HORROR SCREENPLAY CONTEST ACCEPTING SUBS UP TO JULY 19, 2026.

Frights! Camera! Action! is a fun, affordable and recurring horror screenplay contest which is now entering its tenth year. It's run and judged by industry professionals and a horde of horror aficionados.

We're looking for all forms of horror. Whether your style is subtle and spine-chilling, blood-soaked and gory, psychologically twisted, or a unique blend of old-school scares and cutting-edge concepts, we welcome it all. 

​We accept short screenplays (up to 35 pages) and feature-length screenplays. Each entry we receive is read at least twice as part of the judging process. Writers will either win a category, place as a runner up, receive an honorable mention or not be selected.

​The contest is open for submissions now. The final deadline date is July 19, 2026.

​The total prize for money for the current contest is $5,000.00.

Awards & Prizes

FEATURE SCREENPLAYS​
Best Screenplay - $1000.00
Best Twist - $500.00
Best Villain - $500.00
Most Messed Up Death - $500.00
Best Opening Scene - $500.00
Best Dialogue - $500.00

SHORT SCREENPLAYS​
Best Screenplay - $500.00
Best Twist - $250.00
Best Villain - $250.00
Most Messed Up Death - $250.00
Best Dialogue - $250.00

Rules & Terms

1. Entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway by July 19, 2026. 

2. All entries must be in English. 

3. Participants may submit several projects, but each entry must be submitted separately.

4. All fees are non-refundable.

5. Screenwriters retain full rights to their work.

6. Prize money paid to winners via PayPal on July 31, 2026.
120 Reviews
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  • Mark Williams

    Frights! Camera! Action! Horror Screenplay Contest was a very professional and worthwhile experience. Their communication was clear, the contest was well organized, and I appreciated the way they handled the announcement of the winners.

    May 2026
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  • Juliette Gillies

    So happy to be a finalist for Best Villain for my short screenplay, Vegas Run. I really appreciated the insightful comments. It was nice to have such a positive response.

    May 2026
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  • Paul Alan Gober

    Thrilled to receive an Honorable Mention for DEAD EAST: Nippon Flight 319! This is a fantastic, affordable contest for horror scribes. The team is supportive and the judging is handled by industry pros who know their nightmares. If you're looking for a legitimate platform to showcase your horror script, look no further. Highly recommended!

    May 2026
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  • ilse willocx

    Thank you for the Honorable Mention!

    May 2026
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  • Scott Pittock

    What a great festival for horror scribes! I had two projects, HYENA and WELLNESS CHECK, placed as Honorable Mentions. Couldn't be happier with the process, communication, etc. Looking forward to entering more material in the future!

    May 2026
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