How to Write a Horror Screenplay: Effective Writing Tips

Understanding Horror

• Definition: Horror movies aim to scare for entertainment, playing on viewers' fears.
• Purpose: Leave the audience feeling dread and provide an adrenaline rush.

Key Elements of a Horror Screenplay

1. Action over Dialogue: Show rather than tell to convey fear.
2. Mounting Suspense: Gradually build tension and surprise.
3. Jump Scares: Use sudden noises or unexpected visuals.
4. Gore: Incorporate gruesome scenes to unsettle viewers.
5. Villain/Monster: Create an uncontrollable antagonist with clear motivations.

Tips for Writing Horror Screenplays

• Character Immersion: Let audiences experience the protagonist's fear.
• Immediate Hook: Introduce key elements quickly; start with a shocking scene.
• Personal Fears: Use your own fears to craft authentic scary scenes.
• Familiar Settings: Turn everyday places into frightening locations.
• Suspense Mastery: Focus on the unknown and sensory details to build tension.
• Subvert Expectations: Offer a fresh take on classic horror tropes.
• Influence Drawing: Be inspired by other horror works to enhance your writing.

Balancing Horror and Humor

• Avoid Overloading Horror: Too much horror can become absurd.
• Use Humor: Balance the story to keep it realistic and entertaining.

Recommended Horror Screenplays

1. Rosemary’s Baby by Roman Polanski
2. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
3. Halloween by John Carpenter and Debra Hill
4. The Shining by Stanley Kubrick and Diane Johnson
5. A Nightmare on Elm Street by Wes Craven
6. Pet Sematary by Stephen King
7. Scream by Kevin Williamson
8. The Ring by Ethan Kruger
9. Saw by Leigh Whannell, story by James Wan
10. It Follows by David Robert Mitchell

Resources

• Aaron Sorkin's MasterClass: Further learning on screenwriting techniques.