SUBMIT TO CALL OUT

THIS CALLOUT IS EXCUSIVELY FOR SMASH PRO SUBSCRIBERS

What's on offer

DB Films is inviting submissions for horror and thriller film projects with budgets up to £5 million.
Projects at any stage are welcome, from early ideas with a clear vision to fully developed scripts.
Projects with existing partners are welcomed, but this is not essential.

What they are looking for

Groundbreaking horror and thriller films that honour genre traditions while bringing a fresh, inventive perspective.
High-concept stories with a strong commercial angle, especially projects that tap into contemporary fears and anxieties.
Premises with a clear, compelling hook that can be summed up in a single sentence and marketed strongly.
Fast-paced, gripping films that sustain tension and excitement throughout.
British culture and characters are a plus, though not a requirement.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to SMASHPro subscribers.
Filmmakers with horror or thriller film projects that match the criteria above.

What you need to include in your SMASH Pitch

Your SMASH Snapshot must include at minimum:

Logline
Format; Genre; Setting; Runtime
Brief Biog of key creatives
Synopsis with all major plot points — set up; inciting incident; rising conflict; mid story twist; crisis; climax and resolution.
Creative vision
Visual references
Budget range
Cast ideas (that would work with your budget)
Comparables (recent TV or Film at your budget level that capture a similar feeling or energy)

Any projects submitted without this information will not be accepted.

How to Apply

Create your SMASH Pitch at app.mysmash.media.
Build your Snapshot with the required elements above.
Hit 'Share Project' and select DB Films from the Call Out page.
If you are not SMASHPro you will be prompted to upgrade.

Protect your IP

At SMASH, protecting your creative work is at the heart of everything we do. Every project uploaded to the platform is automatically timestamped and securely stored, giving you a verifiable digital record of ownership. Your pitch is only shared when you choose, and with the people you choose — ensuring your ideas remain yours, always. We call it Pitch Protection, and it's how we make sure creators can share their work with confidence, knowing their IP is safe and traceable.

Important Notes

It's FREE to create a SMASH Pitch but this opportunity is for SMASHPro only
Questions? Contact: cupid@mysmash.media

About DB Films

DB Films, a division of Envision Entertainment and backed by the BFI's Global Screen Fund, operates under the leadership of David Barron. David is a highly experienced British producer best known for producing six of the Harry Potter films. His other credits include Mowgli, The Legend Of Tarzan, Cinderella, Jack Ryan, Escape From Pretoria, and most recently Emily, starring Emma Mackie. His films have made well over $6bn at the box office.

DB Films aims to be Britain's answer to Blumhouse, focusing on genre films with well-developed characters and a strong hook. The company specialises in creating commercially viable British genre films that creatively reflect societal anxieties through captivating and fast-paced storytelling.