Short course
Writing a Horror Film Online Short Course
Course description
Course overview
Whether a low-budget ‘slasher’, the lush gothic melodrama of ‘Nosferatu’ or the body horror satire of ‘The Substance’, horror has never left the zeitgeist.
Taught through a combination of lectures, practical exercises and group feedback, this eight-week online course will look at the history of horror on screen, and the challenges of getting those chills and jump scares onto the page.
Students will be expected to bring their ideas and enthusiasm to a course designed to unlock creativity and make writing that first horror feature (or spooky short) a reality.
During the course, students will have the opportunity to share ideas, pitches, and scenes in a constructive and supportive environment. The course will look at the conventions of the genre and how understanding the tropes (and even the cliches) can help you produce original work.
Please note: given the subject matter, this course will naturally look at clips from 18 certificate films that depict moments of horror.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed at aspiring screenwriters and directors with an interest in both horror and the screenplay form.
Whilst there will be a weekly lecture/presentation component, attendees will be expected to bring their ideas and pitches to the sessions. After all, the best way to learn to write a screenplay (regardless of genre) is to write.
Key information
Topics covered
- A potted history of horror on screen and its roots in religion and folklore
- The relationship between ‘Victim’ and ‘Monster’
- Horror’s many subgenres
- How to make your screenplay ‘read scary’ and leap off the page
- The role of pitch decks and ‘proof of concept’ shorts in selling your feature
Learning outcomes
- Feel more confident writing within the screenplay form
- Have developed strategies for developing the horror screenplay
- Have an enhanced understanding of the genre’s tropes and conventions
- Be better able to pitch and sell work
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Notebook and pen
- Laptop/tablet/mobile phone with camera
Please see our Guide to taking online short courses
Tutor
David Lemon
David Lemon's screenwriting credits include FAINTHEART (Film4) starring Eddie Marsan and CONTAINMENT, a pandemic thriller on Netflix.
He has also written for BBC1 continuing drama, childrens TV and for Radio 4, including the’The Man In Black' radio horror series starring Mark Gatiss. His work has also been developed by Hat Trick Productions and Clerkenwell Films.
David has lectured on screenwriting at The National Film and Television School, The Metfilm School, London Film Academy, University For The Creative Arts and The London Film School.
He also produced documentaries on such classic British films as THE 39 STEPS, THE RED SHOES and BRIEF ENCOUNTER.
He is represented by The Dench Arnold Agency.
Book a course
Loading