10 Steps To Writing a Horror Script - With Examples

In 10 Steps To Writing a Horror Script - With Examples, I go over the classic horror movie structure with clips from some well known movies.
This structure helped me out a ton when I was trying to think of a way to put my ideas together for a short film project. The list keeps things simple and the story moving forward, without losing audience attention.
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment and consider subscribing for more.
Thanks,
-Alex
The source for this structure is here at the original blog post:
www.simplyscripts.com/WR_HH_h...

[@AlexRider589]

1. Hook 2. Character flaws 3. Character fears 4. No escape circumstance 5. Jumpscare horror foreplay 6. Evil attacks 7. Investigation 8. Final showdown 9. Aftermath 10. Evil lurks

[@RossAllaire]

Thank you.

[@williamremuso6193]

Groove.💀💀

[@deventazz8018]

This guy looks like the entire band 'Weezer' morphed into one person.

[@alexfahl9381]

I'll take that as a compliment

[@Stumme-40203]

First word I read was weezer, and I assumed you were going to say he was in weezer.

[@wta8224]

Bro this comment got me fucking dying lmao

[@MellowMutated]

😂

[@ChristophBartlett]

I wonder if there’s another content creator ripping him off that looks every member of Wheatus

[@evilgeniusentertainment]

Good video - lots of nice ideas to get someone started! The "no-escape" aspect are the common element in all great horror movies, and one of the hardest things to achieve (because, in this ultra-interconnected world, how do you it in a new fun way?). Some of the best examples of this is THE EXORCIST (the "monster" is literally in the child), ALIEN (they're trapped on a ship in the middle of nowhere), and JAWS (once they realize how bad-ass the shark is, it's too late). Anyway, a very good start for your channel (liked/subbed)

[@theaveragewarrior9836]

In the midst of writing a short horror film right now for the Halloween season, and this is going to help a lot with the structure. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@MiDesertLife]

We should collaborate

[@kickblue22]

did you finish it? can i see it?

[@davidge5856]

Hey Alex, I just wanted to say thanks for putting out this video, because in adapting your 10 steps to a story I was working on, I was able to more clearly define my characters, define exactly what story I was telling, and how I was going to go about telling it. I ended up using other story structure tools as well, but your 10 Steps REALLY got the ideas flowing, helped me envision new scenes, sequences, and ideas, and I'm really just eternally grateful. My story went from kind of meandering and languishing to being done in under a month, with each of these clearly defined elements playing a significant role in guiding me through the fog of writing a horror-themed story. I couldn't be happier, and although I had other sources helping me along the way, yours was truly inspirational. So for what little its worth, THANK YOU.

[@alexfahl9381]

I'm really happy to hear that! Thank you for watching.

[@TheAwesomeMrMike]

I really appreciate this video. It has helped me tremendously!

[@alexfahl9381]

Thanks for watching! Keep it creepy

[@murphyjammusashi]

Me too.

[@divittokelly5603]

This was great. It's things we may already know, but to have it explained so succinctly... Thank you!

[@drakeboling717]

Yo this video kicks ass, gives me a lot of beats to think about. I appreciate you

[@kpmedia8977]

Thanks Alex, new subscriber here ! Working on my first feature film (horror category) and trying to get a basic script of my story written to pass off to the writers to take it from there. I need it to at least be somewhat formatted properly before handing it off and that's why I'm here. thanks !!

[@desmonheck]

Yassss! So much good useful horror film story info! Thank you sir!

[@merdefilms3837]

This Guy deserves millions of subs This helped me a lot

[@evanaps8130]

thanks Alex,this is very helpful

[@exit13productions50]

Im outlining a new writing project and this was very very helpful, thanks!

[@jblaster1154]

I love to make horror movies and I wanted to make one but I had no clue where to start so this helped me get inspiration and get a good start thank you!!!

[@billlee9429]

Excellent info...Thanks Alex

[@Nickpaintbrush]

Thanks, good introduction to getting into this stuff!

