Project Greenlight’s Reel Fear Horror Contest Voting Opens Today

Project Greenlight and Shudder have teamed up to bring a new film contest to aspiring horror directors with the Reel Fear Horror Contest. Filmmakers were tasked with submitting a 1-3 minute pitch for their horror project and ten semifinalists have been chosen. Now it’s up to you to vote for which project you think should make it to the final stage for a chance to win a $300,000 prize to make their movie under the tutelage of none other than horror maestro Clive Barker.

Head over to projectgreenlight.com and check out the semifinalists today to cast your vote, and take a look below for more information.

Project Greenlight Digital Studios (PGLDS), a digital content initiative from Adaptive Studios, and Shudder, AMC Networks-backed horror and thriller streaming video service, are joining forces to launch a video contest to support indie horror films. The two companies have also partnered with filmmaker Clive Barker (Hellraiser, Nightbreed, Lord of Illusions) who is known for his directing, writing, and producing credits in the horror genre. The contest will solicit pitches for original horror films, and the winner will receive $300,000 to make his or her feature film, as well as mentorship from Barker throughout production.

Shorts will be judged on originality, story, character, editing, directing, and commercial value. The final stage of the contest will consist of an interview with Barker and representatives from PGLDS and Shudder, where the five finalists will answer questions regarding crew, casting, creative execution, and more.

One director or directing team will be selected to bring their film to life with a $300,000 budget. Barker will help shepherd the film through the development process as a mentor to the winning filmmaker.

Barker said of the partnership: “When I was looking for financing while making Hellraiser, I wish there was a company like Project Greenlight Digital Studios behind me. Teaming up with Adaptive Studios and Shudder is a wonderful opportunity to support emerging filmmakers in creating something truly iconic. This is a great chance to scare and entertain audiences at the same time.”

“Project Greenlight Digital Studios was created to be a story-driven creative community and we believe our video contests continue to provide great opportunities for emerging filmmakers. We’re thrilled to expand this contest platform and focus on a specific genre in the film world,” said Brittany Turner, VP of Digital at Adaptive Studios.

Linda Pan, General Manager of Shudder, added: “At Shudder, our mission is to showcase and support innovative forms of storytelling in horror and suspense. We are delighted to launch our second annual Shudder Labs program in collaboration with Project Greenlight Digital Studios and Clive Barker to support and foster a new generation of creative voices in the horror genre.”