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.

Share this with others on...
News

Looking back Kei Ishikawa on memory, ambiguity and A Pale View Of Hills

Bearing witness Gabriela Osio Vanden and Jack Weisman on balance and perspectives in Nuisance Bear

Number one suspect Peter Warren on mental illness, living with uncertainty, and Kill Me

'Our present is Barbara’s future' Brydie O’Connor on Barbara Forever, queer wisdom and reaching younger audiences

Golden night for Closure in Thessaloniki Documentary about a grieving father's hunt for his son takes top prize

One Battle After Another named Best Picture Breakthroughs for women and Koreans, a new category, and an award with two winners.

More news and features

We're currently bringing you news, reviews and more direct from the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, SXSW and the NY Rendezvous with French Cinema.



We're looking forward to BFI Flare and Fantaspoa.



We've recently brought you coverage of the Glasgow Film Festival, the Berlinale, Sundance, Palm Springs, the French Film Festival UK, Thessaloniki Film Festival, DOC NYC, and the Leeds International Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.

It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest from the spring events:

Cannes Barbra Streisand to receive honorary Palme d'Or

Thessaloniki Golden Alexanders announced

Cannes Honorary Palme d'Or to be presented to Peter Jackson

Cannes Park Chan-Wook named as Jury head