[@zencreatez8476]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@iankadleck2238]

Great list. This helped me plan some things out.

[@ergocinema]

Great analysis. Keep them coming :)

[@kennystudios126]

This helped me so much thank you

[@MellowMutated]

This was fantastic insight, thank you

[@sunnyveerpratapsingh1102]

Fantastic , fabulous 😌😊👍🏻 very helpful for my new short

[@ericdavidwallace]

Excellent advice thank you !

[@BookBitesByAshish]

thanks, perfectly explained. this channel is certainly under subscribed

[@FTSPISTOL333]

This video is extremely helpful. Thanks

[@kyletitterton]

Succinct and on point. Cheers man.

[@garrettbeach7934]

This is very informative, thanks for droppin knowledge on me.

[@alexfahl9381]

Ha, thanks for watching man!

[@whatabout216]

DO MORE OF THIS STUFF PLEASE!

[@aidanflores100]

Great video very straightforward

[@user-zd1jh5zz9n]

Thank You.. This video is very very good.

[@mscherry4165]

He knows his shit! While he’s speaking, if you picture your favorite horror movie this fits! I’m thinking of “Get Out” lmaoooo

[@bruhmoment-yc5zg]

Get Out is so creepy, those people remind me of my American relatives, especially at that party scene

[@farahhaneef8130]

worth watching, thanks for the information :)

[@imkrazy2059]

Beautiful... I just love me a horror script

[@lovelyheart4883]

Good advice! Helped me out

[@MatthewAasen]

Awesome!

[@horrorgamestv6564]

Wooooow, this is really helpful!

[@DirectedbyJalen]

Preparing to shoot a horror short. Very timely vid !

[@kickblue22]

Did you complete it? I'd be interested to take a look....

[@DirectedbyJalen]

@@kickblue22 kzbin.info/www/bejne/forPpWSBadKGrMU i believe this came from this video. Just a micro short.

[@KanashiiNekoP]

I got a random idea of a horror movie taking place in the water and I really wanted to make it. Thanks! :D

[@SOLIDSNAKE.]

I have a sick ass story and just by watching this I was able to plot everything!

[@alexfahl9381]

Glad it helped you!

[@price5560]

Great Video

[@natattck323]

HI! this was amazing. struggled even starting an outline with beats until i found this video. you mention evil attacks is in the middle. Do you have any advice or can u comment on these 10 steps being in the specific acts? or like the squences?

[@agafilmscine4354]

Very interesting vídeo!

[@The8bitdin0]

This was really helpful! I’m planning on writing my first screenplay ever, and I want a make a horror film, so this video really helped!

[@enuff943]

wait how old r u. im guessing ur a young writer such as myself

[@The8bitdin0]

@@enuff943 yeah I’m 15. Btw your username is cursed af

[@modesteartiste7828]

Very good

[@thatlucidokid6750]

nice video dude

[@FabianEllis]

Great video do more deserve way more subscribers

[@alexfahl9381]

One day!

[@murphyjammusashi]

Thank you.

[@theguy5157]

Thank you

[@luianchang46]

Thanks alot

[@eddiejames]

More please!

[@geetalikalita]

Yoo booi My friend is making a horror movie!! Great info

[@JtAnimates]

I love the fact that your not loud in your videos

[@TT-wx4tg]

Nicely done. A simple approach and you've attracted some thoughtful people in your comment section as well - so far. Classic horror tropes, but the movies used here as examples all suck in my opinion, maybe with your next vid mix some old classic good horror movies with the crappy new.

[@alexfahl9381]

I like big dumb horror, what can I say lol. I'll hit you with them oldies next time.

[@TT-wx4tg]

@@alexfahl9381 thank you for placating to a lowly, snobbish troll such as I

[@hauntednightmaremedia]

Love this. I write short stories and will use this as a graph. Shouldn't the flaw be first though, to show life before?

