"When I was looking for financing while making Hellraiser, I wish there was a studio like Project Greenlight Digital Studios behind me," Barker tells Heat Vision of the program, which is in partnership with AMC Networks-backed Shudder and Adaptive Studios. "Teaming up with Adaptive Studios and Shudder is a wonderful opportunity to support emerging filmmakers in finding the new horror icon. This is also a great chance to scare and entertain audiences at the same time."

Here how to enter:

From Feb. 13 to March 17, filmmakers can head projectgreenlight.com to upload a pitch (one to three minutes) of an original horror film concept. Ten semi-finalists will be selected and voted on by the public as well as a judging panel. The winner of the audience vote will advance, along with four chosen by the judges. Those five finalists will receive funding to shoot a short scene to show off their chops.

In June, the finalists will be invited to the second annual Shudder Labs, a creative retreat where they will receive more guidance on how to enhance their scenes. Then one winner will be selected to develop their film with Barker serving as executive producer.

In addition to his Hellraiser and Candyman film franchises, Barker is known for his novels. His most recent is 2015's The Scarlet Gospels. As for what he's watching lately? He says he was "incredibly impressed" with A Monster Calls.

Shudder is a streaming service specializing in horror and suspense, while Adaptive Studios is known as the producer behind HBO's Project Greenlight, which won an Emmy in 2016.

Submissions can be made at projectgreenlight.com.