Killer Shorts: Short Scripts, Features, & Short Stories

Got a horror script or short story? We want to read it.

Killer Shorts is a premier launchpad dedicated to discovering, championing, and launching new voices in horror and dark genre filmmaking. Founded in 2019, our competition connects writers with the industry professionals who actually greenlight, manage, and cover genre cinema.

Whether you are a master of micro-budget proof-of-concepts or the creator of the next great studio franchise, your work belongs here.

Expanding to Feature Screenplays

We believe the short format is the ultimate industry equalizer. Hits like Lights Out and The Backrooms proved that Hollywood’s next viral obsession starts as a micro-budget proof of concept. Show More

Killer Shorts: Short Scripts, Features, & Short Stories

Got a horror script or short story? We want to read it.

Killer Shorts is a premier launchpad dedicated to discovering, championing, and launching new voices in horror and dark genre filmmaking. Founded in 2019, our competition connects writers with the industry professionals who actually greenlight, manage, and cover genre cinema.

Whether you are a master of micro-budget proof-of-concepts or the creator of the next great studio franchise, your work belongs here.

Expanding to Feature Screenplays

We believe the short format is the ultimate industry equalizer. Hits like Lights Out and The Backrooms proved that Hollywood’s next viral obsession starts as a micro-budget proof of concept. Furthermore, the industry is actively mining short fiction for full-length adaptation.

Because transitioning to long-form IP is the next logical step for emerging talent, Killer Shorts is officially expanding to include FEATURE-LENGTH SCREENPLAYS. Whether your style is elevated horror, a studio slasher, a genre-bending creature feature, or a dark psychological thriller, we are looking for commercially viable premises that serve as undeniable industry calling cards. Bring us your killer vision, from short-form to feature-length. To celebrate this new chapter, our Feature Category Grand Prize Winner will take home a $5,000 cash prize, presented by Deep Cuts Coffee.

The Killer Shorts Jury

Our Top 10 finalists are read by a stellar jury of over a dozen literary managers, producers, filmmakers, and horror legends. Our panel includes:
Barbara Crampton (Horror Icon, Actress & Producer - Jakob's Wife, Suitable Flesh)
John Zaozirny (Literary Manager, Bellevue Productions)
Tananarive Due (Author, Producer, & Horror Historian)
Lucas Ford (Producer, Ford Films - The Backrooms)
John Squires (Editor-in-Chief, Bloody Disgusting)

Past prizes have included guaranteed industry reads, career consultations, mentorships, and our custom trophy.

The Scream List Integration

Looking for feedback? Check out Killer Shorts' Coverage Services at https://killershorts.com/notes/.

Screenplays that receive a “Recommend” rating may qualify for inclusion on The Scream List. The Scream List is the industry’s first real-time tracking board of recommended short genre screenplays.

Industry professionals from across the landscape have signed on to watch The Scream List, including Bellevue Productions, Circle Management + Production, Screambox, Chroma, Raven Banner Entertainment, Zero Gravity Management, Alibi Entertainment, Ford Films, Grey Matter Productions, Paper Street Pictures, and more.

Success Stories From Our Alumni

Our track record speaks for itself. Past winners and finalists have gone on to sign with top-tier literary representation, secure option deals, and gain worldwide festival recognition.

"Killer Shorts played a pivotal role in me finding representation at Bellevue. Thanks to the competition, I was connected with John who later connected me with my current manager, Maddy."
— Vanessa Võ, Season 2 2nd Place Winner, signed by Bellevue Productions

"Killer Shorts has changed my life. It is so much more than a contest. It is a network of brilliant writers working to hone their craft. Winning is always the goal, but even placing in Killer Shorts opens so many avenues for writers to connect and grow. If you want to be a better horror screenwriter, there is no other contest that compares.”
— Phillip Dishon, Season 6 1st Place Winner (1-Page Category)

"Because I placed as a top 10 finalist in the Killer Shorts contest, I was awarded a career consultation. Of all the contests I entered, Killer Shorts was the most helpful and tailored to me. The career consultation was great. They really took the time to get to know me and my voice, and helped connect me with a manager that understands exactly how to market me and the projects I'm interested in."
— Kelly Nugent, Season 3 Top 10 Finalist, signed by Wonder Street

"Winning Season 5 (and qualifying in the Top 10 with a different script in Season 4) has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in any screenplay competition I've participated in. Alison has been an ally, advocate, and advisor on my career, my writing, and me as a person. Her unwavering interest in helping emerging writers achieve their goals is clear in everything she does and how she runs Killer Shorts. I honestly could go and on, but yes, this is a MUST if you are a genre writer."
— Victor Ridaura, Season 5 1st Place Winner, signed by Endless Media

Is this the year you kill it? Submit your script today.