2 spots left! Learn from the former Development Coordinator at Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions!

Walk away with a polished first draft of your feature or short film!

So, you want to write a “genre” film? You’re not alone. As the industry evolves and redefines what genre means today, there’s more opportunity than ever to craft bold, unique stories that truly echo your voice and intention.

In this exclusive Stage 32 virtual screenwriting lab, you’ll learn how to develop a script that not only reflects your vision but is built with an eye toward what buyers and audiences are actively looking for. You'll explore structure in a way that enhances—not stifles—your creativity. You'll learn to define your subgenre, sharpen your story, and most importantly, execute your message on the page while staying true to your unique voice. At the end of the lab you'll walk away with a completed script that you will be proud of, all under the guidance of an experienced executive who has worked with Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions, CAA, and more.

To guide you through your process is Savannah Abrishamchian who is an experienced genre Producer and Filmmaker who served as the Development Coordinator at Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions. At Monkeypaw, she played a key role in the production of Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror, edited by Jordan Peele, and contributed to hit series including Hunters (Amazon) and The Last O.G. (TBS). Her career began on Spotify's Original Videos team, which launched her to Creative Artists Agency, working alongside influential figures behind Big Little Lies, Lost, Jury Duty, and more.  

Throughout this interactive 8-week lab, you’ll participate in online Zoom classes in a small group setting of only 10 writers and have personalized one on one feedback sessions with Savannah. By the end, you’ll have a completed first draft of your genre feature or short film — along with the creative confidence and insider knowledge to keep developing your project, whether you plan to shoot it yourself, submit it for development opportunities, or bring it to market!

About the Screenwriting Lab Format:

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with Savannah and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to her. You will have access to Savannah for the duration of your lab by email to ask her any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry!

All lab recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile.

Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

PLUS! You’ll Receive These Handouts to Help You:

• Subgenre & Structure Breakdown

• Creative Brain Dump & Outlining Templates

• Industry Tips for Writing Original Genre Projects

Session 1: The Ice & Heart Breaker

• Break the ice and launch your eight-week journey toward crafting a first draft of your horror or genre feature/short.

• Connect with fellow cinephiles and get comfortable sharing your ideas.

• Be ready to present your project’s title, subgenre, comps, “why,” and a concise logline (max three sentences).

• Learn how to balance structure and creative freedom when outlining or brain dumping your script.

• Explore breaking form while still writing what Hollywood recognizes as “a movie.”

• Subgenre examples include Creature Feature, Folk Horror, Body Horror, Slasher, Found Footage, and more.

Assignment:

• Watch and reflect on Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By the Sea to discuss next session.

• Draft an outline, stream of consciousness, or brain dump detailing your three acts (beginning, middle, end).

• Submit your draft to the Lab Mentor.

Focus: Moral of Your Story, Intention & Message

Session 2: The Cold Open & The Hook 

(One-on-one's With Savannah)

• Discuss the “horrors” and “not-so horrors” of Manchester By the Sea.

• Define what makes a horror film “horror” and explore ways to subvert traditional genre expectations.

• Learn how to craft a powerful cold open and hook that keeps your audience invested.

• Participate in 1:1 creative sessions with the Lab Mentor to discuss your Act I approach.

Assignment:

• Revise and complete your outline or brain dump.

• Draft the first 10–20 pages of your script.

Focus: Act I — Cold Open, Hook, Protagonist, World Building, Stakes, Inciting Incident

Session 3: Building Tension & Story Simultaneously

• Analyze the building blocks of a strong horror story as a group.

• Reflect on your Inciting Incident and how it propels the story toward key encounters or warnings.

• Identify your main characters’ goals, arcs, and what breaks the “normal” in their world.

• Explore how horror manifests and how characters face or avoid danger.

Assignment:

• Continue writing, adding 10–20 pages.

• Keep pushing characters, story, genre elements, and through-lines forward.

• Submit your draft to the Lab Mentor.

Focus: Act I (continued), Act II — Growing Tension, Unease, Encounters, Warnings, Turning Points

Session 4: The Unknown

• Reflect on your progress and script state in a creative therapy session.

• Participate in a live writing exercise as a meditative response to your script.

• Discuss what you’re proud of, challenged by, and how to nurture your script.

• Address what feels easier, harder, or missing in your story.

Assignment:

• Write 20 pages. You’ve got this!

Focus: Act II (continued) — Confronting the Unknown, Increasing Danger and Stakes, Seeking Answers

Session 5: The Middle: Half-Alive, Half-Awake, or Half-Dead (One-on-one's With Savannah)

• Focus on maintaining momentum toward big reveals and keeping audience interest.

• Discuss the “rules” of your horror and align story pieces for your characters and audience to solve.

• Explore examples of subgenres like Curse Contagion (Hereditary), Survival Slasher (It Follows), Body Horror (Titane), and more.

• 1:1 sessions with the Lab Mentor to provide targeted feedback.

Assignment:

• Review earlier acts for consistency.

• Write 10–20 pages to keep the momentum going.

Focus: Act II (continued) — Escalation, Major Twists, Lowest Points, Surprising Triumphs

Session 6: Entering the End

• Reflect on ACT III structure and juggling multiple storylines.

• Discuss how characters reach their end points and how to bring resolution.

• Creative discussion on crafting a powerful ending, followed by Q&A.

Assignment:

• Write 10–20 pages.

• Submit 1–2 film endings/final showdowns as references.

Focus: Act III — Decisions, Sacrifice vs. Revenge, Resolution, Dream Ending

Session 7: Last Encounters

• Address your climax and strengthen the horror’s impact.

• Evaluate emotional stakes and endings to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

• Review submitted film clip endings and discuss what works and why.

• Share and discuss each writer’s approach to their ending in class Q&A.

Assignment:

• Finish Act III and complete your first draft.

• Submit your completed draft to the Lab Mentor.

Focus: Final Act III moments, emotional payoff, and story closure

Session 8: Good Night & Good Luck 

(One-on-one's With Savannah)

• Reflect on what helped most in crafting your first draft.

• Discuss highs, lows, and new discoveries in your writing process.

• Engage in 1:1 Lab Mentor consultations to evaluate strengths, challenges, and next steps for revisions.

• Celebrate your accomplishment as a (nearly) finished writer!

• Writers developing a genre feature or short film (Horror, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, etc.)

• Filmmakers eager to take their unique vision from idea to polished first draft with expert guidance