Summary
Learn from Christina Pamies, screenwriter of the hit StudioCanal horror film BAGHEAD!
You’ll also receive a downloadable copy of the BARBARIAN screenplay!
The global hunger for horror is exploding, with streaming platforms and niche studios eagerly seeking fresh, spine-chilling stories that break new ground in the genre. Yet, alongside this demand, a flood of films fall flat, weighed down by overused tropes and tired clichés. You and your story have the power to break through, gripping audiences and leaving an unforgettable impact. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll unlock the essential techniques to transform your horror screenplay into something truly unforgettable. By analyzing films like BARBARIAN and IMMACULATE, you’ll learn how to master the balance between thought-provoking narratives and raw, visceral scares that deeply resonate with viewers and keep them coming back for more!
One of the biggest challenges you may face as a horror writer is the temptation to rely on familiar formulas. While these elements can feel safe and comforting, they often lead to predictable outcomes that drain your story of its power. Audiences want to be shocked and surprised, not lulled into a false sense of security. Many writers unknowingly fall into the traps of cliché storytelling, missing the chance to truly engage their viewers. In this webinar, you'll learn how to identify these pitfalls and develop fresh, compelling approaches to traditional horror themes, ensuring your audience stays hooked from beginning to end.
Your Stage 32 educator, Christina Pamies, a seasoned screenwriter with extensive expertise in the horror genre. Christina recently wrote the hit horror film BAGHEAD for StudioCanal, which has been celebrated as one of the top horror hits of the year—dubbed “the film that will make you want to cover your eyes!” Her new script NO GOOD DEED also made The Black List, highlighting her knack for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with both critics and audiences alike. With her wealth of experience and passion for storytelling, Christina is here to help you navigate the complexities of writing a standout horror screenplay.
In this information-packed webinar, you'll dive into the key elements that make up a successful elevated horror script. You’ll learn how to create a strong hook that grabs attention, develop socially relevant themes, and implement shocking twists that keep your audience on the edge of their seats. We’ll explore how to build complex characters and utilize familiar settings in innovative ways, all while maintaining high tension throughout your story. Get ready to elevate your horror storytelling and make an impact!
You’ll get a chance to ask Christina your questions during an exclusive Q&A session!
PLUS! You will receive:
- A downloadable copy of the BARBARIAN screenplay!
A note from your educator:
“I was so grateful to Stage32 for giving me a platform to share the tools I've learned about writing horror over the years. Everyone took care to make it a comfortable and positive experience for me. It's great to know that Stage32 takes the horror genre seriously, and that they offer such a wide variety of educational content for creatives eager to learn the tricks of the trade.”
-Christina Pamies, your Stage 32 educator, screenwriter of the hit StudioCanal horror film BAGHEAD
What You'll Learn
Strong Hook
- Rooted in relatable fear
- Captures a feeling in the zeitgeist
- Makes the audience lean in to find out more
Socially Relevant Theme
- Offers an important cultural critique
- Invites audience to question how perspective shifts narratives
Shocking Twists And Misdirects
- Pushing boundaries of storytelling
- Leaning into irreverence
- Never taking the predictable path
Familiar Setting Used In A New Way
- More than just a basement
- Hidden dangers in the ordinary
Fresh, Complex Characters
- Fleshed out problems, goals, and relationships
- Real, relatable reactions to the horror
- Dynamic overlap of protagonists, villains, and victims
Details That Give Depth And History
- World building
- Broader story being told beyond the immediate horror
High Tension
- Strategic fast pacing
- Danger present from beginning to end
Q&A with Christina
Who Should Attend
Horror screenwriters
Filmmakers seeking to create impactful horror
Producers aiming to develop standout horror projects
Executive
Christina Pamies wrote the 2023 film BAGHEAD for StudioCanal and The Picture Company. Her script NO GOOD DEED was chosen for the 2019 Black List. She has also written over sixty produced podcast scripts for the Parcast Network/Spotify. She holds a B.A. in Film Studies from Columbia University, a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, and an M.A. in Film & Video from American University. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband and two children.
Testimonials
A note from your educator:
“I was so grateful to Stage32 for giving me a platform to share the tools I've learned about writing horror over the years. Everyone took care to make it a comfortable and positive experience for me. It's great to know that Stage32 takes the horror genre seriously, and that they offer such a wide variety of educational content for creatives eager to learn the tricks of the trade.”
-Christina Pamies, your Stage 32 educator, screenwriter of the hit StudioCanal horror film BAGHEAD