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.

Tired of sequels and reboots clogging the box office? You’re not alone. While the big studios double down on safe bets, 2025 has quietly delivered a wave of original films that slipped through the cracks. From bleak comedy-dramas and tender baseball elegies to surreal Iranian-Canadian mashups, these are movies that remind you why cinema is worth seeking out. Danny and Meara sat down to spotlight five hidden gems you probably missed this year — and why they deserve a spot on your watchlist.

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women isn’t just another adaptation—it’s a bold reshuffling of time, memory, and perspective. By weaving childhood and adulthood together, Gerwig reframes the March sisters’ journeys, granting Amy new depth, Jo sharper edges, and every scene fresh resonance. Color-coded timelines, whip-smart dialogue, and structural daring turn a 19th-century classic into a modern cinematic triumph.

Blockbuster season may be fading, but heroes never really die, they just linger in forgotten drafts. From Nicolas Cage’s Superman to Cameron’s very R-rated Spider-Man, we’ve unearthed 10 unproduced superhero screenplays. Some brilliant, some bizarre, all proof that not every cape makes it to the screen.

Join John Schramm with Andre Ford, Georgina George, and Chaya Amor as they dive into Decomposer, a top 3 Kinolime finalist. With haunting visuals, a tragic anti-hero, and themes of ecology and identity, the panel explores why this eerie, poetic horror screenplay simply deserves to be made.

Summer isn’t summer without The Goonies on a big screen under the stars. Equal parts treasure hunt, pirate adventure, and ode to misfits, Chris Columbus’ script gave us booby traps, bone organs, and a pact of friendship that still hits hard. Here’s what makes this timeless screenplay pure gold.

In just two years, Kinolime has optioned scripts, launched productions, and committed millions to bringing fresh stories to screen—while earning industry recognition and community trust. But is it legit? Here’s the candid look at our record, our ethos, and what writers and readers really say.

Dreaming up a short film is easy; bringing it to life is where the real challenge begins. From juggling locations, budgets, and crews to writing with production in mind, success comes down to strategy. Here’s how to craft a short that not only gets made but leaves an unforgettable mark on audiences.

Rob Reiner’s Stand By Me isn’t just a faithful take on Stephen King’s The Body, it’s a shining benchmark in adaptation, blending emotional truth with cinematic artistry. Expanding the novella’s heart while preserving its soul, it delivers an unforgettable portrait of friendship, loss, and the bittersweet passage from childhood.

Three Kinolime readers—Cindy, Paul, and Steve—unpack why Mob Mentality, a comedy about a 13-year-old convinced he’s John Gotti reborn, stole their hearts. From its razor-sharp voice to heartfelt characters, they praise its consistent tone, standout Nate–Pudge bond, and how Kinolime champions undiscovered talent.

Worried someone might steal your script? You’re not alone. Copyright doesn’t protect “big ideas” but the specific words and scenes you’ve written.

From registering with the U.S. Copyright Office to WGA claims and trademarks, we’ll break down how to secure your screenplay and keep your work undeniably yours.

Tired of contests that charge fees and deliver nothing? Kinolime’s short film competition offers no submission fees, real funding ($7,500 + $500), producer mentorship, and audience voting that actually matters. Keep your rights, make your film, and let your story shine.

What do you get when you mix Tarantino swagger with talking animals, fart jokes, and a heartfelt redemption arc? A heist comedy that charms kids, winks at cinephile dads, and delivers a surprisingly sweet bite. The Bad Guys proves that being bad never looked so slick—or felt so fuzzy.

From Whiplash to The Babadook, some of the biggest films began as bold, brilliant shorts. Let’s unpack what makes a short film stand out, why they matter, and how studying the best can sharpen your own storytelling craft. Start small, think big — and make every frame count.

John Schramm and Danny Murray interview Andre Ford, a screenwriter who created "Cooperville," a horror-comedy screenplay that was a top 3 finalist for Kinolime’s Feature Film competition.

Sun-drenched, seductive, and soaked in longing—Call Me By Your Name isn’t just a romance, it’s a rites-of-passage fever dream. Between peaches, piano solos, and painfully shy glances, Elio stumbles into adulthood one heartbreak at a time. Love fades, but that summer stays scorched in memory.

Great characters are the heartbeat of any screenplay, the thread that ties every scene together. Without them, even the most intricate plot can feel hollow. Through 10 essential steps, you’ll learn how to shape characters with purpose, layered depth, and arcs so compelling they don’t just carry the story—they make it unforgettable, drawing audiences into your world and holding them there long after the credits roll.

John Schramm and Danny Murray tackle viewer questions in a rapid-fire mailbag session covering the current state of breaking into Hollywood, whether they'd prefer making divisive or universally liked films, and cinema trends they're pushing back against.