The old saying goes that “less is more” and Killer Shorts put that axiom to the test with the introduction of a new category in season 3 of the screenwriting competition, offering writers the opportunity to hammer out an entire story in one single page.
For a mere ten-dollar entry fee, participants are challenged to dish out the best, scariest minute of writing they can muster for a chance at a $500 cash prize, a 1-year subscription to Stan Winston School, Final Draft Screenwriting Software, a Qwerkywriter mechanical keyboard, 6 month ISA membership, 1-year subscription to Script Hop, a 1-year Rockstar membership to Script Revolution, and the coveted skull typewriter trophy by FX designer Tyler Green.
Killer Shorts one-page Finalist Phillip Dishon talks about his minute of horror, his passion for writing, where he draws inspiration, and what about a single-page script competition that appealed most to him.
Conversations with Phill
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your background in writing? How long have you been writing?
I am a 37-year-old graphic designer living in Louisville, KY. I received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Murray State University in Murray, KY, and a master’s degree in film production from the University of Miami in Florida. During my college career, I was an award-winning journalist and editorial cartoonist, and I wrote and directed some award-winning shorts that screened at festivals across the globe (one of the biggest being the Sci-Fi London Film festival in 2008). Since then, I’ve worked in television, independent film, and video production as an editor and assistant director. I only really started my screenwriting journey in 2019. My script Everyone developed from an extremely vivid nightmare I had in 2018 where a ghost child whispered, “If you see her you can’t run, because she eats everyone” into my ear. After I woke up screaming, I immediately jotted down the poem in my phone notes. I wrote the initial first draft in early 2019 then promptly forgot it for 2 years. It was an intense dream, and I knew it was a story I wanted to tell. I decided to revisit that short in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns. I shared it with friends, and they encouraged me to send it to festivals. The first festival I entered was the 2021 Hollywood Horrorfest. To my surprise, Everyone won the Best of the Fest award for short scripts. I was told by organizers that it received a perfect score and was called “a perfect short horror script” by one of the judges. It was rather crazy seeing it do so well right off the bat. I haven’t stopped writing and submitting since. A former classmate in LA has already approached me about making Everyone. We are currently seeking a producer to help bring it to life.
Based on the two scripts of yours I’ve read, your stories are told primarily from the point of view of kids. Where do you draw inspiration from?
I can’t think of a better perspective to write from for a horror script than that of a child. I speak from experience. I was a cowardly little kid who could barely watch even the tamest horror film. When tackling the horror genre, I draw inspiration from the things that scare me. As I mentioned, Everyone developed from a nightmare I had a few years ago. The rest of the story was built from my grade school experiences. Being a kid can be scary, especially for a nerdy Godzilla-obsessed kid who didn’t always fit in. Staring Contest was developed from similar childhood fears. I wanted to take a harmless children’s game and mix it with the shared childhood fear of “the thing in the closet.”
What is unique about Staring Contest that makes it a successful one-page script?
I’m proud as hell of Staring Contest and its top 10 placement in Killer Shorts. When I started to develop the concept, I really thought I was onto something that would be both compelling and effective as a short. Admittedly, I wrote Staring Contest specifically for Killer Shorts. I had entered my longer script Everyone into the main competition, but I wanted to challenge myself further and see if I could tell something worthwhile in one page. The entry fee was also very reasonable. The script came together rather quickly. I wrote it in a day and spent a week editing and rewriting. My wife Heather, who works as a professional copy editor also gave it a look once or twice. I believe Staring Contest is a successful one-page script because it tells a solid, tense story and it has a fun supernatural payoff. I love monsters, and even though the “thing” at the end is bathed in shadows, its description reveals a deeper story. I can’t say this for everything I’ve ever written, but I love re-reading Staring Contest. I have also sent Staring Contest to a handful of other screenwriting contests. I am proud of what I accomplished in one page, and I believe in it.
What plans do you have to possibly develop Staring Contest into a longer script?
