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Horror Films Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Horror Films information

See salary details

$11K

$74.3K

$137.5K

How much do horror films jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for horror films in the United States is $74,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,500.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Horror Film Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horror Film Director, you need a solid background in filmmaking, storytelling, and a deep understanding of the horror genre, often supported by a degree in film or related experience. Mastery of industry-standard editing software, camera equipment, and special effects tools is typically required. Creativity, leadership, and the ability to collaborate are crucial soft skills for bringing chilling stories to life and managing diverse production teams. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering compelling, suspenseful films that engage audiences and perform well both critically and commercially.

What are horror films?

Horror films are a genre of movies designed to frighten, scare, or shock viewers by invoking their worst fears, often through suspense, violence, or supernatural elements. These films typically feature themes such as monsters, ghosts, serial killers, or psychological terror. The goal of horror films is to create an intense emotional experience and provoke reactions like fear, dread, or anxiety. Over the years, the genre has evolved to include numerous subgenres, including slasher, psychological horror, supernatural horror, and more. Horror films are popular for their ability to provide thrilling entertainment and explore the darker aspects of human nature.

What is the difference between Horror Films vs Screenwriters?

AspectHorror FilmsScreenwriters
Required CredentialsFilm production knowledge, storytelling skillsWriting skills, storytelling, often a degree in writing or film
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, studios, post-productionOffices, home studios, collaborative meetings
Industry UsageCreated by directors, producers, writersDevelop scripts for films, TV, media
Common Search/ComparisonPeople interested in horror genre creationPeople interested in writing for films

Horror Films are the end product of a creative process involving many roles, including screenwriters. Screenwriters craft the scripts that horror films are based on. While horror films focus on the visual and emotional impact, screenwriters concentrate on storytelling and script development. Understanding the difference helps clarify career paths and industry roles in horror media production.

What are some common challenges faced when working on a horror film production team?

Working on a horror film production often involves unique challenges such as creating convincing special effects on a limited budget, maintaining a tense and immersive atmosphere on set, and ensuring the safety of cast and crew during complex stunts or scenes involving prosthetics and practical effects. Team members frequently collaborate closely across departments—special effects, makeup, lighting, and sound—to achieve the desired scares while keeping production efficient. Adaptability and strong communication skills are essential, as last-minute script or scene changes are common to enhance suspense or address audience feedback during test screenings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Horror Films jobs? The most popular types of Horror Films jobs are:
What states have the most Horror Films jobs? States with the most job openings for Horror Films jobs include:
Infographic showing various Horror Films job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 38% Physical, 59% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,312 per year, or $35.7 per hour.
Director - Programming, Shudder

Director - Programming, Shudder

AMC Networks, Inc.

New York, NY • On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Description
AMC Networks is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world.
We create and curate celebrated series and films across distinct brands and make them available to audiences everywhere. Our portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA, Independent Film Company, Sundance TV and We TV; and film distribution labels Independent Film Company and RLJE Films. The company also operates AMC Studios, our in-house studio, production, and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite originals including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe, and AMC Networks International, our international programming business.
We are currently seeking a Director - Programming, Shudder to join our Films Group team, based in our New York, NY, office.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Identify and curate various programming opportunities in the horror feature and television space.
  • Originate ideas for promotional and curatorial verticals.
  • Liaise Shudder projects through the pipeline with the ability to prioritize and work cross-functionally across many distribution verticals.
  • Partner on creation of marketing items including but not limited to direct mailings, one-sheets, trailers, and on platform materials.
  • Negotiate deals for film libraries as well as single picture licenses.
  • Determine creative strategy for projects and administer creative notes to showrunners, writers, and producers on all outlines, scripts, and cuts of current series.
  • Contribute constructive creative feedback for script drafts for projects in development and in conjunction with collective notes from the development and acquisitions team.
  • Build and maintain relationships with talent (writers, producers, directors, actors, authors, filmmakers, playwrights).
  • Evangelize Shudder through a variety of marketing and social media promotions.
  • Identify and track the creators and future show runners and actively pursue business with them.
  • Primary liaison to other departments including Marketing, Press, S&P, Research, and Business Affairs.
  • Participate in senior level meetings with production and business affairs.
  • Create and maintain a budget.
  • Manage junior and administrative level executives, helping mentor and give direction to the department.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (Required & Preferred)
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating and selecting films for festivals, platforms, distribution, or academic presentation
  • Strong analytical skills in film assessment, including artistic quality, audience engagement, and cultural relevance
  • Experience conducting film research or writing critical analysis
  • Familiarity with various cinema landscapes
  • Ability to assess content for programming, acquisition, or development purposes
  • Experience collaborating across creative and editorial teams
  • 7-10 years of relevant professional experience required in one or more of the following areas - Film festival programming, Streaming platform programming or content curation, Film research or academic film studies, Film criticism or editorial analysis, Film or media producing, Film acquisitions or content evaluation
  • No prior management experience required

The base compensation range for this position is $120,000- $135,000, commensurate with experience. AMC Networks additionally offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave and Adoption Services, among other benefit plan options, subject to eligibility requirements. AMC Networks values the benefits achieved through in-office collaboration, but we provide our employees with the flexibility to work from home one day per week.
The Company is committed to policy of nondiscrimination in its employment and personnel practices. Applicants are considered for all employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, religion, alienage, citizenship, gender, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, genetic predisposition or carrier status, age, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault, sexual orientation, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.