Learn from Christina Pamies, screenwriter of the hit StudioCanal horror film BAGHEAD!

Get a curated list of horror tropes to avoid, practical tips on creating fresh twists, and freewriting exercises to help you craft original, standout stories! 

The global appetite for horror movies is growing fast, with streamers and niche platforms eager for fresh, spine-chilling content. But with that rising demand comes a flood of repetitive feature films weighed down by overused tropes and tired clichés. Audiences want real scares—they crave fear, surprise, and the thrill of the unexpected. In a genre where originality is crucial, relying on predictable formulas can turn a terrifying idea into something forgettable. Learning how to avoid these common traps will help you create a horror feature film that truly stands out, captivating both viewers and industry buyers alike.

One of the biggest challenges horror writers face is leaning too much on familiar tropes and clichés. While these elements might feel comforting to write, they can easily make your story predictable. Horror fans want to be shocked, not comforted. Writers often think a familiar formula will work, but it can lead to the story losing its punch. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to identify these pitfalls and avoid them by developing new ways to approach traditional horror themes, keeping your audience engaged and on edge throughout your feature film.

Christina Pamies, your Stage 32 Educator, is a highly accomplished screenwriter in the horror space. She recently wrote the hit horror studio film BAGHEAD for StudioCanal. This creepy horror film was one of the top horror hits of the year and was dubbed as “the film that will make you want to cover your eyes!” Her new horror script NO GOOD DEED also made The Black List. Christina’s extensive experience working across multiple platforms and consistently delivering original, compelling stories makes her the perfect guide to help you craft a horror feature film that stands out in today’s market.

In this webinar, you’ll go beyond the basics of horror writing and learn how to refresh tired tropes, making them feel new and exciting. You’ll master the art of creating unpredictable stories that still make sense, keeping your audience hooked from start to finish. From developing characters that feel real to blending genres for a unique twist, Christina will guide you step by step through the creative process. By the end, you’ll have the tools to craft a standout horror feature film that grabs attention and leaves a lasting impact.

You’ll get a chance to ask Christina your questions during an exclusive Q&A session!

Plus! You'll receive:

• A curated list of horror tropes to avoid  
• Practical tips on creating fresh twists  
•  Freewriting exercises to help you craft original, standout stories!  

“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

Understanding Horror Tropes and Cliches

• Defining standard horror tropes and clichés
• The art of embracing the unpredictable  

Can Your Horror Film be Too Unpredictable?  

• Comparing original versus incomprehensible  
• How to work within audience expectations  
• How to match your concept with tone  
• How to keep your plot grounded within the rules of your story  

Can Cliches Ever Work? 

• The difference between clever homage versus stale copycat  
• Reviving dead tropes  
• Navigating subversions and variations on a theme  

How to Tap into Originality

• How to know the rules of the genre well enough to break them  
• How to resete your frame of mind  
• Freewriting exercises to cultivate your originality  

How to Focus on Character

• How to create characters that never feel like cliches
• How to give your characters room to make choices and embrace alternate paths  

How to Blend Genres

• How to draw from two worlds to create something new  
• How to play with theme to create a different perspective  

How to Lean into Tropes then Fix It

• Imitation is part of being a writer
• Originality comes with honing your voice  

Q&A with Christina

Filmmakers interested in exploring horror tropes and cliches to improve their films

Screenwriters interested in exploring horror tropes and cliches to improve their scripts

Actors interested in exploring horror tropes and cliches to improve their performances

Producers interested in exploring horror tropes and cliches to improve the success of their films

 “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 instructor