*The Essential Guide to Writing a Successful Horror Script*
Jacob Stuart
Founder of Screenwriting Staffing; Produced, Award-Winning Screenwriter & Producer; Degree in Film/TV Business.
?*The Essential Guide to Writing a Successful Horror Script*
Are you considering writing a horror script but don't know where to start? The horror genre has been gaining popularity in recent years, and the demand for horror scripts is on the rise. However, there are several crucial things to consider when writing a horror script to make it successful in today's market.
Firstly, it is essential to understand what makes horror movies appealing and so fascinating to audiences. The horror genre delves into our deepest fears of the unfamiliar, peril, mortality, transformation, and the aspects of life beyond our control. . It is important to ensure that your story fits into one or more of these categories. Understanding the sub-genres of horror, such as demonic, supernatural, witchcraft, zombie, vampire, gothic, and gore will help define the expression of your idea.
When it comes to writing a horror script, the antagonist is often more important than the protagonist. Think of Dracula, arguably the most influential horror villain of all time The secret to creating a powerful, horrifying antagonist is to force the protagonist to face their fears when they are most vulnerable. Defining your protagonist's deepest fear early on in the story is crucial. The story should then present and escalate those fears. Fear is a crucial ingredient in the horror genre, which is why audiences consistently seek out the rush that comes with watching scary films. Research the psychology around fear as much as possible before writing your script.
Taunting the audience with a quick “jump”, is a stylistic device that is often used in horror films. While it can be an effective tool, it has also been overused. Amateur writers tend to rely heavily on this in their spec scripts. The key is to execute it effectively and uniquely for maximum emotional impact.
When it comes to the most important aspect of a horror story, the overall concept is most important. Watch movies like LIGHTS OUT, MISERY, CANDYMAN, IT FOLLOWS, and HUSH. While scary moments can help create memorable moments used in movie trailers, dialogue is rarely memorable in horror movies. If dialogue is the way you wish to go, be sure to study films like THE SHINING, POLTERGEIST, & FRANKENSTEIN.
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Psycho (1960) "We all go a little mad sometimes."
Humor's role in the horror genre is subjective, and it largely depends on personal preference. While it can be an effective tool, it can also take away from the horror elements of a film (although some movies like SCREAM and DARK SHADOWS have effectively intertwined humor and horror).
The pros of writing a horror film in today’s market are that they are relatively cheap to make, don’t require name actors or many locations, and can be a great way to break into the industry. Many writers get their first script sold by writing horror. The cons are that the marketplace is packed full of horror material, so it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get noticed. That's why it's important to come up with unique, and original storylines. That's why it's also suggested to stay away from "monster" films.
There are several horror movies that every writer should read, including ROSEMARY BABY, HALLOWEEN, SAW, THE RING, THE EVIL DEAD, and AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON.
To conclude, the horror genre is finally receiving the recognition and admiration it deserves within the industry. John Poole (GET OUT) is a good example of this . With a thorough understanding of the elements that make horror appealing and captivating to audiences, along with defining your protagonist's fear early on and skillfully implementing stylistic devices, you can write a compelling horror script that will succeed in today's market and ultimately be sold. -- From your friendly friends at Screenwriting Staffing [www.screenwritingstaffing.com] Jacob N. Stuart