Stand-up comedian and screenwriter Bret Raybould drops into the Kinolime studio for an unscheduled conversation about writing, collaboration, and actually finishing scripts. Fresh off selling an animated series to Tubi, Bret shares how stand-up shapes his writing process, why comedy works best with partners, and the simple rule every writer should remember: writers finish.

The Oscars are almost here and we’re not holding back. In this episode, John and Danny unpack the Academy’s power-driven origins, the politics behind modern campaigns, and the real stories shaping this year’s race. From bold predictions to shocking snubs, we debate who will win, who should win, and who got completely overlooked. If you love awards season drama and sharp film takes, this one’s for you.

Two curious students stepped inside Kinolime’s Brooklyn studio to discover how independent films actually get made. In this candid conversation, they interview Director of Development John Schramm about his career, the power of storytelling, and how Kinolime’s open screenwriting competition turns bold young writers into produced filmmakers.

John and Chaya break down the biggest Hollywood misconceptions in this candid Kinolime Podcast episode. From indie vs. studio and the myth that a great script gets you discovered, to producer attachments, industry “bullshitters,” glamour vs. grit, and modern attention spans, they share honest insight into how the business really works and what filmmakers need to know to keep moving forward.

What happens after you win a screenwriting competition? In this episode, John sits down with 2.0 winner Eric Landau to talk about signing the option, tackling rewrites, and preparing his script to go out to A-list directors. Eric shares how he handles notes, collaborates with producers, and stays disciplined through multiple drafts a real look at the work that begins after the win.

In this episode, John and Danny kick off the 2026 Writing Series by tackling one of the biggest problems in spec scripts: page count. They break down how to trim scene description, cut characters and dialogue that don’t serve the protagonist, remove unnecessary scenes, and sharpen focus, so your screenplay moves faster without losing what makes it work.

In this episode of the Kinolime Podcast, John and Danny break down the 2026 film slate, debating box office optimism, franchise fatigue, and the future of theatrical releases. From tentpole blockbusters and risky sequels to indie standouts and surprise hits, they share what they’re excited for, what worries them, and why this year could be a turning point for movies.

After placing in the Top 3 of the Kinolime Short Film Competition with his Short Chicken, filmmaker Ian Samuels joins the Kinolime team to unpack what happens after the script, when momentum meets reality. From chicken trainers and puppetry to POV filmmaking and funding hurdles, this episode explores creative problem-solving, persistence, and the messy leap from page to production.

In this episode, John and Danny speak with Jessica, a finalist from the Kinolime Short Film Competition, about what happens after a script starts gaining momentum. Calling in from Brazil, Jessica shares her journey developing Body of Water, attending Ventana Sur, and building international partnerships. They discuss industry trends, social storytelling, and the leap from idea to production.

Winning a competition is one thing. Turning that win into a finished film almost immediately is another. In this episode, we talk with Eduard Mitra, winner of the Kinolime Shorts Competition, just days after wrapping his short. He shares how a years-long passion project went into production almost overnight, what it takes to move fast with limited resources, and why passion and the right team matter more than money.

As Kinolime closes out 2025, John and Danny reflect on a landmark year of growth, storytelling, and community. From record-breaking script submissions and new competitions to films moving into production, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to turn great screenplays into movies. They also introduce the first-ever Limelist, three unforgettable scripts that didn’t win but left a lasting mark.

Hollywood is entering a new era of consolidation, with Warner Bros. at the center of a bidding war that could reshape how movies are made and released. In this episode, John and Danny unpack what media mergers really mean for theatrical releases, creative freedom, and jobs, and why self-distribution and independent voices may be the industry’s next big turning point.

In this episode of Producer Profile, John talks with Chaya Amor, CMO of Kinolime and producer of HBO Max’s One Day in October, about what producing really entails. Chaya discusses why creativity must drive every producer, how to balance artistic integrity with high-stakes decision-making, and when walking away is the smartest move. She also shares the intense reality of producing a series during a war and the leadership it demands.

Kinolime closes 2025 having grown into a global community of over 25,000 storytellers and champions of bold, original cinema. From thousands of script submissions to films in production and premiering on the world stage, this year proved that talent knows no borders and constraints sharpen great stories. As Kinolime looks to 2026 - with new competitions, tools, and productions - the mission remains clear: build films with the audience, not just for them.

What makes a movie truly last? In this episode of the Kinolime Podcast, John and Danny dive into one of cinema’s most irresistible debates: the best films of the 21st century. Sparked by Quentin Tarantino’s recent Top 20 list, the conversation quickly becomes personal. From bold epics to intimate character studies, comedies, and international cinema, they build their own list, arguing, calling audibles, and questioning what “greatness” really means today.

John and Danny open up about the struggles and joys of being a writer, and why no one should have to create alone. In this Kinolime Podcast episode, they share their hopes for a community where writers swap pages, trade honest notes, grow together, and find the spark to keep going. It’s a heartfelt look at how showing up for each other can transform your writing journey.

PUSHING DAISY by Eduard Mitra is the winner of the Kinolime Shorts Competition. This darkly funny, heartfelt script captured the community’s imagination. Huge thanks to our incredible runners-up, CHICKEN and BODY OF WATER, for their powerful stories. And thank you to every Kinolimer who voted, this community of writers and film lovers makes it all possible.

In this powerful conversation, director Alice Biletska takes us inside the making of Our House Is on Fire, a Kinolime production and one of the first narrative films shot in Ukraine during the full-scale invasion. She reflects on leaving LA to return home, creating art under bombings and curfews, and the profound questions that shaped the film: Why tell stories when the world is collapsing? What endures when everything else falls away?

Warner Bros. exploring a sale isn’t just news, it’s a turning point. In this episode, John and Danny break down what mega-mergers, Wall Street leadership, and weak antitrust mean for filmmakers, film lovers, and the future of cinema. From worst-case buyers to the rise of indie film and audience-driven studios, they unpack the risks, the hope, and why this moment matters more than ever.

From over 2,000 scripts, three unforgettable stories rose to the top: CHICKEN, PUSHING DAISY, and BODY OF WATER. To the seven incredible writers who didn’t make it: thank you for your heart, courage, and craft. Your stories moved us deeply. Now it’s your turn, Kinolimers, read, listen, and vote for the story that stayed with you.