The Dead

Welcome!

The George A. Romero Foundation and Bloody Disgusting are looking for aspiring writers to create stories for our upcoming fiction podcast "The Dead," created in the spirit of George A. Romero.

We're looking for new and original character driven stories focusing on the survivors of a zombie outbreak. Stories should focus on the human experience, and conflicts following a cataclysmic event, with the ever present threat of an overwhelming zombie population. Pitches should not be tied to any previously established characters, locations, or intellectual property.

To apply, writers simply need to fill out the form below. We're asking writers to pitch us their story in the form of a Drabble (100-word micro-fiction) and upload previously written samples of their work. If selected, writers will be commissioned to write a 90-180 page screenplay expanding on the premise laid out within their Drabble.

Selected writers will be paid $2000 USD, and have the opportunity to participate in the production process.

Deadline is May 19
 

What is a "Fiction Podcast"?

Think back to the days of old-timey radio dramas. Actors, sound effects, and music! We create enveloping soundscapes that transport listeners to new worlds with relatable characters and original soundtracks.

If you'd like to listen to one of our fiction podcasts, head to Bloody.FM!

 

What if I have additional questions?

You can reach out to Bloody Disgusting on Twitter, Instagram or email us at social[at]bloody-disgusting[dot]com

 

Drabble

Next, you'll be asked to write a Drabble, a 100-word micro-fiction. This is not a pitch, we're looking for a short narrative submission. Show us a glimpse of your world, the characters that inhabit it, and the conflicts that may arise. You're not going to be able to fit everything into this drabble, so instead, focus on the broad strokes, like tone and aesthetic.

We're looking for submissions that effectively introduce some (but not all) of these elements: characters, setting, premise, conflict, and use of the theme.

This month's theme is RAIN

 

Social Media

Now that you've written your Drabble, it's time to share it!

Share your Drabble on social media using #PitchTheDead! We encourage you to be creative with your presentation. You can share your Drabble in the form of text, an image, a video, or something else entirely!

If you'd like to tag us, you can find Bloody Disgusting on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, and the George A. Romero Foundation on Twitter, and Instagram!

Once you've uploaded your Drabble, you may share the link with us below.

Writing Samples

Lastly, we'll ask you to upload or link to previously written works. You may submit up to two writing samples.
While we will accept stories of any format, screenplays are strongly encouraged. Please be mindful of your story length when submitting. Shorter entries are more likely to be fully reviewed.
If your sample is password protected, please provide the password below.

These samples are for review only, their contents will not be used, shared, or otherwise distributed. Applications without samples will not be considered.

 

Terms & Conditions

By certifying below, writer agrees to the following:

The provided Drabble is of their own original creation.

If selected, writer may be contracted to create a 90-180 page screenplay, with a runtime of approximately 90-180 minutes, broken up into one or more parts and presented episodically on The Dead podcast feed and/or other similarly appropriate venues. If accepted, writers will be offered a contract as "work for hire," their script, the storyline, characters and all other features within will be the sole property of the George A. Romero Foundation and/or Cinedigm. Writer will be paid a flat rate for their story, agreed upon ahead of signing. 

If selected, writer will be invited to meet with members of the George A. Romero Foundation and/or Bloody Disgusting to discuss their pitch and create their story. Writer may have the opportunity to workshop their story with various members of the production team where necessary. 

Writer may be invited to participate and/or view various stages of production. While the production team will make a meaningful effort to create an audio presentation of their script, there may be deviations, revisions, or other changes made by the production team where necessary.

If selected, writer will be credited both vocally at the end of the show, and in the show notes by their name, or an alias of their choosing.

Writer understand that their Drabble, if shared on social media, may be re-shared by Bloody Disgusting, the George A. Romero Foundation, and/or other associated accounts. Re-sharing is not indicative of preference, or acceptance, or rejection.

Writer will be notified via email at the provided address of their acceptance. Additional details may be required if accepted before reviewing a contract. 

Writer understands that this application is intended for newer or aspiring writers of at least 18 years old. While anyone is welcome to apply, Bloody Disgusting will be focusing on applicants who we believe may benefit most from learning about a podcast's production and screenwriting process.