Write A Killer Outline For Your Horror Feature - Writing Lab: Level 1 of 3
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How to Nail the Ending of Your Horror Screenplay
STAGE 32's HALLOWEEN HORROR SALE! The third act of your horror movie should be an electrifying climax, delivering visceral and emotional punches and paying off all your sneaky set ups. It should thrill your audience and represent their reward for sitting through—very possibly—a lot of pain, suffering, and gross stuff. Unfortunately, too many horror screenplays fail to deliver. It’s a problem across the genre: filmmakers work hard on the set-up of their narrative ye it all falls apart in the third act of the script. If you want your horror screenplay to stand out from the crowd, then it’s time to learn how to craft an original and compelling ending that leaves your reader breathless and wanting more. It’s easy to write a creepy first act for a horror movie. A mysterious and/or bloody teaser at the top, the entry of a vulnerable protagonist into a danger zone, a few genre tropes like unresolved past traumas, dying cell phones, a gathering storm, and grizzled locals warning the main characters to “stay away” — it practically writes itself. That’s why there are a lot of horror screenplays out there with intriguing first acts. However, by the time many screenwriters get to the third act they have —literally— lost the plot. In order to write a good ending you have to know the genre, acknowledge the tropes, and understand some of the psychological mechanisms that drive human fear. Also, you may have to rethink that suspiciously easy-to-write opening. Let's explore how to make this happen. Karina Wilson is an independent story and development consultant with a specific focus in horror who has worked on many films including SECRET IN THEIR EYES with Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts, 13 SINS, and THE CIRCLE with Tom Hanks and Emma Watson. As a story consultant, Karina has helped to shape narratives in every genre, from independent documentaries to Netflix animated series. Previously the in-house story consultant at IM Global, she is currently developing a series of Thrillers for British TV. Karina is considered an expert in the horror genre and her analysis of horror trends through the decades has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on NPR, in medical textbooks and in documentaries alongside luminaries such as Jason Blum, Joe Dante, and Andy Muschietti. Karina is also the lead screenplay judge for niche indie horror festival, Shriekfest, and has been picking winners for them since 2007. Along with Rob Zombie, John Carpenter, Sid Haig, Tom Savini and many others, Karina can currently be seen on screen discussing horror in the documentary THE HISTORY OF METAL AND HORROR, doing the rounds of film festivals this fall. Exclusively for Stage 32, Karina will teach you the elements of a successful horror film ending and what you can do to make sure your own horror project has an effective and memorable third act. She’ll begin by explaining how to see your screenplay through the lens of audience expectations before going over the main types of horror endings seen in feature films. She’ll delve into upping up your story stakes and show you how to find a resolution that makes sense. Karina will also discuss how you should be reworking your first and second act in order for the third act to work better. Karina will accompany her slew of tools and strategies with notable case studies and examples of notable horror films. If you’ve been struggling to find an ending to your horror film, if you’re looking for a way to tie everything up, or if you need a way to make your script better stand out and get attention with reps, producers and execs, you’re going to want to hear what Karina has to say.
Stage 32 Horror Writing Lab: Write A Killer Outline For Your Horror Feature
Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details Only 1 Spots Left Complete your outline and work one-on-one on Zoom with the former in-house story consultant for IM Global The global appetite for horror movies is growing so fast it's almost scary. The streamers are gobbling them up and niche streamers are launching across the globe to take advantage of this trend. There is a huge need for fresh titles and ideas in this highly profitable genre. Recent horror movies like THE FOREVER PURGE was produced for $18M and grossed over $70M worldwide. THE UNHOLY was made for $1.2M and grossed $30M internationally. And then there's GET OUT which was made for $4.2M and grossed a mind blowing $240M. What do all these films have in common? A well-thought-out story, complex characters that take you on a ride, and mind-bending scares that all land at the perfect time. And each of these scenarios began with a great outline. Your outline is imperative because it helps you structure your story and character arcs before you type Fade In. Do you know your hook? Do you know your beats? Are your acts properly synchronized for maximum effect? Having a top-flight outline is often what separates a professional writer from an amateur. Now, Stage 32 is helping you craft the perfect outline in this exclusive, eight part lab. Over eight weeks in an exclusive, interactive Stage 32 writing lab, you’ll work in a virtual class setting and get one-on-one time with Karina Wilson, one of the most sought-after horror story consultants in the industry. Karina has worked for over a decade with IM Global and on titles like SKYLINE, 13 SINS, VIRAL, VAMPIRE ACADEMY, HORNS, and LORDS OF SALEM. You won't just be hearing lectures from Karina. You'll be actively moving your script forward each session, and you'll meet with Karina one-on-one three times for individual mentoring. All this ensures that you walk away from this class with an outline that has been vetted by an industry professional. You don't want to miss out on riding this global horror wave. There are only a limited number of spots available for Karina's lab, and once they're gone, they're gone for good. Join Karina and take the first step in penning a horror feature that thrills producers and audiences alike. Testimonials from Karina's previous Stage 32 Education: "She delivered on the topic and gave an informative lecture. I took many notes on how to immediately improve the horror script I'm writing now. That was my goal!" - Martha C. "I thought it was very informative and the speaker was well versed!" - Loretta C.
