Scream Queens on VH1 is…
“The best horror-themed reality show in existence.”
In this epic reality television competition show, 10 aspiring actresses go head-to-head for a life changing prize, a break-out role in Saw VI. You can currently catch Scream Queens on Hulu.
Season 1 of VH1’s Scream Queens was judged by Guardians of the Galaxy writer/director James Gunn, Saw star Shawnee Smith and acting coach to the stars, John Homa.
The girls undergo horror acting boot camp and perform challenges in the area of stunts, special FX make-up, sex appeal, selling a movie with one look and working with veteran Hollywood stars.
Saw Producer Mark Burg was on hand to crown the winner, and officially cast her in a leading role in Saw VI.
Guest appearances included Walking Dead star Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn.
Scream Queens Work Samples
Some selected work from season one:
Season One Cold Open
Heated Acting Class
In this scene from acting class, acting coach to the stars John Homa gives the girls a difficult acting task — becoming each other.
Things take an emotional and heated turn when the two front-runners go head to head. The issue of race is put front and center in one of season one’s most talked about scenes:
Clip of the Year
Scream Queens was received well by the press, who celebrated its larger than life prize, real emotions, and occasional absurdity:
James Gunn’s Moviemaker Blog on Scream Queens
James Gunn kept a fun blog called Behind the Screams at Moviemaker detailing his unique POV on the show, and revealing how judges made their decisions. It was a no-holds-barred look at the process, and James’ blunt honesty made it a revealing read.
James was a major champion of all the actresses, and worked hard to make them better over the course of the season.
He was unable to return for season 2 of Scream Queens as he was directing the film Super starring Rainn Wilson.
He went on to direct the summer blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy, and continues to be a major force in Hollywood.
Spoiler Alert: Season One Winner
Tanedra Howard was named winner of Scream Queens season 1, and appeared on movie screens world-wide.
She so impressed the Saw producers that she actually returned in the following film, Saw 3D.
With this unexpected twist, Saw 3D featured both Tanedra Howard and the winner of season 2.
Tanedra continues to act, and has appeared in several feature films and theatrical plays in Los Angeles.