audience to feel emotions of terror and fear. For example, cross cutting is often used to build up feeling of terror and fear. Cross cutting establishes action occurring at the same time, often in the same time in two different locations. Generally the editing pace goes from one extreme to the other, it is either a fast editing pace to convey that the film is action packed, or there is often a slow editing pace to create a feeling of tension. 

Location
Depending on whether the film is aimed towards a younger generation or an older generation the location choice of the film may vary. For instance, if the film was aimed towards a younger generation the film may include a group of high school friends going away on a camping trip where they are faced with danger. Whereas if the film was generally aimed towards an older generation the film may contain a slightly older cast and the location choice would more likely reflect an everyday life situation.