The Killer Shorts Horror Short Screenplay Competition

Killer Shorts Horror

Contact

Web:
https://killershorts.com
Email:
info@killershortscontest.com

Contact: Alison Parker, Contest Director

Report Card
Overall:		(4.0/5.0)
Professionalism:		(4.3/5.0)
Feedback:		(4.0/5.0)
Signficance:		(4.0/5.0)
Report Cards:	Less than 5
Have you entered? Submit a Report card

Objective

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.

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

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.

Show Less

Deadline/Entry Fees

Deadline	Date Days till:	Entry Fee
First Wave	June 5, 2026 1	$20.00
Earlybird	August 7, 2026 63	$25.00
Regular	October 31, 2026 148	$30.00
Final	December 4, 2026 182	$35.00
Extended	December 31, 2026 209	$40.00
Extended	December 31, 2026 209	$40.00

Submissions close at 11:59 PM PST on the listed deadline date. Questions can be directed to support@killershorts.com.

WinningScripts Pro 25% Off Coupon

Notification: February 15, 2027

Eligibility

Anyone in the world. If under 18, with parental consent.

Rules

For a full list of rules, please visit the official website.

Awards

This year's jury includes:

John Zaozirny — Literary Manager & Producer, Bellevue Productions
Tananarive Due — Author & Producer (The Twilight Zone, Horror Noire)
Barbara Crampton — Actress & Producer (Re-Animator, Jakob's Wife, Suitable Flesh)
Lucas Ford — Producer, Ford Films (The Backrooms)
Sophie Carroll — Creative Director, ALTER & DUST at Gunpowder & Sky
Xavier Burgin — Director (Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror)
Jed Shepherd — Filmmaker (Host, Flashback, Blair Witch Doc)
Gigi Saul Guerrero — Director & Co-Founder, Luchagore Productions (Satanic Hispanics, Culture Shock)
Aaron B. Koontz — Producer & CEO, Paper Street Pictures (Shelby Oaks, Scare Package)
John Squires — Editor-in-Chief, Bloody Disgusting
Julian Terry — Filmmaker (Whisper, The Nurse, They Hear It)
Chelsea Lupkin — Senior Programmer at Short of the Week & Filmmaker (Flagged, Lucy's Tale)
Glenn Cockburn — Literary Manager, Meridian Artists
Jenn Wexler — Filmmaker (The Sacrifice Game, The Ranger)
Jason Tamasco — Producer, Traction Pictures
Melody Cooper — Producer & Writer (Beasts of Prey, Two Sentence Horror Stories, Law & Order: SVU)

HORROR SHORT SCREENPLAY CATEGORY - PRIZES

Top 3 Winners

The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels.
Industry Circulation: Your script sent to our network of horror producers.
The Scream List: Elevated placement increasing visibility among industry professionals.
Stage 32 Pro Package: 60-min Career Development Call, Short Script Coverage, and FREE “Search for New Blood” contest entry.
The Winner’s Bundle: Final Draft 13, Shudder memberships, ISA Connect Memberships and access to Robert McKee’s Horror Webinar Series.
Horror Fan Bundle: Rue Morgue Magazine Subscription and Fright Rags Gift Card.
Plus all Finalist prizes below.

Top 10 Finalists

Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
Final Draft 13 Software License.
Production Suite: Seed & Spark Consultation and We Make Movies Gold Membership.
Stage 32 Access: Script Coverage, Next Level Webinar and 50% off “Search For New Blood” entry.
Plus all Semifinalist prizes below.

Semifinalists & Honorable Mentions

Semifinalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
Stage 32 Package: Next Level Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” entry.

Quarterfinalists

Quarterfinalist Laurels.
Exclusive Discounts: Reduced rates for Stage 32 contests and partner services.

FEATURE SCREENPLAY CATEGORY - PRIZES Grand Prize Winner (presented by Deep Cuts Coffee)

$5,000 cash prize.
The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels.
Bellevue Productions First Look: Guaranteed script review by literary manager John Zaozirny.
Plus all Top 3 & Finalist prizes below.

Top 3 Winners

Industry Circulation: Your script sent to our premier network of horror producers.
The Winner’s Bundle: Final Draft 13, Free Feature Script Entry to ScriptHop’s Gauntlet, and We Make Movies Gold Membership.
$50 Deep Cuts Coffee Gift Card.
Plus all Finalist prizes below.

Top 10 Finalists

Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
Seed & Spark Crowdfunding Consultation.
Plus all Semifinalist prizes below.

Semifinalists

Semifinalist Laurels.
The Script Directory: Logline publication in our curated industry database.

Quarterfinalists

Quarterfinalist Laurels.

1-PAGE HORROR SHORT SCREENPLAY CATEGORY - PRIZES Grand Prize Winner

$500 Cash Prize & Winner Laurels.
The Killer Trophy.
6 Month ISA Connect Membership.
Plus all Top 3 prizes listed below.

Top 3 Winners

Industry Circulation: Script sent to our network of horror producers.
The Scream List: Elevated placement increasing visibility among industry professionals.
Final Draft 13 Software License.
Creator Bundle: Stan Winston School Membership, We Make Movies Gold Membership, and Script Revolution Rockstar memberships.
Stage 32 Pro Perk: 100% off “Search For New Blood” contest entry.
Plus all Finalist prizes below.

Top 10 Finalists

Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
Stage 32 Access: Free Stage 32 “Next Level” Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” contest entry.

Semi & Quarterfinalists

Placement Laurels (Semi or Quarterfinalist).
Exclusive Discounts: Reduced rates for Stage 32 contests and partner webinars.

SHORT STORY (PROSE) CATEGORY - PRIZES Grand Prize Winner

The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels.
Pro Consultation: One-on-one 30-minute meeting with author and screenwriter Chris Hicks (I Am Not Alone).
Official Publication: Featured story placement on the Killer Shorts website.
Plus all Top 3 & Finalist prizes below.

Top 3 Winners

Winner Laurels.
Industry Circulation: Your work sent to our network of horror producers and literary reps.
Plus all Finalist prizes below.

Top 10 Finalists

Finalist Laurels.
Scrivener Software: Professional writing license for prose and screenwriting.
Stage 32 Access: Free “Next Level” Webinar and 50% off “Search For New Blood” entry.

Semifinalists

Semifinalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication.
Education & Discounts: Free Stage 32 Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” entry.

Quarterfinalists

Quarterfinalist Laurels.
Stage 32 Discount: 20% off Stage 32 “Search For New Blood” entry.

Killer Shorts Horror

Contact

Web:
https://killershorts.com
Email:
info@killershortscontest.com

Contact: Alison Parker, Contest Director

Report Card
Overall:		(4.0/5.0)
Professionalism:		(4.3/5.0)
Feedback:		(4.0/5.0)
Signficance:		(4.0/5.0)
Report Cards:	Less than 5
Have you entered? Submit a Report card

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