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Blood List
Blood List
Blood List
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The Blood List was an annual survey of the best unproduced horror and thriller screenplays as voted on by industry professionals. It was created by Kailey Marsh and ran from 2009 to 2022. Films such as Bird Box and Cobweb, as well as the series Severance, originated as speculative scripts on the list years ahead of their production.

History

[edit]

The Blood List was created by Kailey Marsh in 2009. Its name was a play on the similar Black List.[1] Steve Barton of Dread Central called it "one of the most vital and necessary horror resources you'll ever need to break into the business".[2]

In 2013, the Blood List began offering a script-rating service, with the 10 highest-rated scripts being forwarded to judges for possible inclusion on the Blood List.[3] In 2014, the Blood List partnered with Stage 32 for a contest open to new writers who did not yet have representation.[4]

In May 2024, the Blood List announced it would be discontinued, making the 2022 edition the final one, as the 2023 edition was skipped due to the Writers Guild of America strike.[5]

Top-rated scripts

[edit]
Year Title Author Ref
2009 The Voices Michael R. Perry [6]
2010 Dark Continent David Portlock [7]
2011 Maggie John Scot III [8]
2012 The Disciple Program Tyler Marceca [9]
2013 Ink and Bone Zak Olkewicz [10]
2014 Bird Box Eric Heisserer [11]
2015 Eli David Chirchirillo [12]
2016 Orb Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman [13]
2017 Soul Mates Chris LaMont and Joe Russo [14]
2018 Cobweb Chris Thomas Devlin [15]
2019 Shut In Melanie Toast
2020 No individual winner
2021 No individual winner
2022 No individual winner

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Blood List

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The BloodList was an annual survey ranking the most promising unproduced screenplays in the horror, thriller, and dark genre categories, as determined by votes from film industry executives, producers, and other professionals. Founded in 2009 by Kailey Marsh, a literary manager and horror enthusiast who created the list shortly after graduating college, it ran until 2022 and emerged as a genre-specific equivalent to the influential Black List, aiming to discover and elevate underrepresented voices in speculative fiction and thrillers. Initially compiled as a simple document shared on industry tracking boards, the BloodList quickly gained traction for its focus on unproduced material, with editions typically featuring 10 to 13 top-voted scripts released around Halloween to coincide with the genre's peak season. In 2018, acquired the BloodList brand and hired as a literary manager and , expanding its scope to include development partnerships with studios like , which optioned scripts directly from the list for feature adaptation. The initiative's impact is evident in its track record: approximately 23% of featured scripts advanced to production, yielding notable films such as Bird Box, Arrival, , , , and . In May 2024, the BloodList announced its discontinuation, with the 2022 edition being the final one after the 2023 edition was skipped due to the Writers Guild strike. By highlighting diverse narratives—from thrillers to psychological horrors—the BloodList played a crucial role in nurturing genre talent and bridging writers with Hollywood production pipelines.

Overview

Purpose and Scope

The Blood List was an annual survey that ranked the most promising unproduced screenplays in the horror, thriller, and dark genre categories, including both feature-length films and television pilots. Established as a platform to discover and promote fresh voices in speculative and genre fiction, it functioned as a niche counterpart to the more general The Black List, focusing exclusively on scripts that evoked tension, fear, and the macabre. By compiling these rankings, the Blood List aimed to bridge the gap between undiscovered writers and industry decision-makers, fostering opportunities for projects that might otherwise remain overlooked in a competitive market dominated by mainstream fare. The list operated from 2009 until its discontinuation in May 2024. The scope of the Blood List was deliberately narrow, centering on unproduced works that garnered the highest enthusiasm from film and television professionals, such as executives, managers, agents, and producers. Participants voted on their favorite scripts from the previous year, with the top selections forming the annual roster, typically released around Halloween to align with the genre's seasonal appeal—a tradition upheld from its in 2009 until the final edition in 2022. This process ensured the list highlighted scripts poised for potential development, emphasizing originality and craft in genres that prioritized atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth over established intellectual properties. A core tenet of the Blood List was its strict emphasis on unproduced material, excluding any screenplays that had already been adapted into films, entered active production, or secured major development deals. This limitation underscored its role as a discovery tool, preventing redundancy with existing industry trackers and allowing it to serve as a vital resource for scouting raw, high-potential talent in horror and thriller writing. By maintaining this focus, the list not only celebrated the speculative edge of screenwriting but also contributed to the vitality of genre cinema and television, where innovation often emerged from untested narratives.

