x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Screenplay Lab

Join us as we analyze one screenplay at a time, celebrating its stand-alone beauty as a unique literary device, independent of the final film. From exploring tone and theme to dissecting structure and unforgettable characters, we break down what makes each script sizzle. Dive into the rich imagery and clever narrative devices that create a sensory experience on the page. Hosted by Jeff Barker, this storytelling podcast offers a deep dive into the creativity and precision of screenwriting.

tv & film

All Episodes

40:04

023 - Becoming: Gerwig, Cregger, Sorkin, Aster, Fogelman

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/09/03

In this episode, we break down the writing journeys and signature styles of some of today’s most influential screenwriters and filmmakers: Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The West Wing, The Social Network) Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar, Beau Is Afraid) Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach (Lady Bird, Barbie, Marriage Story) Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons) Dan Fogelman (Cars, Tangled, Crazy Stupid Love, This Is Us) We explore how each broke into Hollywood, the themes that define their work,

en

44:22

022 - Weapons (Zach Cregger)

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/08/14

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, screenwriter Jeff Barker unpacks the chilling, nonlinear script for Weapons, the latest horror mystery from Barbarian writer-director Zack Cregger, starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner. We explore Cregger’s six-character POV structure, inventive formatting, and masterful use of suspense. From small-town dread to shocking final moments, you’ll learn how Weapons weaves multiple perspectives into a gripping, layered narrative. Whether you’re a screenwriter,

en

46:09

021 - Paradise (Pilot) Dan Fogelman

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/07/27

Breaking Down Hulu’s Paradise Pilot by Dan Fogelman: Teleplay Analysis & Screenwriting Lessons In this episode of The Screenplay Lab podcast, we analyze the pilot teleplay for Paradise, the Emmy-nominated 2025 Hulu series from Dan Fogelman (This Is Us). If you're a screenwriter, TV writer, or filmmaker, this deep dive into modern pilot structure is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn: How to write a pilot twist that actually works Dan Fogelman’s use of nonlinear storytelling and emotional payoff

en

44:25

020 - Barbie (Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach)

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/07/16

Why Did Barbie (2023) Become a Screenwriting Phenomenon? | The Screenplay Lab Podcast Join screenwriter Jeff Barker as he dives deep into the Barbie (2023) screenplay — the bold, Oscar-nominated script by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach that turned a global icon into a billion-dollar box office hit. In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, we break down the film’s groundbreaking structure, unforgettable characters, and genre-defying mix of fantasy, satire, and heart. 🎬 What we explore: ✔️ The Barbie

en

51:27

019 - The Social Network (Aaron Sorkin)

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/07/03

What makes Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Network one of the most studied and celebrated screenplays of the last 20 years? In this episode of Screenplay Lab, host Jeff Barker breaks down The Social Network scene by scene, revealing why its rapid-fire dialogue, layered structure, and relentless conflict have made it a benchmark for screenwriters everywhere. We explore: – Why the cold open hook grabs you instantly – How Sorkin’s nonlinear structure strengthens emotional payoff – The formatting, pacing, and

en

40:13

018 - Aster, Peele, Eisenberg, Baker & More:...

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/06/25

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, Jeff Barker explores the creative journeys of some of today’s most exciting screenwriters and filmmakers, from Oscar winners to breakout indie voices. We dive deep into the writing styles, influences, and careers of: 🧠 Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain) 🔥 Coralie Fargeat (Revenge, The Substance) 🌊 Trey Edward Shults (Waves, It Comes at Night) 👁 Jordan Peele (Us, Get Out) 🌑 Robert & Max Eggers (The Lighthouse, Nosferatu) 💀 Ari Aster (Hereditary,

en

28:16

017 - Companion (Drew Hancock)

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/06/12

In this episode of Screenplay Lab, we dive into the genre-bending screenplay of Companion (2025), a sci-fi horror comedy written and directed by debut filmmaker Drew Hancock. Starring Sophia Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Jack Quaid (The Boys), Companion is a bold, twisty narrative that shifts from dark comedy to sci-fi thriller to full-on horror, all while tackling themes like toxic masculinity, autonomy, and identity. We break down what makes this screenplay stand out—from crisp formatting and dry

en

39:22

016 - Hereditary (Ari Aster)

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/05/30

Ari Aster’s Hereditary – Prestige Horror Screenwriting In this episode, Jeff Barker breaks down the Hereditary screenplay by Ari Aster, the 2018 A24 film that redefined modern horror. Whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, or horror fan, this deep dive explores how Aster builds emotional horror through grief, trauma, and supernatural dread. We’ll analyze formatting, structure, pacing, dialogue, and how this script balances psychological tension with occult terror. Plus: why Toni Collette’s

en

33:52

015 - Challengers

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/05/15

Welcome to The Screenplay Lab, the podcast that treats screenplays like the art they are. I’m Jeff Barker, a screenwriter, and in this episode, we’re dissecting the bold, layered, and seductive script behind Challengers (2024) — written by Justin Kuritzkes and directed by Luca Guadagnino. Starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, Challengers is far more than a steamy love triangle on a tennis court. It’s nonlinear storytelling at its sharpest, with subtext-rich dialogue, shifting POVs, and a

