Final Destination: Bloodlines screenplay

10 Takeaways from 4 Horror Producers by Daniel Calvisi

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Final Draft: Bloodlines screenplay

TEN TAKEAWAYS from a HORROR WORKSHOP
with FOUR WORKING PRODUCERS

By Daniel Calvisi

I recently completed the inaugural run of my “Story Maps Horror & Thriller Seminar,” a 4-week course wherein I guided a small group of screenwriters to develop original concepts for films and television series in the hottest genres in entertainment. Along the way, I brought in four guest speakers, industry veterans with credits including Final Destination, Cabin Fever, The Manor, Blumhouse, Netflix, Amazon and Lifetime’s “At 17” franchise. These producers, most of whom are also writers and directors, gave multiple rounds of notes on my students’ loglines and provided invaluable bits of insight in exclusive Zoom sessions that touched on craft and career.

Below, I’ve gathered some of the best pearls of wisdom they shared with us. If these lessons intrigue you and you’re interested in developing your own dynamic concept for a genre film, we will be running the course again so click here to check on dates and availability.

In no particular order: Read more

A script consultant is like a recording studio

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One afternoon in April 1990, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and drummer Chad Channing arrived at producer Butch Vig’s Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin… “They rolled up in a van,” says Vig, “and they probably hadn’t taken a bath or shower in three or four days.” The songs Nirvana began recording that day would eventually become Nevermind.

Source: Rolling Stone.

On January 3, 1991, five young musicians who called themselves “LunchHead” entered the same studio, used the same equipment as Nirvana, and paid Butch Vig the same fee. Read more