Thriller/Horror Drama Series

Closing date 03/08/2018

Channel 

M-Net 101 / Mzansi Magic / kykNET and/or ShowMax 21:00/21:30 weekday, weekly slot (PG16 - 18)

Episodes

6 - 13 x 48 min

References

Bates Motel, Hannibal, The Walking Dead, The Terror, Dark, Hammer House of Horror, Dracular, Tales of The Unexpected, The Returned, Outcast, Penny Dreadful, Fringe, American Horror Story, True Blood, Scream Queens, Mr. Mercedes, Fortitude

Audience

Primary: 25-45 Age group

Language

An organic mixture of South African languages

Editorial Guide

M-Net is looking to commission drama in the Thriller/Horror genre.  The objective is to provide South African audiences with  a potent sensory experience, evoking powerful emotional responses. We are looking for stories that incorporate elements of mystery, folklore and the afterlife that instil fear and play on our deepest insecurities about life and death.   The successful submissions will push the boundaries of visual and visceral storytelling and may play on taboo or the supernatural.

The M-Net 101 and ShowMax audience consume mostly international content yet they also want to watch South African stories told in an authentic and skilled manner. kykNET and Mzansi Magic viewers also enjoy authentic local stories. The characters in the world of the story should safely provide a voyeuristic viewer experience. Intrinsic to the DNA of the horror and thriller genres is a tangible line of suspense punctuated by intense and frightening moments, or sequences. The series must contain all the elements required to keep viewers on the edge of their seats and tune in week after week or generate binge viewing. Narrative originality and innovative approaches to the genre will enthral our audience. Concepts based on true life stories, biographical books, novels, graphic novels, or other source material are welcome, provided that the producer, or M-Net will be able to secure the required adaptation rights. Original concepts should take an exciting new angle with well-plotted storylines and rounded characters e.g. the French series, ‘The Returned’ and the critically-acclaimed Swedish series, ‘Jordskott’. Sophisticated and edgy sci-fi, or fantasy horrors in the line of Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Dark’, or AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’ are also welcome. We will also look at concepts that display a sense of the tongue-in-cheek, or camp elements of the horror genre, e.g. ‘Scream Queens’ and ‘American Horror Story”, or those that set out to deliver an intelligent homage to a master of the genre, e.g. ‘Bates Motel’ (Hitchcock homage).

Concepts should be over-arching and not stand-alone episodes with a definitive ending, or gasp-incuding cliffhanger at the close of the final episode.The tone should be chilling and gripping, but always entertaining. The storylines and pace must have nail-biting tension that will keep the audience glued to the small screen.

Creative Requirements

• Must bring a rich understanding of the genre, adhering to the required pace and structure of thriller/horror storytelling.
• Must be willing to collaborate with an appointed foreign/local script doctor/producer of the broadcaster’s choice who will assist in the development and/or production of the series. 
• And existing relationship, or track record of relationships, with international producer(s), distributor(s), sales agent(s), or broadcaster(s) will be most advantageous.

Submission Requirements

• Brief synopsis of the concept and series including a Controlling Idea, Dramatic Question, Premise, Logline
• A statement of intent – why is this series/story important? Why should it be produced? Why would the show have both local (M-Net101 audience) and international appeal?
• A clear and powerful world of the story.
• Character biographies for the main characters including their traits, goals, needs and flaws as well an indication of relationships.
• Characters references either visual or written are welcome
• A summary of the main characters arcs/journeys
• Episode summaries for 8-13 episodes and series structure
• Proposals should be no longer than 50 pages.
• Full pilot script, or 7-12 page treatment for first episode.
• In the case where any Letters of Intent/Interest have been attained from oversees producers, distributors, sales agents, or broadcasters, please attached scanned copies to your proposal.

Cost Per Minute

CPM for script development to be determined based on specific requirements of project and channel budget.