Writing Horror for Film & Television

Sundance Collab offers a robust collection of online courses in the Sundance spirit of amplifying your independent voice as a storyteller. Join our global community to hone your craft, network with other creators, and develop career strategies to help you navigate the film and television industry.


We all love those movies that jump out at us - that keep us glued to our seats and the screen, that give us an adrenaline rush and leave us wanting more. There are so many ways to craft a good scare, but what will work best for the story you want to tell? In this weekend-long intensive, you will take a closer look at writing horror for film and television. With a group of established writers in the genre, you will study the art of the thrill, making a horror story your own, and you will have the opportunity to engage in writing exercises to better hone your craft.


By the end of this intensive, you will have a deeper understanding of what keeps us coming back for more, what makes horror one of the most accessible and lucrative genres in cinema and how to carve your own path in this highly populated field. 


Intensive Schedule

Friday, January 13:

  • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - PT

Saturday, January 14:

  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT
  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PT

Sunday, January 15

  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT
  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. PT

This intensive is ideal for:

  • screenwriters interested in learning more about the storytelling craft of the horror genre
  • directors who want to gain a better understanding of what makes a great horror movie
  • artists who are interested in writing for film or television and want a deeper understanding of how to transition to a visual medium, especially in the horror genre

Enrollment is up to 50 participants.

This Intensive is not eligible for any Course Pass discounts.


Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.