en

24:01

014 - La La Land

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/05/01

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, host and screenwriter Jeff Barker takes a closer look at the screenplay behind La La Land by Damien Chazelle. Known for its music and emotional impact, this film offers just as much inspiration on the page as it does on the screen. Jeff explores how the screenplay handles musical storytelling without lyrics, how it subverts traditional romantic structure, and how it uses formatting and choreography to express character and emotion. He also shares the backstory

en

29:17

013 - The Lighthouse

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/04/11

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, host and screenwriter Jeff Barker takes a deep dive into the brilliantly unhinged screenplay for The Lighthouse (2019), written by Robert and Max Eggers. This A24 psychological horror film, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, is a claustrophobic two-hander soaked in myth, madness, and maritime misery. We explore how the Eggers brothers crafted a literary and cinematic fever dream - from unique formatting and surreal dialogue to powerful monologues,

en

33:52

012 - Babygirl

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/03/28

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, Jeff Barker deconstructs the provocative and award-winning screenplay for Babygirl (2024), written and directed by Halina Reijn and starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. This psychological erotic thriller, produced by A24, subverts the genre by placing a powerful woman at the center of a dark, complex, and unapologetic power dynamic. We explore the screenplay as a literary document, not just a blueprint for the film. From formatting and scene structure

en

39:41

011 - Waves

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/03/20

In this deep-dive podcast episode, screenwriter Jeff Barker explores Trey Edward Shults' emotionally captivating screenplay, Waves (2019), an A24 cult classic praised especially by Gen Z audiences for its unique storytelling and profound emotional resonance. Discover how Shults innovatively uses screenplay conventions alongside experimental techniques like dual dialogue columns, creative text-message formatting, bold musical integration featuring artists like Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead,

en

44:35

010 - US by Jordan Peele (Curry Barker Interview)

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/03/08

In this special audio episode, host and screenwriter Jeff Barker dives deep into the genius behind Jordan Peele's groundbreaking screenplay, "Us" (2019). Explore how Peele intricately weaves supernatural horror, psychological depth, and relentless suspense into a captivating narrative that examines powerful societal themes like class division, identity, and confronting our inner darkness. Plus, enjoy an insightful conversation with acclaimed actor, comedian, and director Curry Barker, discussing the

en

33:54

009 - The Brutalist

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/03/01

Join us for a riveting exploration of THE BRUTALIST, the film that has stormed the Oscars with ten nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture, and Best Director. In this episode, we dissect the genius of Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold’s screenplay, an intense period drama that goes beyond mere architectural discourse to challenge the very fabric of the American Dream. What we’ll cover: ✅ Screenwriting: Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold’s visionary writing that’s as bold and

en

32:16

008 - Conclave

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/02/22

In this episode, we take a deep dive into CONCLAVE, the Oscar-nominated screenplay written by Peter Straughan. Adapted from Robert Harris’ novel, this gripping script blends political intrigue, religious drama, and even sports movie elements, creating one of the most unique and suspenseful screenplays of the year. 🔥 What We Cover in This Episode: ✔️ The real-life inspiration behind CONCLAVE ✔️ Why this screenplay feels like a sports movie disguised as a political thriller ✔️ The screenplay’s unique

en

40:35

007 - Anora

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/02/16

Sean Baker’s Anora is a Romantic Drama turned Thriller infused with comedy and sharp social commentary. Recently nominated for SIX Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, this modern anti-Cinderella story explores love, independence, and class conflict with breathtaking nuance. What to expect in this episode: The brilliance of Sean Baker’s character-driven storytelling and unique writing style. How Anora balances slapstick humor and emotional depth. A scene-by-scene breakdown: what

en

34:33

006 - A Real Pain

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/02/07

Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain isn’t just an Oscar-nominated screenplay—it’s a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, mental health representation, and emotional depth. In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, we break down the script, analyze its hidden meanings, and explore how Eisenberg crafts psychologically rich characters through his minimalist yet impactful writing style. 🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The 4 Hidden Meanings Behind A Real Pain ✔️ How Jesse Eisenberg’s Screenplay

en

43:45

005 - The Substance

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/02/01

This week, we’re diving into THE SUBSTANCE by Coralie Fargeat - the Academy Award-nominated satirical psychological body horror film that’s making waves with its visceral storytelling and extensive practical effects. We’ll explore how this screenplay drives readers to confront themes of aging, beauty, and perfection, all while dissecting its bold stylistic choices, from black-highlighted text to strategic formatting tricks that amplify tension and horror. We’ll also take a deep dive into Fargeat’s

en

04:38

004 - Quick Cast: A Complete Unknown - Screenplay vs....

The Screenplay Lab ·

2025/01/27

This week, we’re diving deep into A Complete Unknown, the Academy Award-nominated Bob Dylan biopic by James Mangold and Jay Cocks. In this QUICKCAST episode, we break down the creative changes that took this film from script to screen. From missing scenes (remember Johnny Cash jumping into a stranger’s car?) to reimagined character moments and modified dialogue. Here’s what we’ll cover: ✔️ The “show, don’t tell” moments that didn’t make it. ✔️ How Sylvie’s character arc shifted (and why Elle Fanning

en

24 results

Similar Podcasts

BEHIND THE VELVET ROPE

David Yontef

Nerd Culture - A Gamekings Podcast

Blammo Media

UPodcast

UPodcast

The Writers Hangout

Sandy Adomaitis

The Sarah Fraser Show

Sarah Fraser