I’ve thought of making it a longer script, but I just haven’t decided on what the larger picture would be. I am also very much in love with it, and I’ve found some other filmmakers who feel the same. I am currently working with 2021 Killer Shorts Quarterfinalist James Furlong (Perfection) to make Staring Contest. I connected with James when we were both finalists in the Hellifax Horror Fest short screenplay competition last year. James ultimately won the festival with Perfection, beating out my short script Everyone. I contacted him and discovered a kindred spirit whose love of Ultraman and anthology horror rivaled my own. His aspiration is to direct, and I loved his take on Staring Contest. He is LA based and we are still looking for a producer.
Check out Staring Contest on Coverfly.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
What I enjoy most about writing is the creation of something completely new. Writing is challenging to me. Somedays I just can’t find the words, but that doesn’t stop me from thinking of the stories I want to tell. Sometimes everything clicks and I’m able to surprise even myself. And then the next story comes a little easier.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about getting into screenwriting?
The best advice I could give is not to second guess yourself. If you believe in your script, then see it through to the end. Even if it fails, you will learn invaluable lessons through your efforts. The first script I’d written in over a decade sat on a hard drive for two years. Since 2021 that short script has been selected in over 20 festivals and has won five. Take the chance. I’m 37 years old. It is never too late to try.
Also, be kind. I have met so many wonderful, talented people through the Killer Shorts contest, and they have shared their work with me and given me invaluable feedback on my own writing. I’m a novice at best, but the screenwriters I’ve connected with embraced me with open arms. I’m grateful for them.
Are you developing anything for Season 4 of the Killer Shorts Contest?
I am developing a few different ideas for Season 4. I don’t want to spoil too much, but one is based on some local legends and the other involves social injustice with lots of justifiable comeuppances. And once I land on a good enough premise, I will be writing a one-page script as well. I’m thinking something with kaiju, budgets be damned!
What do you think is most beneficial to a writer when writing a one-page horror script?
I think the most beneficial thing to a writer when writing a one-page horror script is keeping it simple. Think of it as a joke with a horrific punchline. You are golden if you can nail that punchline. And make sure it scares you. If the idea gives you goosebumps then you are on the right track.
What made you decide to submit to the Killer Shorts Contest?
I wanted the experience of the Killer Shorts Contest. Killer Shorts has a reputation for being the contest for short horror. I followed the contest since its first year, but self-doubt kept me from entering. I didn’t think I was ready, or good enough. But I realized that that was giving up before I even tried. Getting exposure to professional filmmakers and writers became a big motivator. I want my work to be seen and read and enjoyed. I’m done leaving things on hard drives. I also really wanted Joe Bob Briggs to read my script! I’ve been a fan since I was 8 and I wasn’t going to pass up that chance. The prizes for Killer Shorts are also amazing. The trophy is easily the coolest award out there. I came so close, but I’ll keep trying. I was also eager to get a copy of Final Draft so I wouldn’t have to have friends reformat my Word document scripts for me anymore. Final Draft is an essential commodity for a screenwriter, and I am lacking without it. I hope to resolve this soon.
Why do you think horror shorts are beneficial to a writer’s career?
A good horror short can lay the groundwork for a feature film or even a franchise. The biggest benefit is you can explore a concept in a matter of pages without the massive investment of time it takes to write a feature-length script. Producing a one-page script is far easier and could also serve as a terrific proof-of-concept for a bigger project. Ultimately, shorts are fun to write and fun to watch.
What other things would you like to share about yourself or your writing process that are key to creating a successful script?
“I owe everything to Godzilla.” That sentence has defined my academic and professional career. That statement helped me receive scholarships, assistantships, jobs, you name it. And it remains true to this day. My office is a shrine to Japanese monsters and being surrounded by the things I love always inspires me. I work from home as a graphic designer, and my office is a sanctuary of creativity for me.
Phill is also an avid wargamer and miniature painter and has participated as a guest on several podcasts. He says these experiences and interests help shape his creativity and writing process. You can find Phil on Twitter @phill_md.
Phill Dishon on Coverfly.
Season 4 of the Killer Shorts Screenwriting Contest is currently live and accepting submissions for shorts and is continuing the one-page contest that kicked off last season. Entries can be submitted via Coverfly, FilmFreeway, and ISA. Enter your one-page horror short for a locked in entry fee of $10.