Selection Process

The Blood List's selection process relied on anonymous voting conducted annually by over 100 industry professionals, primarily executives from studios and production companies specializing in horror, thriller, and dark genre projects. Voters, who included producers, agents, managers, and development executives, each submitted their top selections from scripts they had encountered through industry circulation, ensuring a focus on unproduced material with strong potential in the genre space. This democratic tallying mechanism highlighted scripts based on collective enthusiasm, with rankings determined by the highest number of "most liked" endorsements. Scripts entered consideration through free submissions or nominations via tracking services such as Trackula, a platform originally operated by Blood List founder Kailey Marsh to monitor circulating spec scripts in the horror sector. Participation in the initial survey phase incurred no entry fee, allowing broad access for writers to upload features or pilots under 120 pages that fit horror, thriller, sci-fi, or dark criteria; optional paid upgrades provided additional exposure or feedback features on the hosting platform. From the pool of eligible entries—typically around 100 for features—voters ranked their preferences, with the top 10 to 15 scripts per category (features and pilots) selected based on vote tallies, requiring a minimum threshold like five endorsements for inclusion. An additional "Fresh Blood" category targeted emerging and unrepresented writers, sourcing submissions through free platforms like Coverfly to promote diversity and new voices in the . Selections emphasized originality, marketability, and alignment with horror/thriller conventions, as determined by the voting body's preferences for innovative concepts with commercial viability and genre authenticity. This process underscored the list's role in spotlighting unproduced works poised for development, without delving into historical evolutions of the methodology.

History

Founding and Early Development

The Blood List was founded in 2009 by , a recent college graduate and dedicated horror enthusiast who later became a literary manager and producer at . created the list to increase visibility for unproduced screenplays in the horror genre, which often struggled for recognition in the broader industry. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to spotlight emerging writers in dark genres, drawing inspiration from her personal experiences tracking scripts through Trackula, a service she operated for monitoring industry reads. The inaugural Blood List was released in late as an informal compilation of standout unproduced horror and thriller feature scripts, focusing exclusively on these genres to fill a perceived gap in script discovery platforms. Initial voting was limited to 's professional network of contacts in management, production, and related fields, allowing her to gauge interest and compile the top entries based on their recommendations. This grassroots approach quickly generated a high volume of responses, prompting to formalize the process and make the results public, establishing it as an annual survey. By , marking its third year, the Blood List had evolved from a niche survey into a widely recognized industry event, with votes collected from 75 professionals including managers, agents, producers, directors, and executives. That year's list highlighted scripts receiving at least three votes from the prior calendar year's submissions, with John Scott III's "Maggie"—a slow-burn zombie —topping the rankings and gaining significant attention. This growth reflected the list's growing influence in promoting talent, as evidenced by major outlets covering its releases.

Expansion and Acquisition

Following its initial years, the Blood List expanded its scope in by introducing categories for top television pilots and horror books, alongside the existing feature list, to encompass a broader range of dark material. This move aimed to highlight emerging talent across formats, with the sixth annual edition featuring six selections each in the new pilot and book categories. In , creator Kailey Marsh launched the Fresh Blood Initiative, a free submission program specifically for unrepresented screenwriters, further broadening access to the platform and emphasizing undiscovered voices in horror, thriller, and projects. A significant milestone occurred in 2018 when acquired the Blood List, integrating Marsh as a literary manager and producer to transform the initiative into a full production banner focused on developing film and television projects. This corporate involvement enhanced the list's industry connections, enabling greater exposure for selected scripts through Brillstein's network. During its peak years from the late 2010s to early 2020s, the Blood List received over 500 submissions annually via the Fresh Blood program, with numbers reaching more than 1,800 in 2022 alone, reflecting heightened participation among emerging writers. To further amplify discovery, the Blood List formed partnerships with platforms like Stage 32, launching collaborative contests such as the 2020 New Blood initiative to identify and promote unrepresented horror and thriller scripts. These efforts culminated in the release of the 14th edition in , which spotlighted top unproduced horror and genre pilots alongside Fresh Blood selects, bolstered by expanded digital promotion through the Blood List website and channels.

Discontinuation

On May 15, 2024, Kailey Marsh announced the discontinuation of the Blood List via , marking the end of the annual survey after 14 years spanning the 2009 to 2022 editions, with the 2023 edition skipped due to industry disruptions including the WGA strike. In her final reflections, Marsh expressed gratitude for the Blood List's role in launching numerous careers in horror and genre storytelling, emphasizing its impact over the years. Past editions of the Blood List remain archived on bloodlist.com for reference, although site functionality and access have become limited following the closure.

