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Director Horror Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LA 411

Executive Producer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$111.60 - $223.20/hr

... short film, AMERICAN FOLK STORY, written and to be directed by John Funk. EP will work with the ... and Horror Festival. It's been budgeted at $80K. We're raising the funds and shooting the film in ...

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Director Horror Film information

See salary details

$33.5K

$117.5K

$195.5K

How much do director horror film jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for director horror film in the United States is $117,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of a horror film do?

A Director of a horror film is responsible for overseeing the creative vision and execution of the movie. They work closely with writers, actors, and crew to bring the script to life, focusing on elements like suspense, atmosphere, and visual storytelling unique to the horror genre. The director guides performances, chooses camera angles, and collaborates on editing and special effects to create the desired emotional impact and scares. Their leadership ensures that the film maintains consistency in tone, pacing, and style throughout the production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of a horror film, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of a Horror Film, you need a strong background in film production, storytelling, and visual composition, typically supported by a degree in film or related experience in filmmaking. Familiarity with industry-standard editing software, camera equipment, and special effects tools is crucial for realizing the horror aesthetic. Leadership, creative vision, and the ability to communicate clearly with cast and crew set outstanding directors apart. These skills ensure the film’s suspenseful atmosphere, cohesive production process, and effective delivery of emotional impact to audiences.

What are some unique challenges a director faces when working on a horror film, and how can they be addressed?

One of the unique challenges a Director of a horror film faces is maintaining suspense and delivering genuine scares without resorting to clichés. This requires close collaboration with the cinematographer, sound designers, and actors to create the right atmosphere and pacing. Another challenge is balancing creative vision with practical constraints such as budget, special effects, and location limitations. Directors often address these challenges by meticulous pre-production planning, storyboarding key sequences, and fostering a collaborative team environment where creative problem-solving is encouraged.

What is the difference between Director Horror Film vs Director Action Film?

AspectDirector Horror FilmDirector Action Film
Required CredentialsFilm degree, experience in horror genreFilm degree, experience in action genre
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, horror production studiosFilm sets, action production studios
Industry UsageFilm industry, horror nicheFilm industry, action niche
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Director Horror Film and a Director Action Film lies in their genre focus and specialized experience. While both roles require a film degree and experience in their respective genres, the Director Horror Film concentrates on creating suspense, fear, and atmospheric storytelling within horror settings. Conversely, the Director Action Film emphasizes fast-paced sequences, stunts, and dynamic visuals typical of action movies. Both roles operate within the film industry but cater to different audience preferences and production styles.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Horror Film jobs?

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Director Horror Film jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Horror Film job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,480 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Executive Producer

LA 411

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$111.60 - $223.20/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

This is a Lo/No Deferred position in the field of Film / Motion Picture Production, located in Los Angeles, CA.

John Funk Productions (ROSES ON THE VINE) is looking for an Executive Producer collaborator on the short film, AMERICAN FOLK STORY, written and to be directed by John Funk. EP will work with the team on raising funds for the film, receive credit, and be a part of the franchise moving forward. Logline: An army biologist discovers a winged creature he first learned about from his father in the Maryland woods, outside Washington D.C. Comp: ARRIVAL meets GODZILLA, or... EM & SELMA GO GRIFFIN HUNTING meets MAMA. The short film is fiscally sponsored by From the Heart Productions (so we can receive tax deductible donations) and recently won the Platinum Award from the Sci‑Fi and Horror Festival. It's been budgeted at $80K. We're raising the funds and shooting the film in LA by the end of the year.

Experience

Producing, Executive Producing, fundraising, Kickstarter, Indiegogo, project management, community organizing, crowdfunding, etc.

About John Funk Productions

John Funk Productions was launched in 2022 for the feature film, ROSES ON THE VINE, and is an elevated, genre agnostic, feature film, TV, and OTT content creation company. ROSES ON THE VINE Trailer // Film avail on Amazon May 22nd, 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpqHinG0GHo

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