Killer Shorts is NOW OPEN!

The New Wave of Horror Talent

Killer Shorts is the premier launchpad for the next generation of horror screenwriters and authors. We believe the short format is the ultimate industry equalizer. A high-concept script or short story showcases a writer’s unique vision while remaining highly attractive to producers looking for high-impact, cost-effective projects. Industry phenomenons like Lights Out and The Backrooms proved that Hollywood’s next obsession starts as a micro-budget proof of concept, offering incredible flexibility paired with massive, viral potential.

Expanding to Features

Hollywood is actively mining short fiction for adaptation into full-length movies. The next logical step is transitioning to long-form IP, which is why we are officially expanding our search to include feature-length screenplays. Whether your style is elevated horror, a studio slasher, or a genre-bending creature feature, every great franchise begins with a commercially viable premise that serves as an undeniable industry calling card.

Bring us your killer vision, from short form to feature length.

Deadlines & Announcements

Submissions close at 11:59 PM PST on the listed deadline date. Questions can be directed to support@killershorts.com.

Deadlines 

  • First Wave: ends June 5, 2026 
  • Earlybird: ends August 7, 2026
  • Regular: ends October 31, 2026
  • Final: ends December 4, 2026
  • Extended: ends December 31, 2026

Announcements 

  • Notifications: Feb 14, 2027
  • Quarterfinalists: Feb 15, 2027
  • Semifinalists: March 1, 2027
  • Top 10 Finalists: March 15, 2027
  • Top 3 Winners: April 26, 2027

Submission Categories 

  • Horror Short Screenplay: 20 pg limit
  • 1 Page Horror Short Screenplay: 1 pg limit
  • Short Story (Prose): 6000 word limit
  • Feature Screenplay: 70 – 120 pg limit

Industry Feedback

Every script submitted to Killer Shorts Coverage is automatically evaluated for The Scream List, the industry’s first real-time tracking board for horror shorts.

If your script earns a “Recommend” rating from our team, it goes directly onto the radar of executives at companies like Screambox, Bellevue, and Zero Gravity Management.

Killer Shorts Award Prizes

All awards and prizes are subject to change.

INDUSTRY CIRCULATION

Finalists receive industry circulation and recommendation to our network of Hollywood managers and producers.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CALLS

Top 3 Winners in the main category receive a 60-minute one-on-one Career Development call with a Stage 32 industry executive.

$5000 Cash

Each of the Grand Prize winners in the Feature and 1-Page categories will receive cash prizes to help fund their productions.

BELLEVUE PRODUCTIONS FIRST LOOK

Top 3 Feature Screenplay Winners receive guaranteed script review by literary manager John Zaozirny.

THE KILLER TROPHY

Each 1st Place Winner will receive a trophy hand-sculpted and designed by celebrity FX artist Tyler Green (SyFy’s Face Off).

PRODUCTION TOOLS & SOFTWARE

Winners receive essential industry-standard writing software, including licenses for Final Draft 13 and Scrivener.

Top 3 Winners

  • The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels.
  • Industry Circulation: Your script sent to our network of horror producers.
  • The Scream List: Elevated placement increasing visibility among industry professionals.
  • Stage 32 Pro Package: 60-min Career Development Call, Short Script Coverage, and FREE “Search for New Blood” contest entry.
  • The Winner’s Bundle: Final Draft 13, Shudder memberships, ISA Connect memberships and access to Robert McKee’s Horror Webinar Series.
  • Horror Fan Bundle: Rue Morgue Magazine Subscription and Fright Rags Gift Card.
  • Plus all Finalist prizes below.

Top 10 Finalists

  • Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
  • Final Draft 13 Software License.
  • Production Suite: Seed & Spark Consultation and We Make Movies Gold Membership.
  • Stage 32 Access: Script Coverage, Next Level Webinar and 50% off “Search For New Blood” entry.
  • Plus all Semifinalist prizes below.

