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New Indian Horror Lab Aims to Push Genre Past Ghosts and Comedy Hybrids (EXCLUSIVE)
Platoon One Films is launching an online horror writing lab to encourage Indian screenwriters to move beyond familiar ghost stories and horror-comedy hybrids. The initiative matters because it aims to develop more varied, socially engaged horror and help Indian stories reach audiences internationally.
The three-month programme will select 15 writers, each developing an original horror screenplay through weekend sessions with Indian and international screenwriters and directors. It will combine group mentoring, craft discussions and individual script feedback; participants will also be able to pitch their projects to producers and industry figures through the company’s network.
In short
- Platoon One Films is starting a three-month online horror writing lab.
- Fifteen writers will develop original screenplays with mentors.
- The company hopes to broaden Indian horror and reach global audiences.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A dedicated writing lab could widen the range of Indian horror by giving writers sustained mentoring, detailed feedback and access to producers. Encouraging socially engaged stories and new forms may help the genre reflect more experiences and connect with audiences at home and abroad.
The case against
A programme that sets out to move beyond familiar forms could risk treating popular ghost stories and horror-comedy as creatively lesser, even though they may carry cultural meaning and appeal to audiences. With only 15 places and pitching access through one company’s network, the lab may also favour a narrow set of writers and ideas rather than broadening the industry as a whole.
Explained simply
Indian horror films have often drawn on ghosts and comic horror, but the genre can also explore other fears and social concerns. Screenwriters shape those stories for film, while producers help develop and finance projects.
Platoon One Films is a production company working with Indian screenwriters and filmmakers. Its writing lab is designed to help writers develop original horror screenplays, with guidance from Indian and international industry professionals.
The programme’s focus matters because a wider range of stories could broaden what audiences associate with Indian horror. It may also help those stories connect with viewers beyond India.
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