Universal City, California, July 24, 2008 – “Where Nightmares Come Alive” is the theme for Universal Studios Hollywood’s first Halloween short film competition, a virtual film festival timed to coincide with the launch of the annual Halloween Horror Nights event that will invade the Entertainment Capital of L.A. for 13 nights this October.

Prospective filmmakers are invited to submit 90 seconds to three minute film shorts on DVD that support the theme, “Where Nightmares Come Alive.” Selected films will be judged by a panel of horror industry professionals including director Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever) and actor Bill Moseley (Repo! The Genetic Opera, The Devil’s Rejects) as well as Universal Studios Hollywood executives. Criteria will be suspense, relevance to theme and overall “chill” factor.

The top 10 shorts will be posted online from September 10 – 22 for public voting.