Head (less)

Using deepfake tech for her dissertation research, PhD candidate Brittany Clarkston and her brother Mike try to fake evidence of the “Elmore Rider,” a headless motorcyclist allegedly haunting Mud Creek Bridge near Elmore, Ohio, but on the 110th anniversary of his death, eerie glitches, a disturbing video, and ghostly WWI sounds reveal the legend is real. Trapped and hunted, Brittany and Mike struggle to use the rules of the underworld to destroy the malevolent revenant.

  • Jenny Popovich
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Short Script
  • Number of Pages:
    20
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • FilmQuest
    Provo, Utah
    September 17, 2025
    Quarterfinalist
  • Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival
    Vancouver, BC
    September 26, 2025
    Quarterfinalist
  • Sinister
    Mexico City
    November 13, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Monkey Bread Tree Film Festival
    London, England
    December 2, 2025
    Nominee, Best Technique
  • Atlanta After Dark
    Atlanta, GA
    December 19, 2025
    Finalist
  • Vegas Shorts
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    December 19, 2025
    Winner, Best Screenplay
  • Independent Horror Movie Awards
    Online
    September 16, 2025
    Official Selection
  • A Night of Horror Film Festival
    Eau Claire, WI
    February 9, 2026
    Semifinalist
  • MidFest WeirdFest
    Eau Claire, WI
    February 18, 2026
    Semifinalist
  • 13horror.comFebruary, 2026.

    February 18, 2026
    Finalist
  • The International Horror Hotel Film Festival
    Bedford Hts. Ohio
    April 29, 2026
    Official Selection
  • Holly Weird Film Festival
    Hollywood CA
    May 28, 2026
    Honorable Mention
Writer Biography - Jenny Popovich

Jenny is an Assistant Professor of Film Production at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Jenny’s scripts and films tell relevant twenty-first century stories with memorable and engaging characters. Jenny is a strong advocate for female representation both in front of and behind the camera. Her female-centered films and screenplays offer believable characters and unique plots. Her films have screened and won in over 38 festivals, including festivals in Mexico, Peru, Austria, Canada, and Switzerland. In the United States, Jenny’s films have been showcased at the Central Florida Film Festival, Best Horror Shorts Film Festival, WPRN Women’s International Film Festival, and The Cutting Room International Film Festival.

Jenny’s Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, and Horror scripts have been honored at several prestigious film festivals. These include the WPRN Women’s International Film Festival, Summer in the South Film Festival, and FilmQuest. Jenny’s work received recognition at The New York Science Fiction Film Festival. It was also acknowledged by the ScreenCraft Film Fund and Coverfly’s Red List. Additionally, she received honors from The Richmond International Film Festival. Her feature screenplay, Monster Girl, a coming-of-age comedy-drama, was workshopped and received a table reading with SAG-AFTRA performers at The Lady Filmmakers Film Festival in Beverly Hills, CA. Jenny was interviewed by Sinister Magazine for an article on her horror short, Hair Wraith.

Add Writer Biography
Writer Statement

My name is Jenny Popovich, a Michigan-based filmmaker and assistant college professor. I am submitting my short horror script Head (less) for your consideration.

Inspired by the real rural Ohio legend of The Elmore Rider, Head (less) reimagines this eerie tale in the present day, weaving in elements of AI and geocaching to engage modern audiences while preserving its haunting, old-time atmosphere. Researching the legend on location in Elmore, Ohio helped me capture its unique tone and setting.

As an assistant professor, I also wove themes of academic pressure and the pursuit of tenure into the narrative, adding a psychological dimension to the horror. Writing this script was a joy, and I hope it resonates with you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jenny Popovich