Notable Scripts

Top-Rated Entries

The top-rated entries on the BloodList represent the most frequently nominated unproduced screenplays in horror, thriller, and dark genre categories, as voted by over 60 film and television executives annually. These scripts are selected based on their originality and appeal within the industry, highlighting fresh voices and concepts that resonate with voters seeking innovative in unproduced works. Notable examples from across the years illustrate the caliber of these entries. In 2011, "" by John Scott III topped the list as a following a father's efforts to care for his infected teenage daughter over six weeks of transformation. By 2014, "Bird Box" by led as a post-apocalyptic thriller about a navigating a world where unseen entities drive people to . In 2017, "The Swallow" by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer was a notable entry, a horror tale of young adults trapped in a forest by a malevolent, growing entity. Other standout top entries include 2019's leading "Shut In" by Melanie Toast, a thriller depicting a single 's desperate protection of her children from an abusive ex, alongside "Apex" by Stephen Vitale, a exploring a bodybuilder's descent into madness in 1985 . Recurring themes in these top-rated scripts emphasize , survival thrillers, and elements, often set in isolated or personal environments that amplify tension and introspection. For instance, many entries feature protagonists confronting internal demons alongside external threats, such as familial bonds tested by otherworldly forces in scripts like "First Harvest" (2019) or creature-based pursuits in "The Ones Who Stay" (2022). Diversity in rankings has grown since , with increased representation of varied cultural perspectives and underrepresented writers, reflecting evolving voter interests in inclusive narratives. Voter preferences lean toward original concepts rather than adaptations, prioritizing scripts with unique premises that blend genre conventions in unexpected ways, such as sci-fi-infused horror or historical thrillers. This trend underscores the BloodList's role in spotlighting innovative ideas from emerging talent, as seen in the annual emphasis on unproduced works that avoid familiar tropes. A key initiative highlighting new voices is the "Fresh Blood" program, which selects unrepresented scripts through open submissions; in , it featured 10 such entries from 513 submissions, including "Incubus" by Regina Kim, a pilot about an tormented by a entity during a . Statistically, each annual BloodList compiles an average of 10 to 13 scripts, with horror dominating at approximately 70% of entries compared to 30% thrillers and other dark genres, based on consistent patterns across years.

Produced Works

Several scripts featured on the Blood List have successfully transitioned to production, demonstrating the list's role in elevating genre material within the industry. One prominent example is "," which appeared on an early Blood List and was adapted into Aronofsky's 2010 psychological starring , earning five Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. Similarly, "Bird Box" topped the 2014 Blood List and became a 2018 Netflix hit directed by , with in the lead role as a mother navigating a post-apocalyptic world blindfolded to evade sight-based entities; the film amassed over 45 million views in its first week. Other notable transitions include "," which featured on the Blood List and was produced as a 2016 horror film directed by , centering on coroners uncovering elements during an examination; it premiered at the AFI Fest and received positive reviews for its tense atmosphere. "The Shallows," highlighted on the Blood List, evolved into Blake Lively's 2016 survival thriller directed by , where a surfer battles a off an isolated rock; the screenplay, originally titled "In the Deep," grossed over $97 million worldwide on a $17 million budget. "," from the 2015 Blood List, premiered on in 2020 under Remi Weekes' direction, following a couple haunted by ghosts in their new British home; it earned a 100% score and BAFTA nominations for its blend of horror and social commentary. Television adaptations have also emerged from the list, such as the "Severance" pilot, which ranked on the 2016 Blood List and was developed into Apple TV+'s 2022 series created by , starring as an employee undergoing a procedure to separate work and personal memories; the show garnered 14 Emmy nominations in its first season. The process typically accelerates post-list exposure, with many scripts securing agent representation or sales within one to two years, as seen with "," a 2011 Blood List entry by John Scott 3 that sold quickly and was produced in 2015 as a drama starring and , exploring a father's protection of his infected daughter. This benchmark underscores the Blood List's efficacy in bridging unproduced horror and thriller material to screens, though outcomes vary by year and market conditions. Following the list's discontinuation in 2024, earlier entries continue to influence genre productions.

Impact and Legacy

Industry Influence

The Blood List significantly boosted the discovery of underrepresented writers in the horror and thriller genres, particularly following its 2018 acquisition by . Under the new oversight, the program's "Fresh Blood" section was relaunched in 2021 in partnership with , explicitly emphasizing diversity and inclusion to highlight unrepresented and undiscovered voices, including those from women, people of color, and other marginalized groups. This shift addressed longstanding gaps in genre , where female and diverse writers had been historically underrepresented, leading to increased visibility for such talent in subsequent lists. The list influenced studio acquisitions by serving as a key scouting tool for production companies. Roughly a quarter of all featured scripts were produced, with major players like Netflix acquiring and developing entries such as Bird Box (2014 Blood List #1) and His House (a prior honoree). These successes demonstrated the list's role in funneling marketable unproduced ideas into active development pipelines, often through direct executive votes and endorsements. By spotlighting innovative horror and thriller concepts, the Blood List contributed to the revival, a period marked by a resurgent wave of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films that reinvigorated interest in dark storytelling. Its annual rankings helped identify and elevate fresh, high-concept ideas amid broader industry trends toward elevated horror, fostering a boom in low-budget, high-impact productions. Notable alumni include Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, who had their 2017 Blood List script The Swallow featured and directed the 2019 remake of Pet Sematary, establishing them as key figures in modern horror filmmaking.