[@18wolfspirit]

One of my ideas involves a woman as the main antagonist, Olivia Borison. She was obsessed with nature and animals from a young age, yet this passion of hers lead to severe bullying. Her father was a logger while her mother worked at an animal shelter. She was playing with her Australian Shepherd puppy, Rustler, when he got too close to where her father was working, and was crushed by a falling tree. Going to the animal shelter did little good, as she discovered that her mother was euthanizing other animals simply to make more space. She received a new puppy, but her rage still remained. She was ambushed in the woods one day with her new puppy by some demented bullies who mocked her by telling her to cry as they beat said puppy to death in front of her. For her, this was the last straw. Those bullies and both her parents were later found mutilated beyond recognition. The evidence soon led to her, and she tried to escape but fell off of a cliff during the pursuit. Her spirit plagued her hometown ever since that day, murdering those who show no respect to nature, pummeling them until the cry out in pain, then mutilating them beyond recognition.

[@aconcernedcitizen8011]

I'd watch it

[@bv657]

I'm not gonna lie. I have a hard time giving my character flaws and fears that actually relate to my story.

[@alexfahl9381]

Putting them in a tough situation where they are forced to react, or designing a reveal of their character through interaction with others is the best way I've found to tell the audience our character has flaws. We want the audience to relate to their flaw, not hate them for it.

[@bv657]

Alex Fahl ok thanks. That makes sense.

[@absw6129]

Great video. I have a question. Most screenwriting gurus love to praise the idea of Active protagonists, protagonists who actively pursue goals in a way that drives the story forward. Do you feel like some horror Movies could benefit more from reactive protagonists who simply have strange things happen to them? I Think this is great for Cosmic horror, where the whole Point of the story is that there is no Point. Strange, absurd things just happen, and there's nothing we can do about it. I feel like having a reactive character can heighten this feeling of hopelessness and despair. My favorite example: The Uzumaki manga by Junji Ito. A Town becomes obsessed with the shape of the spiral, to the Point where it drives everyone insane. The protagonist of the story can't do anything but observe the horror unfold.

[@alexfahl9381]

I do like the strange and absurd, but the I think the story's protagonist usually benefits from having a clear goal. Whether its overcoming a fear to save a friend or getting over past trauma to rid themselves of a demon (physical or metaphorical in this case). Do you have any examples where the protagonist is not in pursuit?

[@absw6129]

@@alexfahl9381 The only examples I can think of are certain japanese horror films. In the original version of Ju-On, it feels like tge characters don't really do much. They just have things happen to them. There are also examples from manga, namely the works of Junji Ito. Story example: a small town becomes overtaken by the shape of the spiral. I guess, one could say it's more spectacle driven than character driven (in other words, Robert McKee would hate it).

[@aaronbryant2553]

@@alexfahl9381 I think some other examples of reactive protagonists come from slasher starter movies. The sequels usually get the protagonists into a more pro-active role and these slasher sequels are typically not as good as the starters. Black Christmas, Halloween, F13, The classics. These have reactive protagonists. There are sometimes typical "Beat Sheet" or "Campbell" style growths in the protagonists in limited amounts, but would not call them pro-active in that journey. Crossing the threshold is less a choice as a need(survival). Great video and good information. Tell me what you think.

[@alexfahl9381]

@@aaronbryant2553 I agree that the protagonists writing in slashers usually has a more reactive approach to what is happening. But I think that typically there are still clear goals. It could be as simple as searching for the friend that went missing, trying to survive and find help, or exacting their revenge on a killer who messed with the wrong fella. I know there are exceptions to every rule, but a protagonist usually wants something. They want to get out, find a solution and make it. Otherwise we root for the killer lol. I'm not apposed to that either.

