Frightfest back on the hunt for New Blood

Horror feature film writers invited to apply

by Jennie Kermode

Scriptwriters get ready
Scriptwriters get ready

Following on from last year's search for horror screenwriters, this year's Arrow Video Frightfest has launched a second New Blood competition and is inviting applications.

In the first instance, writers should submit short synopses and log lines. Those who make the shortlist will be invited to a workshop at the festival's main event in August, where they will workshop their ideas with a group of industry experts. These include genre legend Barbara Crampton, returning from last year; God's Own Country producer Jack Tarling; Giles Edwards of Queensbury Pictures; and Jenn Wexler, who directed this year's opening film, The Ranger. Help will be provider to nurture their scripts all the way to the screen, with one of last year's, Broadcast Signal Intrusion, now in production.

"What’s so exciting about this initiative is that it allows talented UK-based writers to interface with a US-based production company and get invaluable feedback and encouragement, knowing that it comes with a stateside commercial sensibility which is complimentary to the further development of their scripts," said Frightfest's Greg Day.

"2017's edition of New Blood threw up a slew of vibrant, bold and riotously diverse pitches. But the hunt for great material doesn't pause for breath," said Giles Edwards. "Projects that strive to enthral critically, perform commercially and that will entice a global audience hungry for thrilling new voices in the realm of fiercely entertaining genre cinema: that's the hallmark of Queensbury Pictures and of New Blood."

You can find out more about how to apply here.

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