Semifinalists & Honorable Mentions

  • Semifinalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
  • Stage 32 Package: Next Level Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” entry.

Quarterfinalists

  • Quarterfinalist Laurels.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Reduced rates for Stage 32 contests and partner services.

Grand Prize Winner

  • $500 Cash Prize & Winner Laurels.
  • The Killer Trophy.
  • 6 Month ISA Connect Membership.
  • Plus all Top 3 prizes listed below.

Top 3 Winners

  • Industry Circulation: Script sent to our network of horror producers.
  • The Scream List: Elevated placement increasing visibility among industry professionals.
  • Final Draft 13 Software License.
  • Creator Bundle: Stan Winston School Membership, We Make Movies Gold Membership, and Script Revolution Rockstar memberships.
  • Stage 32 Pro Perk: 100% off “Search For New Blood” contest entry.
  • Plus all Finalist prizes below.

Top 10 Finalists

  • Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
  • Stage 32 Access: Free Stage 32 “Next Level” Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” contest entry.

Semi & Quarterfinalists

  • Placement Laurels (Semi or Quarterfinalist).
  • Exclusive Discounts: Reduced rates for Stage 32 contests and partner webinars.

Grand Prize Winner

  • The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels.
  • Pro Consultation: One-on-one 30-minute meeting with author and screenwriter Chris Hicks (I Am Not Alone).
  • Official Publication: Featured story placement on the Killer Shorts website.
  • Plus all Top 3 & Finalist prizes below.

Top 3 Winners

  • Winner Laurels.
  • Industry Circulation: Your work sent to our network of horror producers and literary reps.
  • Plus all Finalist prizes below.

Top 10 Finalists

  • Finalist Laurels.
  • Scrivener Software: Professional writing license for prose and screenwriting.
  • Stage 32 Access: Free “Next Level” Webinar and 50% off “Search For New Blood” entry.

Semifinalists

  • Semifinalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
  • Education & Discounts: Free Stage 32 Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” entry.

Quarterfinalists

  • Quarterfinalist Laurels.
  • Stage 32 Discount: 20% off Stage 32 “Search For New Blood” entry.

Grand Prize Winner (presented by Deep Cuts Coffee)

  • $5000 cash.
  • The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels.
  • Bellevue Productions First Look: Guaranteed script review by literary manager John Zaozirny.
  • Plus all Top 3 & Finalist prizes below.

Top 3 Winners

  • Industry Circulation: Your script sent to our premier network of horror producers.
  • The Winner’s Bundle: Final Draft 13, Free Feature Script Entry to ScriptHop’s Gauntlet, and We Make Movies Gold Membership.
  • $50 Deep Cuts Coffee Gift Card.
  • Plus all Finalist prizes below.

Top 10 Finalists

  • Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
  • Seed & Spark Crowdfunding Consultation.
  • Plus all Semifinalist prizes below.

Semifinalists

  • Semifinalist Laurels.
  • The Script Directory: Logline publication in our curated industry database.

Quarterfinalists

  • Quarterfinalist Laurels.

Kelly Nugent

Signed by Wonder Street

"Out of all the competitions I entered, Killer Shorts was the most helpful and most tailored to me."

Vanessa Võ

Signed by Bellevue Productions

"Killer Shorts played a pivotal role in me finding representation at Bellevue."

Victor Ridaura

Signed by Endless Media

"Winning Season 5 has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in any screenplay competition."

Add Feedback To Your Killer Shorts Contest Entry

Get insightful, industry-level feedback while gaining automatic eligibility for The Scream List to connect your work with top horror producers and managers. Delivered directly to your inbox when the Quarterfinalists are announced, these notes reveal the internal evaluation process, showing you exactly why your script advanced to the next round or the specific adjustments needed to get it there next time.

“Using Killer Shorts’ coverage service was a no brainer; getting tailored feedback from readers who genuinely love and are educated in horror makes a world of difference. I can’t thank Killer Shorts enough!”

