Attention horror writers! The Killer Shorts Horror Short Screenplay Competition is back for its sixth season, accepting entries from June 1st, 2024. This renowned contest celebrates horror short screenwriters and authors worldwide, offering networking and career opportunities, mentorships, consultations, and industry access.
The top 10 scripts in the main category will be reviewed by a star-studded panel of judges, including Special FX Makeup Guru and The Walking Dead Executive Producer Gregory Nicotero, legendary horror actress and producer Barbara Crampton, and top literary managers like John Zaozirny at Bellevue Productions.
“Killer Shorts played a pivotal role in me finding representation at Bellevue. Thanks to the competition, I was connected with John, who later connected me with my current manager, Maddy,” said Vanessa Võ, Season 2’s 2nd Place Winner.
Participants will compete for over $10,000 in prizes, including Final Draft 13 screenwriting software, career consultations with Coverfly and Stage 32, crowdfunding consultation calls with Seed & Spark’s Head of Creator Success, access to Robert McKee’s Horror Webinar Series, in-depth analysis from The Script Butcher, ISA Connect Memberships, horror swag from Horror Pack, Fright Rags, Rue Morgue, and Ghoulish Gary, and a unique skull-shaped typewriter trophy designed by celebrity FX artist Tyler Green (Syfy’s Face Off).
Season 6 Panel of Judges
The prestigious jury for Season 6 includes:
- Gregory Nicotero (The Walking Dead, Creepshow)
- John Zaozirny (Bellevue Productions)
- Melody Cooper (Beasts of Prey, Law & Order: SVU)
- Xavier Burgin (Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror)
- Gigi Saul Guerrero (Satanic Hispanics)
- Julian Terry (Don’t Peek)
- Chelsea Lupkin (Lucy’s Tale)
- Barbara Crampton (Suitable Flesh, Jakob’s Wife)
- Sophie Carroll (Gun Powder & Sky, ALTER)
- Glenn Cockburn (Meridian Artists)
- Seth M. Sherwood (Leatherface, Hell Fest)
- Jason Tamasco (Traction Pictures)
- Jenn Wexler (The Sacrifice Game)
- Matthew Dartnell (Writ Large)
- Aaron B. Koontz (The Pale Door)
Mentorship with Author Chris Hicks
The winner of the Short Story (Prose) category will receive a 30-minute Zoom meeting with Chris Hicks, professional screenwriter and author of “I Am Not Alone.” Hicks will provide insights on advancing a career in Hollywood.
No Shortage of Success Stories
Killer Shorts has a proven track record of discovering talent. Vanessa Võ (Season 2, 2nd Place) signed with Maddie Weese at Bellevue Productions after an introduction by jury member John Zaozirny. Kelly Nugent (Season 3, Top 10 Finalist) signed with literary manager Greg Weiss at Wonder Street following a career consultation arranged by Killer Shorts. Chris Hicks (Season 1, 3rd Place) signed with literary manager Peter Katz of Story Driven.
How to Enter
Entry fees for the main and short story competition categories start at $25 for ‘Early Bird’ entries submitted by August 1, 2024, with a final deadline of December 31, 2024. Submissions can be made via Coverfly, Filmfreeway, or ISA. Short Script Coverage is available for purchase separately via Coverfly.
The Killer Shorts Horror Short Screenplay Competition is sponsored by Final Draft, Rue Morgue, Seed and Spark, Scrivener, Stan Winston’s School of Character Arts, Script Butcher, Coverfly, FilmFreeway, Script Hive, ISA, Stage 32, ScriptHop, Robert McKee’s Horror Webinar Series, Ghoulish Gary, Horror Pack, Qwerkytoys, and Fright Rags.
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