If you happen to be a big enough horror fan to follow websites like ours, then there’s no doubt you’ve heard of Shudder, the horror exclusive streaming service recently backed by AMC. They’ve been working hard to get more innovative and original horror on their streaming service, as well as help indie horror filmmakers grow through Shudder Labs. Shudder Labs is a week-long workshop retreat for ten exemplary indie horror filmmakers with a project currently underway. The aim here is to give these filmmakers a chance to work one on one with some of the greats within the genre, and give the world a new generation of horror masters.
While the original cut off date was March 30, don’t fret. Shudder Labs announced that they will be extending their deadline to April 15, so all you FearMakers still have a chance to apply. The retreat will take place June 13-18 in New Paltz, New York, and will feature a variety of workshops including directing, screenwriting, and special makeup FX. Masters-In-Residence will be giving in depth classes and talks based on their skill set, while other workshop leaders will give hands on intense classes that range from visual FX to crowdfunding. The selected filmmakers will also have the chance for a one on one with the Masters to discuss their individual project. Each filmmaker will leave with a $5,000 grant, as well as a one year membership with the Masters.
Apart from announcing the extension, Shudder Labs announced the first Masters-In-Residence with actor/producer/ director Larry Fessenden and CEO of Snowfort PicturesTravis Stevens. Both of these men have a world of experience in the genre, with Fessenden having produced some of the early films of Jim Mickle and Ti West. Stevens has produced award-winning films such as Cheap Thrills, Starry Eyes, and We Are Still Here. Kickstarter’sGeorge Schmalz and Russell FX’s Josh & Sierra Russell will be workshop leaders.
If this looks like the kind of retreat that was made for you, you are not alone. If you’d like to enter, E-mail [email protected] with your contact info – Name / Mailing Address / E-mail address / Phone Number – and include Cover Letter, Artistic Statement, Synopsis, and Supporting Materials. Be sure to include links to your previous works, as a completed project is required to be a part of this one of a kind event.