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Genre Season: Horror & Slasher
Tue 18 November 2008
Wolf Creek: A slasher with screams
This one-day workshop dedicated to the dark art of writing Horror and Slasher films is part of our November Genre Season, a series of six practical workshops each devoted to a different story type.
Horror & Slasher
Slaughtering dim and promiscuous teenagers or unleashing the ghosts of murdered children have been big box-office attractions in recent years. Whether you’re conjuring up the supernatural or imagining the evils perpetrated by axe wielding maniacs, this session looks at current trends in horror movies and the art of terrifying an audience. Includes practical exercises that may trouble the squeamish.
This session is taught by Rob Ritchie, an experienced writer and tutor, who is currently also working as a script developer on a number of Horror films for Little Bird’s Ministry of Fear.
COURSE OUTLINE
Session 1: Introduction: ‘It’s not human – and it’s got an axe (again)’
Fear, shock, disgust and suspense are the essential ingredients of any horror film. This session outlines the premise, themes and basic scenarios of different kinds of horror: from chilling ghost stories to power-tool gore shockers. Given the fashion for re-makes, long-running franchises and self-parody, is the genre exhausted or are there new sources for contemporary horror ?
Session 2: ‘I know you’re in there!’ : Plot
In the rush to deliver set-piece shocks and final-reel slaughter horror writers frequently create illogical plots. With the emphasis on blood, smash-cuts and special effects, the underlying dramatic structure is forgotten. This session looks at different ways of structuring a story to maximise terror and suspense.
Session 3: ‘We’re all gonna die!’ : Character
From The Bride of Frankenstein to Saw horror has generated a host of legendary monsters and insane killers. Their victims, however, are often no more than two-dimensional types. Is this inevitable or is it just bad writing? This session examines the problems of creating credible characters in genres driven by violence and excess.
Session 4 : ‘What’s so scary?’ : Developing Horror Stories
Drawing on a range of films currently in development, this session explores the process of creating a horror script and examines the trends in contemporary British horror. The session concludes with a final exercise in building a horror story from scratch.
Participants are asked to view Slither [2006], Ring Two [original 2001 or Hollywood remake 2005] and Dog Soldiers [2002] in advance of the workshop.
Participants are encouraged to bring ideas or outlines for the kind of horror film they would like to write or produce. Each session will involve exercises intended to inspire and clarify the process of creating original horror films.
The workshop takes place at BFI Southbank and runs from 10am - 5pm. The cost of attending this one-day workshop is £120 + VAT (total £141). Script Factory Members are eligible for a 10% discount, making the Members’ fee £108 + VAT (total £126.90).
Places are strictly limited to 20 participants, so please book early to avoid disappointment. To book by credit/debit card please call us on 020 7851 4890.
For further details on this session and to find out more about the others making up our Genre Season please click here.