[@aaronbryant2553]

@@alexfahl9381 Thanks for the reply. Great to get your opinion. Survival is a clear goal to support your theory that a script is likely better with such a point. Clear goal doesn't matter if it is reactive or pro-active. Your, "root for the killer" remark made me think of another plot point that is important to go along with your clear goal. Empathy for the pro. Gotta empathize with the pro so you want that clear goal to be met against the objections of the ant.

[@LieRenTheHunter]

I'm writing a scary movie because I had extremely messed up dream at night and I was afraid I would get board thanks for the tips.

[@vickyysvlog]

Thank you! I want to be a writer

[@investigatorusrex]

Nice voice you have :)

[@Hunter_McCoy]

My horror movie. Starts with someone getting killed

[@scream6664]

Thx for the tips I’m trying to write horror/comedy movie 🎥 to kinda make fun of scary movie

[@fightingtothepoint4u732]

Idk if its a good idea A serial killer kills dozens of people On screen in very scary and realistic situations like him breaking in with an axe in a appartement, or being home alone. The victims are very smart wich makes it even sacrier because most horror movie characters are dumb.the movie shows the fear he creates in the small town. The movie focuses on the killer and a policeman as main characters

[@prasannajaya5474]

''''Make this type of good video bro""". In early stage cine makers lot of useful

[@BishimDeja]

Do this same for dramas, or comedies, or just like a general one

[@DanielTuriman]

Good sharing, i want to make horrror short movie competition.

[@alexfahl9381]

Do it!

[@kickblue22]

you want to make the film or you want to make a film festival?

[@DanielTuriman]

@@kickblue22 planning for film festivals, any suggestion and idea?

[@kickblue22]

@@DanielTuriman Where you located, Daniel? I had success with the Queensworld Film Festival here in New York City 2 years ago. Also try LA Shorts. What condition is your short film in right now: pre-production? Already shot? I'm working on a script myself for a horror short - would be interested to run it by you, maybe get some feedback, if you'd be so kind....I'm asking Alex too!

[@dattnggabraxx]

I’m tryna make one as we speak hope this video helps

[@kickblue22]

i am too. did you finish it? can i see it?

[@beastyfrogger5825]

I've always had visioned a concept where we take a masked serial killer in the style of Jason, Michael, etc and put them in an apocalyptic setting. And instead of zombies, there are hordes controlled by this serial killer. He manipulates them and uses them to kill more and more people. Either this is a good idea or I am just mentally unstable hahaha

[@ggo.o9666]

i need to know something , after finishing my script where do i give it can anyone help me ?

[@alexfahl9381]

Both fortunately and unfortunately, most like no one will help you. You need to be the one that makes things happen. Which is good news because most likely your first few movies are gonna suck, but no one will be there to notice. Find a camera, or friend with one. Film meetups are great for meeting people too. annnnd shoot that baby. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqPbppKMiq6krsU

[@iflykaya]

Wow, I never actually thought of having people die in it.... great idea! Now it won’t be the worlds most PG horror film

[@placeholder4038]

Well you should make sure the deaths are meaningful. You can do this just to make the monster scary. But audiences have, over time, come to notice the tropes in characters that do and don’t have plot armor. If you can make a death serve the main characters character arc or serve the victims character arc it would greatly improve the impact of the death. Or you have have the death make a situation worse for the protagonist(s). I am going to give you an example for that last piece of advice. Fobble is the protagonist, Lumbersnatch and Snibble are the side characters. They all have entered a house with ghosts and shit through a wacky series of coincidences. The characters are in a safe zone upstairs, and they hatch a plan to escape. Fobble and Snibble will do something (it’s not important) while Lumbersnatch turns on the lights in the basement (let’s assume this is helpful). Fobble and Snibble succeed in whatever bullshit they were trying to do, but oh no Lumbersnatch died. Now how will Fobble and Snibble turn on the lights!? Here the death doesn’t just make the monster in the basement more of a threat, but it also worsens the situation for our hero’s. But it seems like you weren’t going to kill anyone in your first draft. And if that is the case, just know that there are many other ways to make a situation scary other than killing people. A great example is the movie “Caroline”. It may be the most wonderfully creepy thing I have ever seen. And that movie makes things scary through high stakes and odd imagery. And we know of people who serve fates worse than death in that movie (to build stakes and show the hero could end up like them) but we never see a death.

