Writing Great Horror Films and TV Shows

By Glenn M. Benest

Do you love horror like I do? Are you thinking of writing a horror film or are you writing one now? Then you definitely should consider the on-demand webinar, Writing Great Horror Films and TV Shows.

I discuss all the insights I’ve had, not only writing two screenplays for the late, great director Wes Craven, but also mentoring horror projects in my private workshop, including Scream and Event Horizon.

There are many lessons to be learned about this unique genre. And for new screenwriters, there is no better career move than to write horror – which is what I did when I was a beginning screenwriter.

Why is that? Because horror films are relatively easier to produce – you don’t need stars, you have a built-in audience, and the upside is huge if you create a successful franchise, like Paranormal Activity or the Chuckie films. As a result, it’s much easier for producers to take a chance on a first-time screenwriter.

Does horror have different rules than say – action movies or straight drama? Absolutely. Is it more plot driven than comedy or even thrillers? For sure. It must do one thing in a more visceral way than any other type of film. It must provide scares – and there are many tricks and tips I’m going to discuss that will do just that.

Horror is a genre that is absolutely unique. For one thing the star of a scary movie is oftentimes the villain, whether it’s a human monster like Hannibal Lector or an inhuman one – like the creature in Alien(s).

Does that mean we don’t want a great protagonist? Of course not, but the star of a horror film doesn’t normally have a character arc as do the heroes in other genres.

And with horror in the last number of years taking center stage on television – like The Walking Dead – or American Horror Story, there are even more opportunities to get work in this area.

I discuss in great detail all these talking points plus many others in my on-demand webinar. Please join me and launch your career writing horror.