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.

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.