I'm a big fan of Sundance Co//ab and everything they have for young filmmakers. It's so important to educate the next generation. We'll get better movies, and we'll get to see the start of some amazing careers. So why not take a few master classes to hone your skills?
Well, a lot of that stuff is expensive—what if I told you Sundance had a free one, for horror writers? We have lots of horror articles, but maybe you want to take a free class.
Sundance Co//ab Master Classes are open and free of charge to all members as live events. Sessions will be recorded and available in their video library within 24 hours to all members for 48 hours after posting. After that, on-demand access to the recording is available only to Creator+ and Course Pass members.
You can sign up to get a free 30-day trial Creator+ Membership.
Credit: Sundance
What's in their class?
Master Classes are in-depth, interactive learning experiences focused on craft and career-building and led by renowned industry experts. Topics include fiction and documentary filmmaking, TV writing and production, and navigating and succeeding in the entertainment industry.
Let's talk nightmares. How do we mine the fear, tap into the uncanny, and shape moments of horror that win the screams and applause of audiences?
This class will be taught by award-winning filmmaker and novelist Owen Egerton (Mercy Black, Follow, Blood Fest) as he leads a deep dive into the craft of writing horror for the screen. Using in-class clips, Egerton will analyze the various types of horror storytelling, discuss subgenres, and give insight into how to elevate the genre through character.
There is always a market for horror, and Egerton will walk you through how to get your horror screenplay or film out into the world. In this live and interactive three-hour event, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the craft of writing horror and how to bring a fresh take to a tried-and-true genre.
Topics covered include:
- An overview of the horror genre and subgenres
- Tapping into your own fears
- Setting the tone and creating the world
- Crafting compelling characters, plot twists, and twisting the tropes
- The building blocks of a brilliant scare
- Horror in horrific times—speaking (and not speaking) to today's issues
- Writing serialized horror—the franchise and television
- Finding a home for your horror—selling, collaborating, creating
The class is Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST.
To sign up, visit Sundance's website and claim your spot.
