Chicago-based screenwriter Eric Anderson is once again making waves in the industry, securing his third consecutive spot on The Grey List with The Lot, a high-energy horror-comedy that unleashes an ancient Mayan bat-god on an unsuspecting small town.
The List, which highlights exceptional scripts from writers over 40, recognized The Lot for its “bonkers horror-comedy tone” and inventive take on vampire mythology. This marks Anderson’s third time on the list, following previous nods for his coming-of-age thriller Oriole Park and the resurrection horror June, solidifying his reputation for bold, genre-bending storytelling.
A Screamingly Good Time
Blending the manic energy of Evil Dead and Zombieland with a Mayan-infused From Dusk Till Dawn twist, The Lot follows disgraced TV host Steven Pratt as he returns to his eccentric hometown—only to find that a cursed statue has awakened a legion of vampire townsfolk under the rule of the bat-god Camazotz.
“I love horror comedies that lean into the laughs—like Shaun of the Dead, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, and Zombieland,” says Anderson. “That playful spirit is what I aim for. Yes, there’s supernatural chaos, but it’s the humor, the quirky characters, and the ridiculous scenarios that keep things entertaining.”
With The Lot receiving this latest recognition, Anderson continues to prove his knack for crafting genre films that are as fun as they are fearsome.
Three Years Strong on The Grey List
While The Lot highlights Anderson’s talent for horror-infused comedy, his past Grey List selections showcase his broader storytelling range.
His script June veers into darker horror territory, weaving a haunting father-daughter story where grief leads a desperate researcher to pursue the impossible—resurrecting his lost child. The project is currently gaining traction, with veteran producer Sonny Mallhi (The Strangers, The Dark and the Wicked) shopping it to investors. Meanwhile, director Emily Bennett (Alone With You) has joined to shape its eerie, atmospheric vision, with casting discussions already underway.
On the other hand, Oriole Park, which Anderson co-wrote with his wife and frequent collaborator Amelia Dellos, offers a fresh take on the serial killer genre. Instead of fixating on the mind of a murderer, the story focuses on the ripple effect of mysterious disappearances in a close-knit neighborhood. The script won the inaugural “The Pitch” award at the Chicago International Film Festival and has indie filmmaker Jordan Galland (Ava’s Possessions, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead) attached to direct.
With three consecutive Grey List placements and projects in active development, Anderson is proving that age isn’t just a number—it’s a badge of storytelling mastery.
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