VHS 2025 is introducing its inaugural BC Screenwriters Development Program. Open to BC-based emerging screenwriters. Submit your completed draft of a short (25 pages or less) horror screenplay for a chance to be one of three writers selected for the program.
Program Details
The Three selected BC-based screenwriters will have their scripts performed as part of a live table read series to an audience of horror film fans, industry professionals, a panel of three established screenwriters, and of course – the writer themselves!
As part of the table read, the writer will receive constructive feedback from the panel on what worked, what didn’t, where the strengths and opportunities lie, and provide advice on how to elevate the script for the next draft.
The panel will then vote to select the official winner for Best BC Screenplay which will be announced live at The VHS 2025 Golden Tape Awards.
Following the table read series, all attendees, panelists and writers will be invited to an industry mixer nearby. In the following weeks, each of the three writers will be paired with a professional script editor for a one-on-one session to provide further advice and guidance on developing their scripts into the next draft.
Eligibility
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Screenwriters must be based in British Columbia.
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Screenwriters may not have been the lead writer on a produced feature film with a theatrical release.
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Screenwriters may have been the lead writer on a completed short film.
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Scripts must be 25 pages or under including title page.
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VHS takes a broad and liberal definition for what constitutes “horror”, and will accept submissions in adjacent genres like Dark Drama or Gothic Fiction so long as scripts contain elements which share thematic, stylistic, or psychological elements associated with horror.
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Scripts must be in English, or be provided with English translation.
