When Norman Graysmith is invited into the home of an aspiring serial killer, Aidan Mendle, he believes he has found the subject for the documentary that will transform his failing career. Initially the production goes well with Aidan freely opening up about his desire to kill, but when his early attempt at committing murder falls apart, things begin to unravel.

Aidan desperately tries to maintain his position as the next Charles Manson by starting a murder cult, interviewing prospective members for what he affectionately calls his "family". The potential candidates provide a rich tapestry of misfits, from the lost and confused to the (most likely) psychopathic.

A wannabe serial killer, a warped filmmaker, and a murderous cult on a blood-soaked rampage. WHEN THE SCREAMING STARTS is a darkly comic tale of how far we will go in order to achieve our ambitions, or as Aidan puts it "Serial killers don't get forgotten. No one remembers the victim".