The creators behind Friday the 13th, The Karate Kid, Saw IV, Xena: Warrior Princess, and many more are pulling back the curtain on their exact methods for the first time ever.
This is your chance to learn directly from 25 Hollywood power players who've generated billions at the box office.
You can create professional-quality films that resonate with audiences... compelling characters, marketable scripts, unforgettable horror, studio-quality direction, industry connections, distribution deals, career success... even cult classics.
This hard-hitting and transformative expert series explores the most powerful filmmaking techniques known to the industry – the cumulative wisdom of Hollywood's most successful creators. These secrets have been kept from us because the studios don't want you to have the power to create independently. That ends now!
I can't overemphasize the value and mega information that this video interview provided. As a screenwriter and film student, I learned so much in this one free lecture that already has enhanced my writing and approach to creating characters for thrillers and horror films. I watched this video twice because the content was so meaty, and still could watch it a few more times and learn additional tips for improving the craft. Thank you for taking the time to provide these free resources.
Learn how to brand yourself in the competitive TV market. Steven reveals the exact strategies that helped him become an executive producer on hit shows, and how you can position yourself to stand out in a crowded marketplace. You'll discover practical approaches to getting your scripts read, building your reputation, and maintaining longevity in television.
Discover how to select stories that resonate with audiences and why adaptability is crucial for directorial success. Harald shares his proven methods for communicating effectively with crew members and getting the best performances from actors. You'll learn practical techniques for handling large productions while maintaining your creative vision.
Uncover what truly makes a movie a cult classic and the exact process for turning your idea into one. Victor breaks down where to find inspiration for iconic projects and what elements are essential for creating memorable villains that audiences fear for decades.
Learn the step-by-step process for developing unique monsters that captivate audiences. Kevin reveals techniques for putting fresh spins on existing public domain characters and explains why restraint is often the key to creating truly terrifying creatures. You'll discover how to build mythology that supports your monster's longevity.
Find out how to identify inspiring concepts that sell in today's market. Timothy demystifies the studio writing process and shares honest truths about selling your projects to major studios. You'll get practical advice on navigating the development process and maintaining your creative voice.
Discover why on-the-job learning accelerates your growth faster than any film school. Phil reveals the most effective ways to master filmmaking craftsmanship and shares insider realities about securing and maintaining representation. You'll learn how embracing unexpected opportunities led to working on iconic horror films.
Patrick reveals the structural techniques that helped him create multiple installments in the Saw franchise. You'll learn how to build connective tissue between films while keeping each entry fresh, and discover the critical elements that make horror concepts expandable into profitable series.
Learn the psychological principles that make demonic possession films so effective. David breaks down his approach to creating authentic-feeling found footage and reveals how to balance skepticism and belief to create maximum tension. You'll discover techniques for crafting scares that linger long after viewing.
Discover how to craft loglines that grab attention instantly and identify the right industry professionals to query. Ashley reveals where beginners should focus their efforts and provides a proven step-by-step approach to marketing your screenplay effectively, even without industry connections.
Learn insider techniques for creating convincing makeup effects that stand up to HD cameras. The team reveals cost-effective alternatives to expensive materials and shares workflow processes that maximize efficiency on set. You'll discover how to plan effects that enhance the story rather than distract from it.
Learn insider techniques for creating convincing makeup effects that stand up to HD cameras. The team reveals cost-effective alternatives to expensive materials and shares workflow processes that maximize efficiency on set. You'll discover how to plan effects that enhance the story rather than distract from it.
Kyle shares leadership techniques that transform film sets into creative powerhouses. Learn strategies for earning actor trust quickly and methods for getting maximum value from every crew member. You'll discover the pitch approach that has helped him secure financing repeatedly.
J.S. shares hard-earned wisdom about sustaining a decades-long writing career and navigating the complex studio development process. Learn how to balance commercial appeal with creative integrity and discover techniques for revitalizing established properties.
Alistair reveals his process for developing fresh takes on familiar tropes and explains how to balance horror and science fiction elements effectively. Learn practical approaches to directing scenes that build atmosphere gradually and discover techniques for working productively with writing partners.
