HORROR FILMS

 Working in the Industry

o Spec writing
o Rewriting
o Script doctors
o Readers and coverage
 Horror Trends
o What are a few of the current horror trends?
o How and why, you should write to current trends?
o Why and when to write outside of current trends?
 The Approach
o How do we define three act structure in horror?
o What is the cold open?
o How do we remind people that this is a horror movie?
 Act One
o Setting up your story
o Whose story are you telling?
o Introducing your characters
o Introducing conflict/horror
o Building towards the act break and bringing the audience with
you into Act 2
 Act Two
o Leaving the ordinary world behind
o Keep building up! (aka putting your protagonist through Hell)
o The light at the end of the tunnel
o What’s blocking the tunnel?
o Rewarding your protagonist
o Escorting the audience into your third act
 Act Three
o You’ve rewarded your protagonist, now it’s time to take away
that reward.
o Reaching your climax
o Can your protagonist go home yet?
o The final scare
 Rewriting
 Where to Go With Your Script
o Submitting your screenplay
o Screenplay competitions
o Creative ways to get your screenplay out into the world