The Scream List is a real-time ranking of the top 20 short screenplays in the horror, thriller, and sci-fi genres, based on performance within the Killer Shorts coverage ecosystem.
How Projects Are Selected
To appear on the Scream List, a project must meet one of the following criteria:
- Receive a “Recommend” rating from a Killer Shorts coverage reader, or
- Earn a Top 3 spot in the Killer Shorts screenplay competition.
Projects must also fall within one of the following formats:
- Short Screenplay
- TV Pilot (Coming Soon!)
- Short Story (Coming Soon!)
Genres considered include horror, thriller, and science fiction.
How the Rankings Work
The Scream List is updated in real-time. Entries are sorted based on the following criteria:
- Coverage Rating
Only projects rated “Recommend” qualify for inclusion. Those rated “Consider” or “Pass” do not qualify. - Score
Within the “Recommend” rating category, projects are ordered by their overall score, from highest to lowest. - Recency
If two or more projects have the same rating and score, the more recent submission is placed higher on the list.
Only the top 20 qualifying projects are included at any given time.
In order to keep the list fresh, projects may drop off the list after 90 days.
Purpose of the List
The Scream List functions as a curated discovery platform for literary managers, producers, filmmakers, and directors seeking fresh, high-quality genre material. By appearing on the list, your project gains increased visibility with industry professionals who are actively looking for new scripts and stories to represent, develop, or produce.
FAQ
How often is the list updated?
In real-time. It reflects the most recent coverage results.
Can a project appear on the list more than once?
No. Each project is only eligible to appear once, based on its highest-rated evaluation.
What if I resubmit the same script and get a higher score?
If a project is resubmitted and earns a higher score or rating in a later evaluation, the list will automatically update to reflect the newest, highest-rated version — as long as it still qualifies. The older version will be replaced.
Will industry professionals see my project if I’m on the Scream List?
Yes. The Scream List is regularly reviewed by literary managers, producers, filmmakers, and directors interested in discovering emerging horror, thriller, and sci-fi content. Being featured on the list increases your project’s exposure to these professionals and can open doors to representation, optioning, production, or collaboration.
Can I request removal from the list?
Yes. Writers can opt out at any time by contacting Killer Shorts directly.
Can I appear on the list without getting coverage?
No. Only projects that have gone through the Killer Shorts coverage process are eligible. This includes contest entries with additional feedback.
Can being on the Scream List help my career?
While the Scream List isn’t a guarantee of industry attention, it highlights your work as a top-scoring piece in a curated, public-facing list. It increases visibility among producers, managers, and fellow writers tracking new genre material.
Do I get notified if I make the list?
Yes. Writers are notified by email when their project first appears on the Scream List. If a project drops off the list and re-appears later (which can happen), writers are not notified.
Can I share that I’m on the list publicly?
Absolutely. We encourage it.
Is there a badge or graphic I can use?
Yes. Writers featured on the Scream List will receive a custom digital laurel or badge indicating their inclusion, which may be used on websites, pitch decks, and social media.
What if my project qualified last month, but it’s no longer listed?
The Scream List only shows the current top 20 projects based on the latest scores and rankings. If your project is no longer listed, it may have been bumped by newer and/or higher-rated entries. You may reappear in a future update depending on how the rankings shift.
Do contest placements affect my ranking?
Contest placements (quarterfinalist, semifinalist, finalist) do not impact your Scream List ranking, however, Top 3 Winners may appear on the list at our discretion.
Can I appear on the list if I only submitted to the contest and didn’t purchase coverage?
No.
Are there deadlines or page limits I need to adhere to?
No. The Scream List is year-round, updated in real-time with the most recent high scoring projects discovered via our coverage service. There are no page limits, however, short scripts are best when they are just that – short. It is less likely our readers will recommend a short script upwards of 30-40 pages, but not impossible.
Can I appear on the list with a short story, or is it just for scripts?
Coming Soon.
How do I improve my chances of ranking higher?
Strong storytelling, formatting, originality, and genre execution increase the likelihood of a high coverage score or Recommend. You may also submit a revision for additional coverage.
Is the Scream List the same as Coverfly’s Red List?
Not quite. While both showcase top-ranking scripts, the Scream List is a curated selection focused exclusively on horror, thriller, and sci-fi, with a specific emphasis on short-form storytelling and emerging genre writers. It’s also powered by reader scores and coverage ratings from Killer Shorts, not an aggregate across platforms and contests.
Disclaimers
- Inclusion on the Scream List does not imply endorsement or representation by Killer Shorts.
- All scores and rankings are based on internal evaluation standards. Subjectivity is inherent in all script coverage services.
- Rankings are informational and intended to highlight promising genre work. They do not reflect public votes or market performance.
For Industry Readers
The Scream List is designed as a discovery tool for professionals seeking new genre material. It highlights projects that have received strong evaluations from readers and judges trained in genre development and coverage.
Contact information is available via a pre-filled email pop-up, allowing interested parties to reach out to writers directly.
To inquire about a specific project or request exclusive emails when new scripts appear on The Scream List, please contact Killer Shorts.
