As the veil thins and the nights stretch ever longer, we invite you to journey through the dark heart of cinema. From cursed islands and wax museums to dreamscapes and daylight cults, these thirteen screenplays trace horror’s evolution - from whispered superstition to psychological terror. Each one a reflection of its era, each one daring you to read closer… and maybe sleep with the lights on.

Jon M. Chu’s Wicked (2024) brings Broadway’s beloved musical to the screen with dazzling faithfulness and cinematic flair. The film expands iconic moments, adds fresh context, and deepens themes of power, friendship, and identity, culminating in a soaring “Defying Gravity” that captures the heart of the story.

Few films divide audiences like One Battle After Another. In this Kinolime Podcast, John and Danny debate whether it’s truly the defining film of the 21st century. From DiCaprio’s anxious hero to PTA’s bold themes of revolution and failure, they unpack every frame, and ask: does this movie redefine modern cinema or just spark one more battle?

Breaking into Hollywood isn’t just about great scripts, it’s about building the right relationships. Landing a screenwriting manager means proving your craft, showcasing marketable samples, and finding a true career partner. From referrals and queries to competitions and proof-of-concepts, here’s how to open doors and get the representation you deserve.

A curse that passes through intimacy, an unseen figure always walking toward you, and the fragile art of suspense - It Follows transforms a simple premise into haunting dread. Yet even the smallest misstep can break the tension, turning terror into triviality. What makes suspense thrive, and how can it all unravel?

BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Stephen Fingleton (The Survivalist, The Waif) joins John Schramm to explore the art of screenwriting; from crafting ideas and building conflict engines to mastering focus, feedback, and discipline. A deep dive into how writers find their process, sustain passion, and finally finish the story.

The greatest screenwriters have shaped cinema through unforgettable dialogue, characters, and stories that span genres and generations. From Wilder and Kaufman to Peele and Gerwig, their works reveal timeless lessons in craft, voice, and innovation. Studying these legends offers aspiring writers a roadmap to master storytelling.

Stephen Fingleton’s debut The Survivalist is more than a post-apocalyptic thriller, it’s a stark meditation on survival, trust, and the question of who deserves to exist. With only a cabin, a garden, and three characters, the film builds an entire world of tension and moral uncertainty that lingers long after the credits.

The spec script market isn’t dead, it’s making a comeback. In this episode, John Schramm and Danny Murray share five must-know tips for screenwriters: from crafting a killer premise and sharp dialogue to building tension with unforgettable antagonists.

When Luke Skywalker retreats into exile, Daenerys turns tyrant, or Hopper shifts into aggression, fans cry “character assassination.” But are these truly betrayals of character—or proof that growth isn’t always linear? Let’s explore why sudden changes feel jarring, and asks whether character assassination is just a myth born of expectation.

Short films aren’t just stepping stones, they’re an art form. In this conversation, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Stephen shares lessons from writing to financing, working with crews, guiding actors, and navigating festivals. Practical, honest advice for anyone ready to make their short stand out.

Short films are back—and hotter than ever. In this episode, John sits down with producer Mike Gabrawy (Hotel Mumbai) to explore why shorts are the perfect calling card for filmmakers, how to craft a complete story in minutes, and why the right crew can make all the difference. Packed with tips, insights, and inspiration.

Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs isn’t just a debut—it’s a bold lesson in turning clichés on their head. Fueled by a lifelong obsession with film, Tarantino crafted a script that subverts heist tropes, builds unbearable tension, and redefines dialogue. Here’s why his first bite made cinema bleed brilliance.

From Charlie Townsend to Nick Fury, the “Boss” archetype is cinema’s mission-giver, rule-maker, and occasional chaos agent. Whether stoic, ruthless, or quietly paternal, these figures shape heroes’ journeys, expose their relationship to authority, and often surprise us by breaking the mold. Here’s how the Boss drives story, and why they matter.

The summer box office brought billions but few blockbusters, leaving audiences with a chorus of “fine.” In this episode, John and Danny dig into why standout hits are disappearing, what filmmakers can do to win back audiences, and why the spec market might be the brightest news for writers in years. Plus, stick around for some hilarious blind film rankings that prove no movie is safe.

Rian Johnson’s Knives Out isn’t just a whodunit—it’s a how-the-hell-did-he-pull-this-off. Both homage and reinvention, it nods to Christie and Poirot while slyly updating the genre with sharp social satire and class politics. Anchored by Ana de Armas’ guilt-ridden Marta and Daniel Craig’s donut-hole detective, its tight plotting, witty dialogue, and razor-sharp reveals cement it as a modern screenwriting classic.

In this roundtable, we dive into Cooperville, a daring Kinolime Top 3 script that blends bold ideas with relentless storytelling. From its unforgettable villain Mosquito Man to its thought-provoking social themes, John, Kat, Jack, and Lee unpack what makes the screenplay tick—and why writers should take notes.

Before Alien became a genre-defining classic, it was just a scrappy spec script that no studio wanted. O’Bannon’s “Star Beast” evolved into Alien—a blueprint of tension, character, and mythology that spawned a franchise, redefined sci-fi horror, and proved the lasting power of the spec script.

What makes a film truly noir? From shadow-soaked classics to neon-lit neo-noirs and today’s wild reimaginings, the genre keeps morphing yet always feels unmistakable. At its core lie mystery, cynicism, and danger—let’s uncover the timeless traits that keep noir alive.

What happens when a screenplay’s sharp edges dull on screen? In our latest breakdown, John and Meara compare Weapons from script to film, uncovering muddled storytelling, missing details, and rare improvements. The conversation reveals why bold writing still needs guiding hands to truly resonate.