AMC Networks-owned horror streaming service Shudder has launched a new workshop for aspiring filmmakers.
Shudder Labs, located in Hudson Valley, NY, is
billed as a retreat that aims to support up-and-coming filmmakers through a series of programs and workshops.
First up is a session scheduled to take place June 13 to 18. It will include workshops on directing, screenwriting and special effects makeup, along with keynotes and lectures from horror industry veterans (the names of speakers have yet to be announced).
Participants will each be awarded a $5,000 grant from Shudder and a year-long mentorship from one of Shudder Labs’ masters-in-residence in order to produce film projects (masters-in-residences and program sponsors also have yet to be announced).
The initiative could lead to new original content for Shudder, which first launched in July 2015.
The streaming service is priced at $4.99 per month (or $49.99 yearly). It currently does not produce originals, but has acquired SVOD rights to a wide array of horror films, from classics like Nosferatu (pictured) to modern cult favorites like The Human Centipede.
Shudder isn’t the first VOD service to offer mentorship programs to aspiring filmmakers. Recently, Vimeo launched its Share the Screen program, aimed at promoting gender equality in the digital video industry, and committed to produce at least five projects from female filmmakers in 2016. Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson also recently paired with prodco Indigenous Media to launch a film incubator program, signing on to direct up to five short films by young creators.