— ETHAN EVANS, WRITER / DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER TERROR ARCADE

Killer Shorts Judges

Literary managers, producers, curators, filmmakers and executives looking for fresh voices in horror.

John Zaozirny

John Zaozirny

Literary Manager / Bellevue Productions

Read Biography

JOHN ZAOZIRNY oversees the feature film production and Literary Management Team for Bellevue Productions. His clients’ writing and directing credits include INFINITE, PARALLEL, ELI, BAD MATCH, BETTER WATCH OUT, HEAVY TRIP, OFFICE UPRISING, SPLINTER, A CROOKED SOMEBODY, amongst others. As well, his clients have had 26 scripts on the last seven Black Lists, the annual list of the best unproduced feature scripts, including BLONDE AMBITION, the number one script on the 2016 Black List, HEADHUNTER, the number one script on the 2020 Black List, and CAULIFLOWER, the number one script on the 2021 Black List.

Tananarive Due

Author / Educator

Read Biography

TANANARIVE DUE is an award-winning author who teaches at UCLA. A leading voice in Black speculative fiction, Due has won an American Book Award, an NAACP Image Award, and a British Fantasy Award. Her books include The Reformatory (winner of a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Chautauqua Prize, Bram Stoker Award, World Fantasy Award, and a New York Times Notable Book), The Wishing Pool and Other Stories, Ghost Summer: Stories, My Soul to Keep, and The Good House.

Barbara Crampton

Barbara Crampton

Actress / Producer

Read Biography

Iconic horror actress + producer known for such movies as SUITABLE FLESH, JAKOB'S WIFE, RE-ANIMATOR, & FROM BEYOND.

Jed Shepherd

Screenwriter / Director

Read Biography

Writer/Exec Producer of HOST, DASHCAM for Blumhouse. Writer/Director of FLASHBACK for Netflix. THE BLAIR WITCH DOC and GHOSTS.

Gigi Saul Guerrero

Filmmaker

Read Biography

Gigi Saul Guerrero ("La Muñeca Del Terror") is a Mexican-Canadian director, actress, and writer known for her work in the horror genre. Co-founder of Luchagore Productions and a Capilano University graduate, she gained recognition for Culture Shock (Blumhouse), Bingo Hell, and La Quinceañera. She is acclaimed for bringing Latinx perspectives to genre filmmaking and serves as a instructor at Vancouver Film School.

Aaron B Koontz

Aaron B. Koontz

Producer

Read Biography

Aaron B. Koontz is President and Founder of Paper Street Pictures, LLC. Notable projects include THE PALE DOOR, Shudder's SCARE PACKAGE and CAMERA OBSCURA.

Julian Terry Killer Shorts Judge

Julian Terry

Screenwriter

Read Biography

Writer & Director of acclaimed horror shorts DON'T PEEK, WHISPER, THEY HEAR IT, and THE NURSE -- all of which are being adapted into feature films!

Lucas Ford

Producer / Ford Films

Read Biography

Producer & principal at Ford Films focusing on breakthrough genre voices. Current projects include Portal to Hell (Cineverse), Henry’s Ebb (Cannes Frontières) and How Was Your Weekend? (SXSW). Previously at 21 Laps, he most notably brought in Kane Parson’s viral feature adaptation for BACKROOMS (A24) as well as contributed to hit projects like Stranger Things (Netflix) and Free Guy (20th).

Glenn Cockburn

Glenn Cockburn

Literary Manager / Meridian Artists

Read Biography

Glenn Cockburn is the founder of Meridian Artists and represents a select roster of some of Canada’s most talented writers, directors and producers.

Traction logo

Jason Tamasco

Producer

Read Biography

Jason Tamasco is a film and television producer and co-founder of TRACTION, an independent studio focused on commercially driven, filmmaker-forward storytelling. His work spans development, finance, production, and distribution, with a focus on structuring films that balance creative ambition with disciplined execution. His credits include the Netflix series EL CHAPO, the Shudder breakout DEADTECTIVES, and RED RIGHT HAND, starring Orlando Bloom and Andie MacDowell. Upcoming films include the 2026 SXSW Premiere THE PIRATE KING and the psychological thriller HYDE, starring Bill Camp and Bruce Greenwood.