Write A Killer First Draft of Your Horror Feature
Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details Only Two Spots Left! Complete the first draft of your horror feature working one-on-one with the former in-house story consultant for IM Global Studios and streamers are on the hunt for horror films, with new deals being struck every day for fresh horror scripts. Why can't your slasher film or creature feature be one of them? It just takes a great finished script. There is an insatiable global appetite for horror movies. From franchises like THE PURGE to lower-budget hits like GET OUT to micro-budget breakouts like PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, audiences simply can't get enough. In this exclusive Stage 32 writing lab, we'll help you stop fearing the blank page as you complete the first draft of your horror script over eight intense sessions under the guidance and mentoring of Karina Wilson. Karina has worked for over a decade as a script consultant with horror houses IM Global and on titles such as SKYLINE, 13 SINS, VIRAL, VAMPIRE ACADEMY, HORNS, and LORDS OF SALEM, among others. You'll meet in an online class setting where you'll network and write alongside a small group of passionate writers and you'll work with Karina one-on-one for two virtual sessions to discuss your script's progress and ensure you walk away from this course with a strong first draft. These one-on-one sessions are an invaluable opportunity to work with one of the industry's most sought-after horror story consultants. By the end of this lab, you'll have a completed feature script draft vetted by an industry expert. Even better, you'll have the first chance to join one of the limited spots in Karina's Level 3 Lab, where you'll continue to work hands-on with Karina on rewriting your draft to perfection. To guarantee that you get the most out of your time with Karina, we're capping this lab to 12 seats, and once they're gone, they're gone for good. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to work with an experienced horror writer and script consultant, and to finish a top-notch first draft of your script, which will bring your dream of seeing your horror feature on screen closer to becoming a reality. Testimonials from Karina's previous Stage 32 Education: "She delivered on the topic and gave an informative lecture. I took many notes on how to immediately improve the horror script I'm writing now. That was my goal!" - Martha C. "I thought it was very informative and the speaker was well versed!" - Loretta C.
Writers: How to Tackle an Ambiguous Ending in your Screenplay
Sometimes your story just can't be wrapped up in a neat bow with a perfect Hollywood ending. As a writer, you may weave a unique narrative and the idea of tying up all your loose ends into a neat resolution just doesn't seem right. Or, if you're a producer or filmmaker you might want to set your project up for a sequel, so you may want to have your characters riding off into the sunset once you get to the end. If wrapping up your story in perfect fashion doesn't appeal to you, why don’t you consider an Ambiguous Ending? Ask yourself: Is there an artful exit from your story that defies predictions and is both thought-provoking and exasperating in equal measure? Can you work your way towards an ending that people will argue about in the bar immediately afterwards and for months (even years) online? The Ambiguous Ending is a great storytelling trick to pull off, but it’s not easy. If you mess it up, you’re left with a confusing final reel that audiences are likely to dislike— and they’ll carry their loathing out of the theater with them. This webinar explores the possibilities and guides you past the pitfalls. The Ambiguous Ending can present major challenges for you as a storyteller: How do you lay a trail of plot breadcrumbs for your audience that seem to lead them in two directions at once? How do you develop characters who are simultaneously engaging while possibly lying through their teeth about the reality of the situation they’re in? How do you set up the rules of your narrative world so that one reality can peel off from another? How much misdirection is OK? This type of ending requires you as the storyteller to deploy a sophisticated toolkit out of the gate. Luckily, we have a story expert who served as the in-house story consultant for IM Global for nearly a decade and worked on developing films for Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks and Emma Watson. In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level webinar Karina Wilson will look at some of the tricks and techniques you can use to create delicious doubt about the ending of your script in everyone but yourself. Praise from Karina's previous Stage 32 webinar: "Her presentation was well organized, her slides contained the right amount of information to digest and takes notes from. Her delivery was excellent." - Martha C. "I was so impressed!" - Loretta C.
