All Episodes

March 20, 2025 39 mins

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, and Tyler the Creator; and striking cinematography choices, including shifting aspect ratios and immersive camera movements to heighten storytelling.

Jeff reveals the deeply personal origins behind Shults' powerful narrative, examining how themes of grief, family trauma, generational conflict, toxic masculinity, forgiveness, and resilience create authenticity and emotional depth.

Whether you're a filmmaker, screenwriter, or film enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into:

  • Crafting dual-dialogue columns and unconventional screenplay formatting
  • The symbolic meaning behind "Waves"
  • Integrating contemporary music to amplify storytelling
  • Techniques for portraying complex family dynamics and emotional landscapes
  • Cinematic strategies like unique aspect ratios, camera techniques, and pacing
  • Key screenplay statistics and comparisons to traditional screenwriting practice

🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab:
We study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works, not just blueprints for film.

📢 Join the Conversation!
💬 Like this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

✅ Jeff Barker's Website

Video Podcast on YouTube 

 

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics

Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics

Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.

iHeartOlympics: The Latest

iHeartOlympics: The Latest

Listen to the latest news from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are here and have everyone talking. iHeartPodcasts is buzzing with content in honor of the XXV Winter Olympics We’re bringing you episodes from a variety of iHeartPodcast shows to help you keep up with the action. Follow Milan Cortina Winter Olympics so you don’t miss any coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and if you like what you hear, be sure to follow each Podcast in the feed for more great content from iHeartPodcasts.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.