About the Open Call

Killer Shorts is the leading short horror screenplay competition dedicated to discovering and championing new voices in genre filmmaking. The competition accepts horror short screenplays (1-20 pages) and horror short stories (6,000 words or less). Winners receive industry circulation, career consultations, mentorship, Final Draft software, and various professional memberships. The competition is judged by a jury of industry professionals including producers, literary managers, and horror icons.

What is Offered

Prizes include guaranteed industry reads, career consultations, mentorships, cash prizes, professional screenwriting/writing software, and industry memberships.

Requirements

Entries must be original horror short screenplays (1-20 pages) or horror short stories (6,000 words or less). Total earnings for screenwriting must not exceed $10,000 in the past 12 months. AI-generated content is strictly prohibited.

How to Apply

Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only through the FilmFreeway platform or the Killer Shorts website.