How To Package, Pitch, & Sell Your Film Or TV Series (Oct 2022)
AN EXCLUSIVE CLASS FOR WRITERS, DIRECTORS AND PRODUCERS Learn in a class setting with TV and film producer Tracy Mercer, SVP of Amasia Entertainment! Get an industry insider's guidance with case studies including HULK, INVICTUS, MADAM SECRETARY, GREEN HORNET, DARK SHADOWS and more. PLUS! You'll get the pilot script for MADAM SECRETARY and the screenplays for ANY GIVEN SUNDAY. INVICTUS and BOONDOCK SAINTS Are you ready to package, pitch and sell your projects in today's marketplace? With the incredibly high demand for content in today’s film and television businesses, it’s never been more important to make your projects relevant and undeniable to buyers in every single way. In this exclusive Stage 32 class, you’ll learn how the marketplace likes to see your material, the strategies involved to make your projects stand out, how strategic partnerships can help and how to add the most sizzle to your sales pitch, all under the mentorship of a world-class executive who currently works at the highest levels of the industry. Guiding you through this process is Tracy Mercer, the Senior Vice President of Television at Amasia Entertainment. Tracy and Amasia are currently developing a sequel series to Dan Curtis’s classic DARK SHADOWS as well as the series BECAUSE THE NIGHT, based on the James Ellory book. Previously, Tracy worked on projects including THE BOONDOCK SAINTS, HBO’s WINCHELL, TNT’s WITCHBLADE, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, INVICTUS, Marvel’s THE PUNISHER, and AEON FLUX. Tracy was instrumental in the development of the CBS hit series MADAM SECRETARY. She’s worked with top-tier talent, including Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, Ang Lee, and Karyn Kusama. In this class, over four focused sessions, you’ll cover how to best position your project for buyers, how to create a brand and not just a script, how to choose the best partnerships for packaging, and how to pitch your materials so they sell. You will analyze real case studies of film and television projects through the eyes of the very executive who got them made! These case studies will include in-depth looks at HULK, INVICTUS, MADAM SECRETARY, and the upcoming DARK SHADOWS and GREEN HORNET AND KATO. Tracy pulls the veil back on her own process to show that if you understand the relevance of your story, how it fits into today's marketplace, and have a clear strategy for a financial return, you can establish yourself as a trusted content creator for years to come. Join Tracy today and ensure that you and your projects are ready to get noticed, bought, and greenlit.
Become an "Actor's Director" - How to Get the Performance and Win the Respect of Your Cast
As a director, one of your most important jobs is eliciting great performances from actors. Fail at that, and your film or series could crumble under the weight of bad acting. Although the best directors shape performances with a deftness that may seem effortless, it is not. In fact, becoming a great director of actors is hard work and takes years of disciplined practice. Like playing a violin, it is a skill that must be nurtured. But there is a place to start: Set the goal of becoming an “actor’s director.” You’ve heard the term before, but what does it really mean? Why does it matter? And how can you become one? And, who better to know what it takes to become an actor's director than Matthew McConaughey's teaching partner at University of Texas, Scott Rice. Scott is an Emmy Award-winning director who has directed projects for Sony Pictures, A&E, MTV Networks and more. His films have been distributed by Hulu, Showtime, Comedy Central and PBS. After studying under world-renowned film scholar David Bordwell, Scott began his career as a 3D animator and art director for Activision. He scripted the groundbreaking hit game SOLDIER OF FORTUNE and has since written on assignment for Elizabeth Avellan (SPY KIDS) among others. Scott is also an ADDY award winner for his commercial work. His national commercial clients include Shell, Las Vegas, MasterCard and Sears. As Scott explores how to become an “actor’s director,” he will share a volume of best practices and wisdom born of a rich 25-year career. Scott will begin by explaining what it means to be an “actor’s director” in general and will go over what you need to be familiar with ahead of time in order to be one yourself, including a basic rundown of the craft and challenges of acting and how to use empathy. He’ll illustrate what a strong actor-director collaboration looks like, how to harness the power of ‘yes’, and how to correctly ‘watch’ a performance while on set. Next Scott will delve into how best to prepare before production, including navigating scene work, the read-through and rehearsal process, dealing with shot listing, and creating a schedule while keeping your actors’ needs in mind. He’ll also discuss how best to handle walkthroughs and blocking and when to use stand-ins. Then Scott will teach you the best ways to interact with actors on set, including how to meet with them ahead of time, and how to hold yourself and speak while on set. He’ll spend time talking about the casting process and ways to serve as an “actor’s director” while auditioning and interviewing talent. Scott will then offer tips on how to work with non-actors, including children and animals, and share Steven Spielberg’s techniques for these challenges and how to use improvisation. He will delve into strategies for solving problems that occur on set, including how to identify a weak performance, getting out of a ‘black hole’, when to move on and circle back, and how to decide what you really need to move forward. Scott will share 8 things you should avoid while on set in order to be a better “actor’s director”. In the end, Scott will leave you with a thorough understanding of what it means to be an actor’s director and, more importantly, provide actionable advice for how to become one yourself. Scott will accompany his presentation with exclusive material from his nationally recognized film course which goes behind the scenes of Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey’s latest films. Scott will illustrate successful actor-director relationships through anecdotes from McConaughey and notorious directors including Gary Ross (THE HUNGER GAMES), Jeff Nichols (LOVING), and Harmony Korine (SPRING BREAKERS). Praise for Scott's Stage 32 Webinar "Scott was a great choice for an instructor. Very knowledgeable and a good teacher" -Blake N. "Scott was a fabulous presenter. He definitely brought his A-game today. Thanks, Scott!" -Paul T. "It was terrific. Great instructor. I loved his insights and recommendations. He clearly stays on top of his profession and is always learning." -Crystal B.
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