The Further
Cinematic Scent Archive Launches ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ and ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ Fragrances in VHS Packaging!
What does a chainsaw massacre smell like? And does killer pumpkin boy Sam actually smell like a pumpkin? The company Xyrena has managed to conjure up the answer to both of those admittedly bizarre questions, adding both The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Trick ‘r Treat into their “Cinematic Scent Archive” with the release of two brand new fragrances.
First up, The Cinematic Scent Archive (CSA) by Xyrena proudly inducts The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—recently named #1 on Variety’s list of the “Top 100 Horror Movies of All Time”—into its groundbreaking collection to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. Known for creating the world’s first and only collection of officially licensed, niche-quality fragrances spanning decades, genres, and studios, Xyrena—the Austin-based fragrance house—has crafted a scent that embodies the raw, haunting essence of one of horror’s most influential films.
Released in 1974, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre transformed the horror landscape, using Texas’s rural grit and intensity to deliver an unsettling realism that shocked audiences. Now, Xyrena’s fragrance captures the rugged spirit of the film’s sun-scorched setting.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre by Xyrena opens with notes of southern dewberry and wild bergamot, leading to heart notes of prairie rose, open green fields, and smokey chainsaw exhaust. Base notes of worn leather (in the literal sense), Texas cedar, honey mesquite wood, and dusty dirt road transport wearers back to the unforgettable, desolate landscape that defined the film. Each spray evokes the visceral horror of the film, making it more than just a scent—it’s a full sensory experience.
Trick ‘r Treat is a modern horror classic, and now you can also immerse yourself in its official scent, brought to life as part of Xyrena’s Cinematic Scent Archive™.
Inspired by the anthology format of writer/director Michael Dougherty’s iconic film, Trick ‘r Treat by Xyrena was crafted by perfumer Adam Ebberts and creative director Killian Wells to capture the collective essence of Halloween night. The fragrance is a playful yet eerie blend of the season’s most nostalgic scents, featuring caramel apples, pumpkin spice, the damp, earthy scent of dead leaves, and the rich depth of black licorice. Crisp autumn air mingles with the tangy sweetness of Sam’s “orange scream” lollipop and the cozy warmth of his signature fleece onesie, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
Trick ’r Treat by Xyrena is Halloween in a bottle. Each spray brings you closer to Sam’s good side, anointing you in the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve.
You can grab both fragrances, housed in retro VHS style clamshell boxes, from Xyrena today!
Xyrena is an award-winning, forward-thinking fragrance house based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to blending pop culture with perfumery. With its exclusive Cinematic Scent Archive, Xyrena leads the way in merging fragrance with film, offering collectible perfumes that allow fans to relive iconic moments through scent. Set in collectible VHS-style clamshell cases, each unisex fragrance in the Cinematic Scent Archive is designed for movie lovers and collectors alike, with a unique release number on the spine, perfect for building a one-of-a-kind library.


The Further
Killer Shorts Horror Writing Competition Open NOW With New Category for Feature Screenplays!
The annual genre competition dedicated to finding and launching the next generation of horror writing talent, this year’s Killer Shorts is now officially open for entries!
Founded in 2019, Killer Shorts has established itself as a premier industry launchpad. The competition connects screenwriters and prose authors directly with the executives, managers, and producers who actively greenlight and option dark genre cinema.
But this year’s competition isn’t only about killer horror shorts…
For this brand new season, Killer Shorts is expanding its categories to include feature-length screenplays alongside its traditional short script, one-page script, and short story divisions.
The Top 10 finalists across all categories are evaluated by an elite industry jury composed of over a dozen horror legends, literary managers, and producers. The panel includes:
- Barbara Crampton (Horror Icon, Actress & Producer — Jakob’s Wife, Suitable Flesh)
- John Zaozirny (Literary Manager & Producer, Bellevue Productions)
- Tananarive Due (Author, Producer & Horror Historian)
- Lucas Ford (Producer, Ford Films — The Backrooms)
- John Squires (Editor-in-Chief, Bloody Disgusting)
- Sophie Carroll (Creative Director, ALTER & DUST at Gunpowder & Sky)
- Gigi Saul Guerrero (Director & Co-Founder, Luchagore Productions)
- Aaron B. Koontz (Producer & CEO, Paper Street Pictures)
Yes, yours truly is joining the Killer Shorts judging panel for the first time ever!
Killer Shorts has a proven track record of transitioning undiscovered writers into working professionals. Alumni success stories include Season 2 finalist Vanessa Võ, who signed with Bellevue Productions, and Season 3 finalist Kelly Nugent, who secured representation at Wonder Street.
Additionally, screenplays submitted for coverage that receive a “Recommend” rating qualify for inclusion on The Scream List. This real-time tracking board is monitored by top-tier genre companies, including Screambox, Raven Banner Entertainment, Zero Gravity Management, and Grey Matter Productions.
Submissions will be accepted across all major platforms, including the official Killer Shorts website, Scrybe, Stage 32, FilmFreeway, and Network ISA.
For full guidelines, prize breakdowns, and submission details, visit the official website!

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