2016 Austin Film Festival and Conference Schedule: Psychological Thrillers

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Psychological Thrillers

While many writers have found their entrée into the industry via the horror genre, writing a script with all the necessary thrills and chills is not an easy task. This panel will explore the psychology of terror that taps into the root of our fears and anxieties: the depth of the unknown. Join writers from both film and television to learn how to fold scares and suspense into the language of your screenplay while still managing to embrace originality in a genre that is seemingly oversaturated.

Moderators

Charles Ealy

Moderator

Charles Ealy is the former books and movies editor for the Austin American-Statesman and the Dallas Morning News.

Panelists

Carl Ellsworth

writer Red Eye; co-writer Disturbia, The Last House on the Left (2009), Red Dawn (2012)

Louisville, Kentucky native Carl Ellsworth’s television writing credits include episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Xena: Warrior Princess. He broke into writing movies with his original script for the 2005 DreamWorks thriller, Red Eye, starring Rachel McAdams and directed by Wes Craven. Carl went on to co-write the 2007 hit thriller, Disturbia, starring Shia LaBeouf and the 2009 remake of Wes Craven’s The Last... Read More →

Christina Hodson

writer Shut In (2016), Untitled Transformers Stand-Alone (2018), Unforgettable (2017)

Christina Hodson transitioned from development executive to screenwriter in 2012 and has started to make a name for herself writing muscular, female-driven stories in traditionally male dominated genres. | | Her first screenplay, psychological thriller SHUT IN, was on the 2012 Black List and was recently produced by Lava Bear and EuropaCorp, directed by BAFTA award winner Farren Blackburn, starring Naomi Watts and Jacob Tremblay. It comes... Read More →

James Wong

writer/executive producer American Horror Story, The Others, Rosemary's Baby (2014); writer/director/co-executive producer The X-Files; writer/director Final Destination

Jim is a prolific writer and director and has worked extensively in both the film and television worlds. He is currently working as an Executive Producer on the hit FX series, AMERICAN HORROR STORY. He recently shot a pilot at A&E with Platinum Dunes and Michael Bay Executive Producing. In addition to his television work, Jim created the FINAL DESTINATION franchise, and directed both the first and third installments. His other feature... Read More →

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