Kevin shares strategic approaches to problem-solving when production challenges arise and explains how to maintain your vision while adapting to unexpected limitations. Learn communication techniques that inspire crew confidence and discover methods for creating memorable horror moments with minimal resources.
Doug reveals what qualities make new writers and directors attractive to representation and explains the realities of working with managers versus agents. Learn whether pursuing representatives or creating undeniable work should be your priority and discover what makes scripts instantly marketable.
Charles breaks down the essential elements of an attractive film package and reveals common mistakes that sink projects before they start. Learn strategic approaches to getting your materials in front of decision-makers and discover what makes investors say "yes" to horror projects
Bianca explains the different specializations within entertainment law and reveals when filmmakers absolutely need legal representation. Learn which contract clauses are negotiable versus non-negotiable and discover how to protect your creative and financial interests throughout production.
Lucy reveals common mistakes writers make when developing women characters and shares techniques for writing authentic female perspectives. Learn how gender dynamics impact script marketability and discover approaches to writing that appeal to wider audiences
Eric shares his methodology for identifying unexplored horror territory and explains how to execute innovative concepts on limited resources. Learn practical approaches to building tension through character rather than effects and discover techniques for creating memorable third-act revelations.
Nick pulls back the curtain on the lengthy development timeline and reveals what writers can do to maintain sanity during rewrites. Learn how to interpret executive notes effectively and discover strategies for protecting your core concept while remaining collaborative.
Emily shares data-driven approaches to successful film crowdfunding and explains common campaign mistakes that doom projects immediately. Learn how to build a supportive audience before launching and discover techniques for creating compelling campaign videos that drive contributions.
Eric shares his methodology for identifying unexplored horror territory and explains how to execute innovative concepts on limited resources. Learn practical approaches to building tension through character rather than effects and discover techniques for creating memorable third-act revelations.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for putting this together!!
I can't imagine how much time and effort it's been for you. Thank you for assembling a great line up of talent and for your generosity in sharing this level of information.
Xena: Warrior Princess, Swamp Thing, Sheena
Friday the 13th
Pixels, Office Christmas Party, Role Models
The Devil's Rejects, Halloween, The Roommate
Saw IV, V, VI, VII, The Collection
The Possession of Michael King
Selling Your Screenplay, Writer of Ninja Apocalypse
The Maze Runner, House, Yes Man
Paradox, Re-Kill, Mansquito, Ninja
Epicenter
Night of the Living Deb, Infestation
Tin Man, The Pretender, She Spies
Prom Night, The Stepfather, The Covenan
The Diabolical
Motel Hell
Fools Rush In, Spy Hard
Open Water 3: Cage Dive
Managing Partner, Goodloe Law
Bang2Write
Contracted, Get the Girl, Madison County
Reel FX
Seed & Spark
Area 407, 10th & Wolf, Stone Markers
I just finished all the videos and the audio podcast. Pure Gold! Thanks to you, and all the speakers, for providing such great information. I learned a lot. I wasn't sure about your Genre Summit when I signed up and I'm so glad I took the chance and tuned in. Not one interview disappointed. Every one was exceptional. You did a fantastic job of putting everything together (I'm sure it was a lot of work). Please let me know when you will do this again. I'll be happy to post your information for others to benefit from. Great work.
Shant Yegparian is a multi-optioned, award-winning screenwriter and published author. When he’s not collaborating on genre projects, you can find him writing by the beach or making short films.
Shant is the founder and host of Genre Summit, an online event that showcases how top filmmakers perform at the highest level. Our speakers works have been featured on the Syfy Channel, Netflix, Toronto International Film Festival, SXSW, Cannes Film Festival, The Black List and on films such as Friday the 13th, Saw IV, The Collection, Here Comes The Devil, Bait 3D, V/H/S, The Possession of Michael King, Devil’s Due, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Paradox, Bridge to Terabithia, Hacksaw Ridge, Halloween and House of the Dead.
Shant has spent his career producing and directing genre films and connecting filmmakers with industry opportunities. He has been studying the craft, documenting successful methods ever since he made his first breakthrough film and secured distribution using unconventional techniques.