Lights, Camera, SCREAM!

48-Hour Horror Challenge

You have 48 hours to make your scariest, funniest, or most delightfully creepy short film.
Win prizes, see your work on screen, and share your fright with the world!

REGISTRATION

Early Bird: $20 | Regular: $40
Only 50 teams allowed - sign up now!
Early Deadline: October 5th
Regular Deadline: October 10th

Note: register is per team. NOT per person.

FILM PROMPTS WILL BE EMAILED BY MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 10TH.
FILMS DUE MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 12TH.

HOW IT WORKS

October 10th at Midnight – KICKOFF:

• Film prompts sent out including required line, prop, and action that must appear in your film

October 10th-12th – CREATE:

• Write, film, and edit your short in exactly 48 hours

• Teamwork, creativity, and spontaneity are key — polish is optional!

DEADLINE: October 12th at Midnight –

• Submit your finished film

October 17th – SCREENING:

• 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm at Pan Theater, Oakland

• Tickets $10 at the door.

• Watch the top films and celebrate with fellow filmmakers

• Winning films shared on social media leading up to Halloween!

FILM REQUIREMENTS

• Genre: Horror or horror-comedy — be creative!

• Length: No minimum, 10-minute maximum

• Teams: Solo or groups welcome

• Submit by: October 12th at 11:59 PM

PRIZES & RECOGNITION

• 1st Place: $200

• 2nd Place: $100

• 3rd Place: $50

• Social Media Spotlight Prize: $50

Judging Criteria:
Creativity, originality, horror impact, and entertainment value

REQUIRED ELEMENTS
(Revealed at Kickoff)

Each team receives the same three requirements at midnight on October 10th:

• One prop(example: a blue t-shirt)

• One line of dialogue(example: "It isn't fair!")

• One action(example: eating a Kit Kat)

Use them creatively, humorously, or spookily — your choice!

WHY PARTICIPATE?

• Create a film in a fun, low-pressure environment

• Collaborate with friends and fellow filmmakers

• See your work on screen

• Win prizes and get social media exposure before Halloween

Tips for Success:

• Focus on fun, creativity, and surprise over perfection

• Embrace mistakes — they often lead to the best moments

• Don't overthink it — great ideas happen in the creative chaos!

Also check out other Entertainment events in Oakland, Contests in Oakland.