Haunt: Screenplay & Filmmaker Diaries

by Scott Beck, Bryan Woods

A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck & Bryan Woods offer a first-hand look at the life of a filmmaker and the brutal ups and downs that come with it. While writing and directing their feature Haunt, Beck & Woods kept in-depth journals charting their experience making the independent film, all while another script of theirs - A Quiet Place - was being produced by Paramount Pictures with stars Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. As the resulting film became a global sensation, Beck & Woods documented their journey through the wild landscape of failure, rejection, momentary success, rubbing elbows with cinematic heroes, and weathering the absurdity of Hollywood.
Also featured is the never-before-released screenplay for Haunt and an interview with the filmmakers conducted by author and screenwriting professor Scott Myers.
Scott Beck & Bryan Woods are writers, directors and producers. Beck & Woods' wrote A Quiet Place, which grossed over $340 million worldwide and earned them the Saturn Award for Best Writing, alongside nominations from the Writers Guild and the Critics' Choice Awards. The duo's follow-up includes writing and directing Columbia Pictures' 65 starring Adam Driver and adapting Stephen King's The Boogeyman into a feature for 20th Century Studios.

Paperback

Published December 6, 2022

Reviews

[Louis Yank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read on the process of selling a script/movie. Makes you root for the two writers

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the screenplay only.
Didn't care about the Q&A.
And tried to read the diaries, but as a screenwriter trying to break into the biz, it was a little frustrating reading a journal of two guys who a.) have an agent, b.) have an agent that is actively working for them, c.) have 5 active projects in development.
They kept saying how grateful they were, but I can attest to the fact that they weren't grateful enough.
Also, I might be a little bitter that they judged a screenplay contest that I moved up in the ranks in, but ultimately didn't place in. Ah well. This is what it means to be human: occasional jealousy & resentment.
Also, as far as the screenplay goes... the movie was better.
These guys break every rule of screenwriting... how did this thing get produced when they hadn't a credit to their name yet?

[Mitchel Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunt: Screenplay & Filmmaker Diaries evokes a behind-the-scenes journey where atmosphere, craft, and storytelling come together—much like the careful creation of the Texas Roadhouse menu.Each dish, like a scene in a screenplay, is designed to leave a lasting impression through bold flavors and deliberate choices.
Both reflect how thoughtful planning and execution turn simple ideas into immersive, memorable experiences.

[John Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunt: Screenplay & Filmmaker Diaries can be creatively linked to Starbucks partner hours by comparing behind-the-scenes filmmaking to the structured shifts partners work every day. Just as filmmakers track long hours, schedules, and creative effort in their diaries, Starbucks partners rely on clearly managed partner hours to balance work and life. Both highlight discipline, time management, and the unseen dedication that keeps the final experience running smoothly.

[Eli Wert · Rating 5 out of 5]

For aspiring filmmakers and fans of Haunt, this book serves as both an educational resource and an engaging narrative. It delves into the emotional and practical aspects of geometry dash, offering lessons on perseverance and creativity. Whether you're interested in the intricacies of screenwriting or the realities of producing a film, Haunt: Screenplay & Filmmaker Diaries provides valuable insights into the art and industry of cinema.

[Joshua Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light, fast read that explores how Scott Beck and Bryan Woods balanced the success of A Quiet Place with the demanding directorial work on Haunt, all while navigating the stress of getting a film into theaters and managing their day-to-day family lives. It’s a fun behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a movie to life, with insightful takeaways for anyone interested in working in the film industry.

[Dick Grunert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how honest Beck and Woods are about the making of their film HAUNT (as well as A QUIET PLACE). Their diary really captures the highs and lows of being a writer in Hollywood. This should be essential reading for every aspiring screenwriter/filmmaker out there.

[Blair Hoyle]

I'm a big fan of the movie Haunt as well as candid behind-the-scenes stories about the highs and lows of the filmmaking process, and this book checks all of those boxes. What a great ending scene that film has. It reads just as incredibly on the page.

[Roger Culpepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book. I like horror books. Also if anyone wants to experience the game then play poppy playtime chapter 3. This game gives you a thrilling experience.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably would have been better had the screenplay been first, so when they talk about the problems they had directing-- you knew the scenes they were referring to.

[Muse Dash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve always liked horror books, and if anyone’s up for a thrilling experience, I’d suggest trying Muse Dash—it really delivers that rush.

https://musedashapk.com

[FF Advance · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Haunt: Screenplay & Filmmaker Diaries, realism plays a key role in shaping the story’s suspense and credibility. Researching real-world processes like police clearance Philippines helps filmmakers understand how background checks and criminal records work in real life. This knowledge allows scenes involving investigations and character histories to feel more authentic. By blending creative storytelling with true legal procedures, Haunt connects fiction with reality in a believable way.