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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.