Summary
Learn how to write a great horror script or improve one you've already written with the support and guidance of horror expert David Ian McKendry who's worked with Blumhouse, Universal, Fangoria and More!
From classics like PSYCHO and THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, to newer and highly acclaimed films like A QUIET PLACE, GET OUT, and SMILE, there is a worldwide audience that loves a good scare! Horror is consistently one of the most popular and sellable genres. This is an exciting space to be in for a writer, because there are endless possibilities for storytelling and production. Yet not just any horror script is going to find success. Writing a great horror screenplay is surprisingly hard and requires the writer have a handle on many important elements.
David Ian McKendry is a professional screenwriter and filmmaker who has worked for Blumhouse, Universal, Lifetime Networks, and The Hallmark Channel as well as numerous independent production companies. He began working in the entertainment industry for Fangoria Entertainment before later putting together his own horror films, including the recent ALL THE CREATURES WERE STIRRING, starring Constance Wu (CRAZY RICH ASIANS). He also produced the Nerdist's BLOOD AND GUTS with Scott Ian. Through his vast experience in the industry as well as writing, producing and directing horror films, David has a keen sense of what makes a script successful in the horror genre and will be sharing what he knows exclusively with the Stage 32 community.
David is going to take you through the elements of any good horror screenplay and walk you through how to improve your own by focusing on characters, setting, and each act.
In this 4 session on-demand class you will:
- Learn all about story and building your iconic protagonist and villain.
- Learn to build a strong foundation in Act One and hook audiences in within the first few minutes.
- Learn Act Two and building out the story and your protagonist’s journey.
- Learn how to keep audiences guessing at your ending throughout Act Three and write mind-blowing endings.
At the end of this class, you’ll be able to deliver a fresh scare with unforgettable characters.
Case Studies for This Class Include:
- HELLRAISER
- AMERICAN PSYCHO
- BLACK SWAN
- JENNIFER'S BODY
- SCREAM
Praise for David's Previous Stage 32 Webinar
"Excellent presentation, easy to follow examples, real advice, and I felt hope after listening and participating."
-John M.
"Such a fantastic deconstruction of the way to construct a horror story."
-Shrader T.
"David was really great and well-versed. He confirmed I was on the right path for some of my storytelling methods and I became aware of areas I need to work on."
-John R.
"David was extremely knowledgeable, well prepared, articulate and enthusiastic. His answered during the Q&A were honest and not sugar-coated yet supportive."
-Margaret M.
What You'll Learn
Session One: Character and Setting
- Character
- Protagonist vs the Iconic Character
- What is the difference between the two
- How to create an engaging horror protagonist that audiences want to follow
- Building an Iconic villains
- Examples include Hellraiser, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th
- Iconic Protagonists/ The antihero
- Examples include American Psycho
- Who are your other characters and what purpose do they serve?
- Story
- Going from idea to story
- Can you tell your story in one sentence?
- Synopsis
- Treatment
- Outline
- Applying Character to Story
- Best Character for the story
- Q&A with David
Session Two: Moving into Act One
- Building a good foundation
- Hooking into your audience
- What goes where – When key events should happen
- Is my first act as strong as it can be?
- Does my protagonist have a plan for moving forward?
- What does it meant to crossover into Act 2?
- Q&A with David
Session Three: The Second Act
- Building towards something
- Is my protagonist starting to change?
- Boring vs thrilling – trying not to repeat yourself – the dangers of recycling your own scares)
- When is it ok to borrow from other sources (the subtle art of the homage – and why it works in the first act)?
- The importance of supporting characters
- The subtle art of misdirection
- Q&A with David
Session Four: The Third Act
- Why do 3rd acts fall apart?
- How to keep viewers from guessing your ending
- Am I satisfied with my ending?
- Does my ending make sense to others?
- Mind blowing endings and why they worked
- The importance of editing and getting outside opinions
- Q&A with David
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the fundamentals of writing an award-winning horror film. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
- This class will consist of four sessions, each roughly two hours in duration.
This class is a recording of a previous live class.
Who Should Attend
All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to grasp the art of horror film writing.
All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to enhance their skills in the horror film genre.
All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to enhance their skills in the horror film genre.
Investors looking to enhance their skills in the horror film genre.
Actors looking to enhance their skills in the horror film genre.
Executive
David Ian McKendry is a professional screenwriter and filmmaker who has worked for Blumhouse, Universal, Lifetime Networks, and The Hallmark Channel as well as numerous independent production companies. He began working in the entertainment industry for Fangoria Entertainment before later putting together his own horror films, including the recent ALL THE CREATURES WERE STIRRING, starring Constance Wu (CRAZY RICH ASIANS). He also produced the Nerdist's BLOOD AND GUTS with Scott Ian.
Credits
