Writing a horror screenplay is much different than writing for other genres. Horror
movies are intended to draw feelings of disgust, fear, or both, from the viewers. They are meant to startle them and leave them wide-eyed and clutching the sides of the seat, breaking out in cold sweats, gulping in air and shrieking with fright. This, of course, may be a bit hyperbolic, but the perfectly horrendous movies will elicit such reaction in varying degrees. The elements of supernatural, torture, morbidity, diseases and murders are often used as a flavoring. A horror screenplay thrills some of the audience while most people are left terror stricken. Formal training in horror script writing can teach you the basics, which can be honed through practice.
It is challenging to spin stories that can significantly scare viewers. When writing plots that deal with surreal, evil, demons, curses or ghoulish characters it is important to make it seems real enough so that the spectators begin to identify with the victim of the story. The horror screenplay should attempt to bring the fantastic aspects into everyday world. The term “horror” has been defined differently by people down the ages. Similarly, what terrifies kids may appear quite silly to adults. The writer should have the intended audience clearly in mind before creating a suitable story premise.
The first ten pages of the horror screenplay must be able to grab the viewers’ attention or the writer will have lost the audience. Treat these ten pages as the movie itself. By creating an eerie situation right in the beginning, the author can hook the viewers in such a way that they develop an eagerness to know what happens next. The leading characters should also be introduced at the start. Even if you are using the age-old recipe of vampires or black magic of the East, give it a conniving twist. The horror screenplay that carries old wine in a new casket appeals to generations after generations. It is one genre where the antagonist grabs the limelight. The monster turns into the actual hero. In fact, the movie is often named after the horrid creature.
The surprise element of storytelling ought to take the audience where they least expected to go. This adds to the charm of a terrifying screenplay. The voices, the sounds, the time of the scene and the location hold places of prominence in a horror screenplay. Dramatic actions are links that hold the script together while also imbuing it with excitement. Character-driven horror screenplays are found to be superior to action driven. One wonders why horror attracts people when it should actually repel them. It has attracted millions through its blood-curdling chill, perversion and violence. Horror turns into a sort of addiction or obsession in many people. The fear of the unknown or the danger lurking round every corner must be expertly handled by a horror screenplay writer.
About the Author:
John Halasz is a former NYC writing teacher who currently writes full time — SEO articles, novels, nonfiction books, ebooks, advertisements, resumes, and cover letters.
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