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Learn how to make your horror short or feature screenplay stand out to managers, producers, and execs from one of the leading literary managers in the genre!

The challenge for most horror writers or filmmakers is coming up with either a totally new concept (THE CONJURING), or coming up with a new twist on what has already worked in the past (INVISIBLE MAN). Or, if you are a horror short film maker your story has to stand out and grip the viewer in a way we haven't seen before...and in horror/thriller, almost everything has been done. But once you have fleshed out the concept, you need to make sure the writing is on point. That includes a perfect opening, a cadre of memorable characters, a plot that keeps those pages turning, and a close that makes a manager want to pick up the phone and schedule a meeting.

Jake Wagner is one of the most respected literary managers working in the business today. Jake has also been one of top selling spec script managers of the last decade. Jake was responsible for the largest spec sale of the last 10 years (and one of the biggest in history), with SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN which sold for over $3MM to Universal Pictures. After an illustrious and celebrated career at Benderspink and Good Fear and Film + Management, Jake is now the owner of Alibi Management. Jake’s clients have written some of the most popular recent horror films including POLAROID and CRAWL. He is a producer on the Studio Canal film BAGHEAD written by Stage 32 member Christina Pamies. 

In this exclusive on-demand Stage 32 webinar, Jake will teach writers of horror screenplays and filmmakers of horror short films what managers look for in a spec screenplay or film. As one of the leading sellers of horror specs in the market today, Jake will tell you the common mistakes horror writers make and how to avoid them. To start, Jake will take you through the types of horror scripts attracting financing and producing interest in the market right now and he will explain why certain feature scripts stand out above the rest. Then, Jake will dive into the writing and the reading habits and needs of a manager. He will dive into what your first 10 pages tell a manager and how you can not only make them shine, but how to do so in a manner that keeps a manager turning pages. He will discuss the importance of your first act, the introduction and nuances of your characters, how to make sure your plot is not only interesting, but clear, and how to stick the landing.

As a bonus, Jake will take you through 10 case studies of some of the most successful horror feature and short film projects of recent years including A QUIET PLACE, NO GOOD DEED, MEET JIMMY and more.

Praise For Jake's Previous Stage 32 Teaching:

"Jake was terrific...knowledgeable, insightful and passionate about the subject mater. There were many great, simple takeaways. One of the best webinars I've participated in, in terms of being on point and offering actionable advice." -- Michael H.

"Jake is phenomenal. He exceeded my expectations and was beyond helpful to my writing and career in general. Thank you, Stage 32!" -- Tim M.  

"I was pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful and diligent Jake is as a teacher. I feel fortunate to be able to learn from him." -- Amanda R. 

• Examples of Types of Horror Scripts That Are in the Marketplace
  • Gore and Disturbing
  • Psychological
  • Killer
  • Monsters
  • Zombies
  • Supernatural/Paranormal
• What About a Horror Script That Stands Out Immediately
  • What a Manager Can Tell in the First 10 Pages
  • What Keeps a Manager Reading
  • What Stands Out in the First Act
  • How to Know if Your Characters Will Stand Out to a Manager
  • How to Know Your Plot Will Keep a Manager Turning the Page
  • How to Stick Your Landing in Your 3rd Act
• What NOT to Do (What I've Seen A Million Times)
• Case Studies: Examples of Projects That Have Stuck Out and Why
  • Matriarch – spec script
  • No Good Deed – spec script
  • Crawl – spec script
  • Meet Jimmy – Horror short
  • Sweet Tooth – Horror Short
  • Polaroid – Horror short
  • Scream – spec script
  • A Quiet Place – spec script
  • It Follows – spec script
  • The Purge – spec script
• Q&A with Jake

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how writers of horror screenplays what managers look for in a spec screenplay.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how writers of horror screenplays what managers look for in a spec screenplay.

Producers looking to learn how writers of horror screenplays what managers look for in a spec screenplay.

Actors looking to learn how writers of horror screenplays what managers look for in a spec screenplay.

Praise for Jake's Stage 32 Webinar

"Jake was terrific, and the value of the webinar was immeasurable."

-Erica K.

"It was amazing!! It was the inspirational kick in the butt that I needed. The discussion sparked a couple great ideas for fresh twists to the genre. I'm excited for the possibilities and am looking forward to seeing where these ideas take me. Grateful to Jake for making me believe in the power of my ideas. Thank you!!"

-Lisa H.

"Outstanding! Informative and entertaining. Thoroughly covered the topic from my perspective. Gave me a lot of ideas and direction to new plans. Inspirational. Great speaker--seemed very genuine and down-to-earth."

-Shelley A.