Screen Gems, the genre label under Sony Pictures announced today that they will be partnering with Ground Control to launch Horror Lab, and will focus on the development of and production of horror genre proofs-of-concept.
According to a report by Deadline, the new lab hopes to work with new and upcoming directors to produce shorts with the primary goal being turning them into feature films and horror concepts for use on the big screen.
“We envision the Horror Lab as another step in the evolution of our label as a leading genre supplier,” said Screen Gems head Steve Bersch. “We pride ourselves on supporting next generation creatives and see this as another way to bring exciting new talent and ideas to global audiences.”
Ground Control founder Scott Glassgold is slated to oversee the proof of concepts and prospective new horror concepts, while Scott Strauss and Michael Bitar will oversee Horror Lab for the studio.
“With proof-of-concept emerging as a reliable source material for feature films, the aim is to work with filmmakers at the incubation stage to help actualize their concepts and grow the material organically through the development process,” said Glassgold. “We are providing a one-of-a-kind launch pad for horror filmmakers and films of tomorrow.”
With Blumhouse now the gold standard in micro-budget horror films, it is no wonder more studios are looking to jump more heavily into horror. It will be interesting to see what new talent brings to the horror scene. One thing is for sure, the genre landscape is about to get a bit more crowded.