Screenwriter behavioral/minimalist horror - a job post by M K

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Screenwriter Behavioral/Minimalist Horror

Seeking Screenwriter
Location Los Angeles, California
Status Development
Type Feature film
Genre Horror
Job Owner
Date Added May 1, 2026
Date Updated May 1, 2026
Deadline Aug 1, 2026
About the job

Screenwriter – Behavioral / Minimalist Psychological Film (Not Traditional Horror)

Description:

Looking for a screenwriter for a contained, minimalist psychological film.

This is NOT:

* a traditional horror film
* a plot driven thriller
* a dialogue-heavy script

This IS:

* behavior driven
* repetition based
* psychologically unsettling through subtle shifts

The project focuses on pattern, repetition, and behavioral change rather than story explanation.

CORE DIRECTION

We are building tension through:

* repeated actions
* small variations
* the system beginning to anticipate the character
* the character adjusting instinctively, not logically

The pressure comes from:

“Why am I starting to respond to this?”

NOT:

“What is this?”

CREATIVE CONSTRAINTS

* Single or very limited number of characters
* Single location
* Minimal dialogue (or none in some sequences)
* No visible threat or traditional antagonist
* No mythology, lore, or explanation
* No “big reveal”

If the audience can clearly explain what is happening, it’s not working.

STYLE REFERENCES (DIRECTIONAL, NOT COPY)

* Behavioral tension
* Subtle repetition and escalation
* Controlled pacing
* Psychological discomfort without explanation

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

* Writers comfortable with restraint
* Ability to build tension through micro behavior
* Understanding of loop based progression
* Strong sense of what to remove, not add

WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR

* Jump scares
* Violence driven tension
* Exposition heavy scripts
* High concept mythology
* Over explained psychological breakdowns

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT (IMPORTANT)

To be considered, include a 2–3 page sample scene with the following constraints:

* Single character
* Single location
* No dialogue
* No explanation of what is happening
* The same action occurs multiple times with small variations
* By the end, the character is adjusting instinctively without understanding why

Submissions that do not follow this will not be reviewed.

NOTES

This project is tightly controlled in tone and execution.
We are looking for someone who can work within constraints and refine behavior, not expand story.

Collaboration style is direct and iterative.

If this direction resonates, submit your sample and relevant work.

M.

ammous@icloud.com 

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