Cultural Significance

The Blood List's annual releases, typically unveiled in late October to coincide with Halloween, established a beloved tradition that heightened anticipation within the horror community, drawing attention from fans, writers, and industry observers eager for fresh genre talent. This timing transformed the list into a seasonal highlight, fostering excitement around unproduced scripts poised for potential production. Frequently dubbed the "horror Black List," the initiative resonated deeply with enthusiasts, inspiring genre-focused contests and dialogues that elevated horror as a legitimate artistic pursuit akin to broader industry benchmarks. Its emphasis on dark genre narratives positioned it as an essential platform for underrepresented voices in horror, encouraging community-driven efforts to discover and promote thrilling stories. In the wake of its discontinuation, announced in May 2024 with the 2022 edition as the final one (the 2023 edition was skipped due to the Writers Guild strike), the Blood List's archived editions endure as key resources for aspiring horror writers, offering insights into successful unproduced works and sustaining its influence on genre-specific discovery programs. This lasting accessibility underscores its role in nurturing ongoing creativity beyond active years. By championing scripts that transitioned to acclaimed productions, such as —a Blood List alum that won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer and was nominated for Outstanding British Film—the list advanced horror's integration into mainstream cinema, validating the genre's emotional depth and cultural relevance.

References

  1. https://variety.com/2021/film/news/bloodlist-2021-best-horror-scripts-village-roadshow-1235100651/
  2. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/brillstein-hires-genre-vet-kailey-marsh-acquires-bloodlist-1161514/
  3. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/bloodlist-2022-best-horror-scripts-1235252340/
  4. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/bloodlist-highlights-2020s-best-dark-genre-scripts-4083583/
  5. https://variety.com/2022/film/news/bloodlist-2022-best-horror-movie-scripts-1235418074/
  6. https://thefilmstage.com/interview-kailey-marsh-on-the-blood-list-faction-m/
  7. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7AHJD6pyBd/?hl=en
  8. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/shut-leads-2019-bloodlist-1250988/
  9. https://ew.com/movies/2017/10/26/bloodlist-2017-horror-thriller-sci-fi-films/
  10. https://collider.com/bloodlist-2018/
  11. https://variety.com/2012/film/news/disciple-program-tops-2012-blood-list-1118061438/
  12. https://news.asu.edu/20171030-creativity-asu-film-professor-script-selected-2017-bloodlist
  13. https://craigpeters.info/press/
  14. https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/freshblood
  15. https://screamfestla.com/advisory-board/kailey-marsh
  16. https://x.com/TheBloodList
  17. https://variety.com/2011/film/news/maggie-tops-2011-blood-list-1118045326/
  18. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/bird-box-claws-way-top-2014-blood-list-745326/
  19. https://variety.com/2018/film/news/brillstein-entertainment-partners-bloodlist-kailey-marsh-1203029133/
  20. https://www.thewrap.com/bloodlist-2020-fresh-blood-unrepresented-writers/
  21. https://www.instagram.com/p/CkhYQsGuXMd/
  22. https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/contests/11th-Annual-Search-for-New-Blood-Screenwriting-Contest
  23. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7AHJD6pyBd/
  24. https://www.bloodlist.com/
  25. https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/28176/blood-list-2011-the-best-unproduced-horror-scripts/
  26. https://collider.com/blood-list-winners-2017/
  27. https://collider.com/bloodlist-2019-best-genre-screenplays-pilots/
  28. https://www.thewrap.com/2016-blood-list-features-joe-russos-soul-mates/
  29. https://deadline.com/2014/10/blood-list-best-genre-screenplays-2014-pilots-books-1201268574/
  30. https://www.storyscreenpresents.com/post/who-are-you-severance-season-1
  31. https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/the-2014-blood-list-5920e5d33b12
  32. https://actfourscreenplays.com/screenwriting-blog/the-black-list-2011-highlights-the-best-spec-screenplays-of-the-year/
  33. https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/1csud1l/the_annual_bloodlist_is_no_more/
  34. https://variety.com/2021/film/news/bloodlist-village-roadshow-brillstein-1235030680/
  35. https://www.avclub.com/the-bloodlist-unveils-this-years-class-of-future-genre-1829981840/
  36. https://www.joblo.com/the-swallow/
  37. https://deadline.com/2013/10/ink-and-bone-blood-list-2013-best-horror-screenplays-624236/
  38. https://screencraft.org/blog/2013-blood-list-announced/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni17470923/
  40. https://www.fangoria.com/14th-annual-bloodlist-celebrates-best-unproduced-horror/
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