A Special ‘Thank You’ to Guest Speaker Neal Bell and to All of You Who Attended the Filmmaking Webinar, “Mastering Storytelling in Horror Filmmaking”

[Maura N.]

StudentFilmmakers.com and Student Filmmakers Magazine extend heartfelt gratitude to Neal Bell, an award-winning writer and esteemed professor, for his outstanding contribution to the webinar on “Mastering Storytelling in Horror Filmmaking.” The event, held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, provided invaluable insights into the art of horror storytelling, thanks to Neal Bell’s expertise and the active participation of enthusiastic attendees.

Here is what some of the attendees had to say:​

• “An informative webinar! It was great to connect with other writers.”
• “Simply amazing, learned so much, would have never seen the political aspects in horror in that way. Thank you for having this wonderful insightful webinar!!”
• “Neal was awesome. I gained a lot of insight about the horror genre.”
• “Student Filmmakers have always excelled in producing educational content and valuable learning materials.”
• “Thank you so much for the seminar!”
• “Enjoyed the in-depth knowledge of the horror movies. Gave a deeper perspective and view to look at and understand the real meaning of horror and all the variations of how horror movies are written.”
• “I love horror movies, and movies in general, so it’s always a pleasure to attend the webinars. I love the interactions between the guests, students, and hosts.”
• “I love listening to Neal Bell talk about horror films. I get to know the stories without the terrifying experience of watching them!”
• “Thank you very much and keep it up!”

Neal Bell, with his exceptional expertise and wealth of experience as a writer and professor of play and screenwriting at Duke University, made this webinar a remarkable learning experience for all attendees. Neal Bell’s impressive credentials and achievements serve as a testament to his expertise and contributions in the field. His grants from esteemed institutions such as the Rockefeller and Guggenheim Foundations, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts, underscore his dedication to his craft. Notably, Neal Bell’s talent and hard work have been recognized through prestigious awards, including an Obie Award for sustained excellence in playwriting and an Edgar Award for Best Mystery Play for Spatter Pattern. These accolades reflect his commitment to delivering exceptional work and his notable reputation as a respected writer and consultant.

The attendees who registered for this webinar showcased their passion and commitment to learning and expanding their skills in horror filmmaking. Their active participation and engagement contributed to the success of the event, creating a vibrant learning community of filmmakers, screenwriters, students, and professionals. Their dedication to honing their craft and exploring the intricacies of horror storytelling is truly commendable.

During the webinar, Neal Bell’s expertise guided participants through the intricate labyrinth of horror storytelling. They were immersed in the world of horror, unraveling its timeless formula of “Normality is threatened by the Monster.” Attendees delved into the fabric of fear, dissecting the elements of “Normality” and “Monster” through iconic scenes. They explored the secrets and shadows of the Monster’s hidden agenda, understanding the allegories and startling revelations that dance in the shadows of power and influence. Neal Bell’s strategies for crafting chills and thrills connected the art of storytelling with the resonances of society. The webinar also examined how horror films speak the language of history, shedding light on contemporary horrors and society’s inner demons.

StudentFilmmakers.com and Student Filmmakers Magazine would like to express its deepest appreciation to both Neal Bell and the dedicated attendees for their valuable contributions to this learning experience. Neal Bell’s expertise and commitment to nurturing aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters, coupled with the active participation of the attendees, created a dynamic and enriching environment. The knowledge shared and connections made during the webinar will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their creative journeys.

For those who wish to further explore Neal Bell’s expertise, his book, “How to Write a Horror Movie,” published by Focal Press / Routledge, is highly recommended. It delves into the intricacies of horror storytelling and provides a comprehensive guide for aspiring horror filmmakers and screenwriters.

To order “How to Write a Horror Movie” in either Paperback or e-Book format, please visit studentfilmmakersstore.com/products/how-to-write-a-horror-movie.

Additionally, we invite you to read our exclusive interview with Neal Bell, “Horror Screenwriting Tips“. Read, save, and share the article!

Neal Bell has also been published in Student Filmmakers Magazine. Check out his screenwriting article, “Screenwriting Insights: Writing Pandemic Horror.”

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StudentFilmmakers.com and Student Filmmakers Magazine look forward to organizing more enriching events in the future and continuing to support the creative community. To learn more about upcoming Live Filmmaking Webinars, visit: www.studentfilmmakers.com/livefilmmakingwebinars.