Latest Articles
When One Artist Does It All [Podcast]
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.
Hidden Gems: The Best Indie Movies of 2025 (So Far) [Podcast]
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.
Decomposer: A post-COVID reflection on nature, humanity, and stillness [Podcast]
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.
Mob Mentality Deep Dive: What Made This Script Win? [Podcast]
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.
Interview with Cooperville Writer, Andre Ford [Podcast]
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.
Q&A: Breaking Into Hollywood, Movie Star Attitudes & Industry Problems [Podcast]
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.
Summer Blockbuster Royal Rumble: Can Anyone Dethrone Jaws? [Podcast]
John Schramm and Danny Murray dive into the history and definition of the summer blockbuster, starting with the fascinating origin story of how World War II newsreels inspired the term "blockbuster."
Steven Fingleton: From Nolan Fanboy to BAFTA Director - Making 'The Waif' & Going for the Rafters [Podcast]
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.
California & Texas Boost Film Tax Incentives: A New Era for Production [Podcast]
John Schramm and Danny Murray discuss the significant film tax incentive updates from California and Texas, marking a potential turning point for American film production.
James Gunn on Unfinished Screenplays: A Deep Dive Discussion [Podcast]
John Schramm and Danny Murray discuss James Gunn's comments on unfinished screenplays, studio development problems, and advice for aspiring writers.
Steven Fingleton to Direct "The Waif": A Milestone for Kinolime
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.
The Blacklist & Nicholl Fellowship Partnership: What It Means for Screenwriters
The Blacklist and Nicholl Fellowship partnership changes everything for screenwriters. Learn how new barriers affect independent writers and discover Kinolime's merit-based alternative approach.
Trump's Film Tariff Announcement Sends Shockwaves Through Hollywood
As Cannes kicks off, the film world faces a jolt from Washington. Kinolime’s John Schramm talks with Hotel Mumbai producer Mike Gabrawy about Trump’s proposed film tariff and its potential to upend indie filmmaking. From rising costs to global shoots, it’s a sharp look at an industry on edge.