Writing the Horror Movie

Tales of horror have always been with us from Biblical times to the Gothic novel to successful modern day authors and screenwriters. Though the genre is oft maligned, it is huge in popularity and its resilience is undeniable. For the first time ever, Marc Blake and Sara Bailey offer a detailed analysis of the horror genre, including its subgenres, tropes and the specific requirements of the horror screenplay. By tracing the development of the horror film from the German Expressionism of Nosferatuto the Universal franchises of the 30's ( Frankenstein), to Sci-Fi ( Psycho), the Slasher film franchise ( Friday 13th), Asian Horror, horror verite ( Blair Witch), torture porn ( Saw) to current developments in the field, including 3D and remakes, the authors deliver instructions in a readable style that will appeal to anyone with a genuine interest in the form and the mechanics of the genre. It also includes step-by-step writing exercises, annotated extracts from horror screenplays and interviews with seasoned writers/directors/producers discussing budget restrictions, screenplay form and formulas and how screenplays work during shooting.

Sara Bailey is a Senior Lecturer, and experienced researcher, at Southampton Solent University, UK. Marc Blake has written for the Independent on Sunday, the Evening Standard, The Mail, Express and the Scriptwriter as well being a staff writer on Eagle Moss' 'The Horror Collection'. He now teaches horror film at Southampton Solent University on their graduate programme. He is the author of three novels, Sunstroke, Big Time, and 24 Karat Schmooze (Hodder & Stoughton).