Latest Articles
X Marks the Story Beat: Mapping the Script Behind The Curse of the Black Pearl
Before it became a billion-dollar franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was a masterclass in adventurous, witty, and tightly-structured screenwriting. We dive into cursed treasure, iconic intros, and how Jack Sparrow sailed a perfect script into legend.
Script Beginning: Writing Your First Script Page
Every great film begins with a blank page, and this guide helps you conquer it. From idea to outline, logline to final draft, we walk you through the essentials of writing your first screenplay. Demystify the process, embrace imperfection, and start creating the story only you can tell.
The Votes Are In: MOB MENTALITY Wins the 2025 Spring Kinolime Competition!
After months of voting, debates, and unforgettable table reads, the Kinolime community has crowned a winner: MOB MENTALITY by Eric Landau. This audacious, heartfelt comedy about a kid who thinks he’s John Gotti stole your hearts—and now it’s headed into full production.
14 Best British Screenplays to Download
What makes a screenplay quintessentially British? The dry wit? Quiet melancholy? A well-timed pub-side tirade? Explore 14 of the greatest British screenplays you should read and study —from 28 Days Later’s apocalyptic tension to the tender stillness of Aftersun. Spanning decades and genres, each script is a masterclass in tone, voice, and identity.
Hurt by What You Love: A Sound of Metal Script Analysis
What happens when the thing you love most begins to destroy you? Sound of Metal isn’t just a story about hearing loss, it’s a raw, compassionate portrait of addiction, identity, and the painful clarity that comes with learning to let go, rebuild, and sit in the silence of acceptance.
Steven Fingleton: From Nolan Fanboy to BAFTA Director - Making 'The Waif' & Going for the Rafters [Podcast]
Fingleton shares insights about breaking into the industry with "The Survivalist," working with Game of Thrones star Liam Cunningham, and his philosophy of "going for the rafters" - making classics rather than programmers.
California & Texas Boost Film Tax Incentives: A New Era for Production [Podcast]
John Schramm and Danny Murray discuss the significant film tax incentive updates from California and Texas, marking a potential turning point for American film production.
11 Best Foreign Language Screenplays
Western cinephiles too often miss the brilliance unfolding beyond English-speaking screens. This curated list of 11 remarkable foreign-language screenplays- available in English—invites you to explore bold storytelling, rich cultural nuance, and the true global artistry of cinema.
Weapons - Horror’s Third Act Problem
Zach Cregger’s Weapons loads with eerie promise and fires off a chilling first act—but by the third, the barrel’s empty. What starts as razor-sharp horror slips into a muddled finale, raising more questions than it answers. A masterclass in setup... and a cautionary tale in payoff.
The Ultimate Film Grants List for Every Screenwriter
Film grants can be the key to turning your script into a finished film — without the debt. Let’s break down the best grants out there, what decision-makers really want, and how to craft a winning application that gets your story funded and seen.
Kevin Smith at His Most Human: A Chasing Amy Script Analysis
Kevin Smith’s Chasing Amy goes beyond romance to explore human flaws with surprising depth. Leaving behind the crudeness of his earlier work, Smith tackles jealousy, identity, and toxic masculinity through the story of a comic book artist in love with someone outside his world. It's a raw, honest look at vulnerability and growth.
The Top Three Screenplay Table Reads are here – Which story will you choose?
Three scripts. One life-changing production deal. Table reads, Lime$ rewards, and a shot to cast the next cult classic. The Waif made it—because you voted. Now it’s time to do it again. Watch, read, listen… then cast the vote that could launch cinema’s next breakout story.
James Gunn on Unfinished Screenplays: A Deep Dive Discussion [Podcast]
John Schramm and Danny Murray discuss James Gunn's comments on unfinished screenplays, studio development problems, and advice for aspiring writers.
Best Opening Scenes in Movies
A killer shark, a grieving widower, a scheming Joker , what do they have in common? They nailed the first impression. From Pixar to Nolan, the best films hook us before the popcorn cools. Let’s dive into the art of the iconic opening scene, and why yours better be unforgettable.
Jaws Script Analysis: The Endless Fight for Control
As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to revisit Jaws—the film that birthed the summer blockbuster, launched Spielberg’s career, and still thrills 50 years on. With its timeless themes, iconic July 4th setting, and unforgettable shark, Jaws remains a cultural and cinematic touchstone.
They Do Move in Herds: Dissecting the Jurassic Park Screenplay
Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park isn’t just a cinematic triumph, it’s a brilliant study in adaptation and screenwriting. Unpack how the script distilled complex science into thrilling spectacle, balanced wonder with terror, and crafted one of cinema’s most enduring adventures.
Vague Endings: Genius or Lazy?
Once a powerful storytelling tool, vague endings have become a common fixture in modern cinema, often substituting ambiguity for resolution. Examine when such endings enhance a film’s meaning and when they signal a troubling trend: symbolism over story, and praise over payoff.
Top Three Finalists Revealed
Three screenplays. One production deal. And a thousand hopefuls whittled to just three razor-sharp finalists: Eric Landau’s riotous Mob Mentality, the eerie brilliance of Decomposer by Tabitha & Mason McDonald, and Andre Ford’s hauntingly bold Cooperville. Let the voting begin.
Steven Fingleton to Direct "The Waif": A Milestone for Kinolime
Danny Murray interviews CEO Oleg Saitskiy to announce that BAFTA-nominated director Steven Fingleton will direct "The Waif," the winning screenplay from Kinolime's first competition. Production begins Fall 2025, marking a major milestone for the audience-driven filmmaking platform.
What Truly Makes a Screenplay Great (And Why It Matters)
What makes a screenplay truly great? It’s not merely sharp dialogue or memorable characters, it’s the careful weaving of structure, stakes, originality, and emotional depth. Explore the essential elements of screenwriting and elevate every page you write.