Xavier Burgin

Xavier Burgin

Director

Read Biography

Emmy-nominated writer/director of Shudder’s HORROR NOIRE: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR. He’s a Sundance Fellow, HBO Alumni, Berlinale Talent, Ryan Murphy Directing Fellow, Screencraft Winner, and Academy Nicholl Top 50 Screenwriter.

Chelsea Lupkin

Senior Programmer / Short of the Week

Read Biography

Chelsea Lupkin is a Senior Programmer at Short of the Week and is known for her short horror film LUCY'S TALE, which is streaming for free on Gunpowder & Sky’s horror platform, ALTER, where it has been viewed over 6.8 million times.

Sophie Carroll

Creative Director / ALTER & DUST at Gunpowder & Sky

Read Biography

UK native Sophie Carroll’s passion for horror began at age 6 with Scream. Her media experience in London prepared her to lead the creative vision for Gunpowder & Sky’s ALTER (horror) and DUST (sci-fi). As Director of Creative, Sophie oversees branding and content for their YouTube and FAST TV channels, bringing innovative and boundary-pushing stories to global audiences. She’s been key in shaping these platforms, bridging the gap between visionary indie filmmakers and genre fans.

Melody Cooper

Producer / Writer

Read Biography

Weaned on sci fi, horror and social activism, Melody's currently adapting the book BEASTS OF PREY to film for Netflix. Previously story editor, 22nd season LAW & ORDER: SVU, writer on TWO SENTENCE HORROR STORIES. Comic book: OMNI Vol. 2; "Igbo Landing" in NOIR IS THE NEW BLACK.

John Squires

Editor-in-Chief / Bloody Disgusting

Read Biography

John Squires is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Managing Director of Bloody Disgusting, where he has been a leading voice in horror journalism since 2008. A Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and dedicated genre enthusiast, he oversees the site's editorial direction while famously maintaining a collection of unique movie props.

Jenn Wexler

Filmmaker

Read Biography

Director, THE SACRIFICE GAME, THE RANGER. Producer, DEPRAVED, MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND, LIKE ME, PSYCHOPATHS, and DARLING.

“Killer Shorts has changed my life…If you want to be a better horror screenwriter, there is no other contest that compares.”

— PHILLIP DISHON, SEASON 5 WINNER

Script Directory

Over seven years, we’ve uncovered the best unproduced horror shorts. Our new Script Directory lets producers scout fresh projects and writers study the mechanics of the craft. Browse curated loglines and request scripts directly from the writers to start your next production.

See You On Discord

Come chat with KillerAlum and those who aspire to be. Participate in weekly writing challenges, get free feedback on your scripts and chat about all things horror. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Writers of all ages and locations are welcome. Anyone under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate.

Your work must fall under the horror umbrella or one of its many sub-genres (Horror Comedy, Sci-Fi Horror, Psychological Thriller, etc.). We accept everything from Gothic and Supernatural to Noir and Slasher. As long as it contains horror elements, it is eligible.

Yes. Please include a title page with your script. Contact information is permitted.

Absolutely. You are welcome to use a pen name (pseudonym) for your work.

Scripts are evaluated on Premise, Originality, Structure, Pacing, Characters, Dialogue, and Writing Ability.

Absolutely. All rights and ownership remain with the original writers.

The Scream List is a real-time tracking board for high-scoring short horror scripts. Industry professionals use it to find material that has earned a “Recommend” through the Killer Shorts coverage service.

No. Eligibility is exclusive to projects that have gone through our separate Short Script Coverage process.

Due to the high volume of entries, we cannot provide individual feedback for contest submissions. If you want professional notes, please consider our Short Script Coverage service.

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