Latest Articles
A Study on Script Dialogue with 9 Downloadable Screenplays for Examples
Looking to level up your script dialogue? We’re here to help with a crash course in sharp wit, heartfelt exchanges, and tension you can taste. From Double Indemnity to The Lobster, these scripts are your fast-track to crafting unforgettable lines.
How To Make Your Audience Care - A Challengers Analysis
Challengers masterfully transforms a niche tennis drama into a poignant exploration of love, rivalry, and obsession. The clever in media res structure, layered subtext, and morally ambiguous choices create a narrative that is urgent, messy, and profoundly human—proving that great stories thrive on characters, not rules.
My Kinolime Journey - A Story from Meara, A Runner-Up
Breaking into the world of screenwriting can feel like trying to pitch a rom-com to a room full of cynics—it’s an uphill battle riddled with rejection, self-doubt, and coffee stains on your latest draft. But what if there was a competition that didn’t just dangle the dream of Hollywood glitz, but actually put its money where its script is? Enter Kinolime.
Why a Third Act Problem Is a First Act Problem - Heretic Analysis
Horror fans, take note: Heretic, A24’s latest psychological thriller-turned-slasher, takes bold swings—and misses just as boldly. Its opening act hooks you with taut, cerebral tension, only to unravel in a finale that swaps smarts for blood-soaked mediocrity. A lesson to be learned: a strong setup means nothing without a satisfying resolution.
Why 'A Real Pain' Must Win Best Original Screenplay
A Real Pain isn't just a movie; it's a masterclass in weaponizing awkwardness and existential dread for peak entertainment. Jesse Eisenberg takes the "odd couple on a journey" trope and injects it with razor-sharp wit, emotional gut punches, and secondhand embarrassment that makes you want to curl up and die (in the best way). It's like if Seinfeld and Schindler's List had a deeply neurotic baby—and somehow, it works.
How to Write a Script in 4 Steps
Writing a screenplay is an exciting journey that starts with more than just a quirky idea, it begins with a solid story concept that gives your characters purpose and meaningful conflicts to resolve. Remember, your script is not a finished product but a blueprint for a visually striking and emotionally compelling film.
WHY ARE WE NOT ENTERTAINED? GLADIATOR II DOESN’T DO ENOUGH
Explore the highs and lows of Gladiator II in this detailed breakdown of its screenplay and storytelling choices. From its strengths, like Pedro Pascal's compelling performance as Acacius, to its shortcomings, including the protagonist's lack of agency, discover why this sequel struggles to live up to its legendary predecessor.
What is a Spec Script? Breaking Down The Basics
Learn what a spec script is, why it's crucial for breaking into screenwriting, and how to write one that gets noticed. Includes expert tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Ignoring Screenplay Rules Works in Past Lives
Explore how Celine Song's 'Past Lives' screenplay breaks traditional screenwriting rules to create an emotional narrative. Learn why its unconventional structure, minimal cast, and dialogue-driven scenes earned an Oscar nom.
Screenplay Examples for Every Genre: A Guide for Screenwriters
Learn how to write better screenplays through expert analysis of film scripts across genres. Includes examples from recent hits like The Holdovers, Barbie, and Past Lives, plus genre-specific writing tips.
HOW JOHN HUGHES DEFINED THANKSGIVING
A scene-by-scene analysis of how John Hughes' "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" became the definitive Thanksgiving movie, comparing the original script to the film and exploring why this odd-couple journey still resonates after 37 years.
Writer Adam Hampton Makes It Official with Kinolime in NYC
A day at Kinolime as writer Adam Hampton visits New York City for the first time to sign his option agreement. See the signing process, meet the team, and get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at Kinolime.
Screenplay Format: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples
Learn professional screenplay formatting: scene headings, dialogue, action lines, margins, and industry standards. Essential guide for aspiring screenwriters.
Style Over Substance? How Coralie Fargeat Achieves Both.
Deep dive into 'The Substance' (2024) screenplay, as we compare it to the theatrical release. Explore the $14.5M body horror film starring Demi Moore, with analysis of script changes and style innovations.
Empathy: The Writer's Most Powerful Tool
Discover how empathy enhances storytelling, character development, and audience engagement. Learn to wield this powerful tool in your writing.
The Waif Wins The First Kinolime Screenplay Competition
Kinolime is thrilled to announce "The Waif" as the winner of our inaugural screenplay competition. This gripping tale, penned by talented screenwriter Adam Hampton, beat out over 600 other submissions to claim the top spot.
‘They’ Isn’t Always Plural: A Dialogue on Non-Binary Representation in Media
Explore the challenges faced by non-binary representation in media and how filmmakers can create more inclusive narratives.
Adapted Screenplay Meaning and the Art of Adaptation
Whether you’re struggling to adapt some of your favorite material or just a fan of adaptations, join us in exploring the world of adaptations as we outline strategies to start your own journey.
Our Top Ten Semi-Finalists Are Here!
The round of 30 has ended and the judges take their proverbial seats. Join us in looking forward to the next phase of the competition, and read about how it all works.
How Kinolime Voting Works
To help you better understand how this system works, we’ve put together a concise overview of how to participate, what goes into your scores, and how to maximize them. Additionally, we'll share some valuable tips along the way.