[@DAMON409]

Weakness or personal problem are better than "flaw", which is over used and vague.

[@dugs2366]

Chill on the karate, brother.

[@SerapioSergiovich]

Moving picture with proper plot.

[@ERENLEONHART]

Ima use these for my idea everyone said was a waste of time

[@LikeAGentlemanPlease]

Lol. 666 subscribers. That’s perfect for this subject

[@crystalboyd1700]

You should have more views

[@alexfahl9381]

Thanks! I'm working on trying to be a little more consistent with the content, maybe some day!

[@romeohastings4442]

i'ma scared of clowns and i'm writing a horror should i put that in my horror movie? [Romeo Hastings from stockton, ca.]

[@alexfahl9381]

The most fun is when you're scaring yourself, and the people on set! Dig in

[@kickblue22]

did you finish it? can i see it?

[@d3stroyer133]

Guys why this channel have 1K likes but the subs is at 500 only?

[@wljj56]

I want to write a script i wanted it to be disturbing but it won't be as bad as a Serbian film by the way that's one nasty movie thank you for the video and your tips

[@AledOwen07]

Wow. This is easily his best performance to date! Jesse Plemons just disappears into this role!

[@freestylefetus9346]

Hey im making a movie and I'm writing the script and I was wondering if you could read it Alex and give me your thoughts

[@alexfahl9381]

Totally!

[@freestylefetus9346]

@@alexfahl9381 how can I contact you

[@alexfahl9381]

@@freestylefetus9346 find me on Facebook!

[@kickblue22]

did you finish it? can i see it?

[@freestylefetus9346]

@@kickblue22 I never had the chance to make it, once I finished the script, that's when covid happened, but I did make a web comic instead

[@MiDesertLife]

Hi love the tips anyone in socal wanna collaborate let me know

[@joshhansen858]

sure... :)

[@magikarp1666]

You sound like Daniel Laizan

[@julesgaerlan4062]

Why whispering ?

[@mwm33333]

Could I ever hire you to help develop / add to a plot ?

[@FireWallthefts]

Possed Cheer leaders Perfect cheerleader s Football game choose wisely what would you be . A Dead Banker or Dead President or A Dead Dictator Vrs perfect Alive Presidents and Dicktators

[@cristianoandreace8871]

Mi piace horror

[@FireWallthefts]

I write pumpkin pumpkins scary scripts for fun not payed for my scripts but i enjoy writing Holloween Yes i Spell funny lol see the Boo Boobs lol comedy My Favorite American Holiday where your not judged by race or religion or belief please comment you can be what ever scary costume you choose or Dead Ballarina Or Perfect Princess Or New Zombies With blood gushing out of there eyes and a stink of Death

[@OoreldhamRaaMava]

I want writing partner

[@mayaxie7033]

I want to write a story from a murderers point of view

[@sunnyveerpratapsingh1102]

Hi I loved your ideas and techniques I have a KZbin channel and I am working on a horror film pls give me your email if so that I can be in touch with you

[@jomarsusbilla5256]

U look cute

[@gianthills]

Weird. No mention of suspense.

[@2012XF3]

Its fine but you need to be more specific.

[@alexfahl9381]

This comment needs to be more specific.

[@kickblue22]

I thought Alex was quite specific already and gave good, relatable examples.

[@AALucas]

Uhhh, your voice is .... grrrr.

[@totalpartykill999]

i will say that the 'clap' in The Conjuring really fucked me up, even though it wasn't even bloody or particularly horrific.

[@stephenfoster5064]

Thank you

[@rskwolfenstein9647]

Thank you