The Screenplay Lab

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.

Episodes

February 7, 2025 34 mins

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 Hi...

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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 amp...

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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...

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January 25, 2025 42 mins

This week, we're diving deep into A Complete Unknown, the stunning biopic about Bob Dylan, penned by the legendary James Mangold and Jay Cocks.

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards (Best Adapted Screenplay), this script chronicles Dylan’s journey from an unknown 19-year-old in New York to ...

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January 18, 2025 53 mins

This Week on The Screenplay Lab: We're diving deep into Robert Eggers' Nosferatu screenplay, a masterful reimagining of the gothic classic. Fresh off the presses, this screenplay showcases Eggers’ unique style—oscillating between lush, sprawling sentences and punchy bursts of intensity.

What We’ll Cover:

  • Robert Eggers: A modern trailblazer of psychological horror (The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman).
  • The Story: A haunting...
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January 10, 2025 38 mins

A deep dive into the screenplay: Heretic by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.

Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

Heretic - screenplay 

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January 9, 2025 1 min

This is… THE SCREENPLAY LAB.

My name’s Jeff Barker, and I’m a screenwriter. Join me as we analyze one screenplay at a time.

I’m not talking about the film… I’m talking about the screenplay. This unique literary device creates a sensory explosion, causing the reader to make a movie in our own minds.

We’re going to search for what brings the heat… Sca...

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