Horror Screenwriting Competition 2024
Get ready to share your most terrifying tale! The Calavera Media Horror Screenwriting Competition is here, and this year's theme is "Frightening Folklore." We invite writers to craft a script that reimagines a classic horror story from their community. Whether it's the haunting tale of La Llorona from Chicano culture or the chilling legend of the Manananggal from Filipino folklore, this is your opportunity to bring these legends to life on screen. Complete the application form below and let your community's stories shine!
Get ready to share your most terrifying tale! The Calavera Media Horror Screenwriting Competition is here, and this year's theme is "Frightening Folklore." We invite writers to craft a script that reimagines a classic horror story from their community. Whether it's the haunting tale of La Llorona from Chicano culture or the chilling legend of the Manananggal from Filipino folklore, this is your opportunity to bring these legends to life on screen. Complete the application form below and let your community's stories shine!
Get ready to share your most terrifying tale! The Calavera Media Horror Screenwriting Competition is here, and this year's theme is "Frightening Folklore." We invite writers to craft a script that reimagines a classic horror story from their community. Whether it's the haunting tale of La Llorona from Chicano culture or the chilling legend of the Manananggal from Filipino folklore, this is your opportunity to bring these legends to life on screen. Complete the application form below and let your community's stories shine!
Submission Requirements
Script Length
Up to 10 pages max (cover page is not included in the page count). Scripts exceeding 10 pages will be disqualified.
Theme
Must be based on a scary folklore story.
Characters
Feature no more than 4 characters.
Location
Set in one location only.
Next Round
Scripts advancing to the second round will need to prepare a pitch deck to present to the judging panel.
Final Selection
If chosen as the final script, Calavera Media will produce your film in Fall 2025.
Frequently asked questions
When will I be notified if my script is selected? Writers selected for the next round will be notified by February 15. Selected writers will be invited to pitch their screenplay to the Calavera Media team in April. Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with pitching — we will host a workshop to help all selected writers prepare.
When will the winner be announced? The winner will be announced by May 1.
What is Horror Folklore? Horror folklore refers to traditional stories, legends, and myths passed down through generations, often featuring supernatural elements, spirits, and terrifying creatures. These stories are rooted in cultural fears and beliefs, making them powerful sources for horror narratives. Examples include tales like La Llorona or the Headless Horseman, which have been shared for centuries.
Are there examples of Horror Folklore? Yes, here are some examples of horror folklore films:
La Llorona (2019, directed by Jayro Bustamante, Guatemala): A chilling retelling of the classic Latin American legend.
Sleepy Hollow (1999, directed by Tim Burton): A dark adaptation of the legend of the Headless Horseman.
Bad Hair (2020, directed by Justin Simien, Hulu): A horror film based on cultural myths surrounding beauty.
The Wailing (2016, directed by Na Hong-jin, South Korea): A horror film that incorporates Korean folklore.
The Witch (2015, directed by Robert Eggers): Set in 1630s New England, this film draws from colonial folklore and witchcraft tales.
Will basing my script on a folklore story result in copyright infringement? No, as long as the story you are adapting is a piece of folklore that is part of the public domain or is not under any copyright protection. Folklore is typically passed down orally and does not have a single author, making it freely available for adaptation. However, be sure that you are not using specific versions of the story that are copyrighted.
Can I submit with a team? Yes, you can have extra writers on your team, but only one person can submit the application. Make sure to list all the writers involved in your script on the title page of your script.
What screenwriting software do you recommend if I don't have any? Yes, Celtx or Studio Binder are great resources to write your screenplay. Both offer user-friendly tools and templates that can help you properly format your script.
Terms and Conditions
I understand that my script submission is for the Calavera Media Horror Screenwriting Competition, and if my script is selected, I agree to work with Calavera Media to further develop and potentially produce the project in Fall 2025.