This Halloween, Meara and filmmaker Woody Bess take a decade-by-decade dive into the evolution of horror. From the eerie colonial ghosts of I Walked with a Zombie to the viral terror of Talk to Me, they explore how each era’s fears shaped its stories. Expect passionate debates (Alien vs The Thing), hidden gems, and insights into what truly makes a horror film stick in your mind long after the credits roll.

In this episode of the Kinolime Podcast, Meara and Danny sit down with Kole, Kinolime’s Social Media Manager and one of this year’s Shorts Competition standouts, to discuss his surreal and deeply personal script COME. Inspired by David Lynch’s creative philosophy, Kole shares how he let go of structure and logic to write from instinct, exploring shame, guilt, and emotion through pure, unfiltered storytelling.

Few films divide audiences like One Battle After Another. In this Kinolime Podcast, John and Danny debate whether it’s truly the defining film of the 21st century. From DiCaprio’s anxious hero to PTA’s bold themes of revolution and failure, they unpack every frame, and ask: does this movie redefine modern cinema or just spark one more battle?

BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Stephen Fingleton (The Survivalist, The Waif) joins John Schramm to explore the art of screenwriting; from crafting ideas and building conflict engines to mastering focus, feedback, and discipline. A deep dive into how writers find their process, sustain passion, and finally finish the story.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

John Schramm and Danny Murray discuss James Gunn's comments on unfinished screenplays, studio development problems, and advice for aspiring writers.

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.