Methods of Fiction

In this episode, our special guest is Haim Mazar, an acclaimed composer for film and television. We talk about his behind-the-scenes work scoring the new Scary Movie (2026), and take a deep dive into his approach to storytelling through music and the creative process of composing for film. We also discuss some of the other projects he's worked on, including The Iceman (2012), starring Michael Shan...

Pilar Alessandra is a veteran Hollywood script consultant, sought-after screenwriting coach, bestselling author of The Coffee Break Screenwriter and The Coffee Break Screenwriter Breaks the Rules, and host of the acclaimed On the Page podcast. In this episode, we talk about what makes great stories work. She shares practical techniques for creating stronger characters, fixing story problems, writi...

In this episode, our special guest is Riley Barker. He is a cinematographer dedicated to bringing compelling stories to life through cinematic visuals and thoughtful visual storytelling. We take a deep dive into cinematography, lighting, and the art of visual storytelling. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from working as the Second Assistant Camera alongside his brother, Curry Barker, writer-di...

In this episode, our special guest is Diane Bell. She is a writer, director, and mentor to screenwriters and filmmakers. She is also the author of the acclaimed book Shoot from the Heart: Successful Filmmaking from a Sundance Rebel , a popular go-to guide for independent filmmakers. We dive deep into the storytelling process, how to write compelling stories and screenplays, the creative process be...

In this episode, our special guest is Tara Macken. She is a highly accomplished stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and actress who has helped bring the action to some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her career, discusses her work on major film and television productions, and offers an inside look at what it takes to create compelling action on screen...

In this episode, our special guest is Kris Van Damme. He is an actor, writer, director, and producer. Kris shares behind the scenes stories from the films he has worked on, offers unique insight into what it was like growing up as the son of legendary action star Jean Claude Van Damme, and discusses how he forged his own successful career in the entertainment industry. We also discuss acting, film...

John Rosenfeld is a veteran film and television actor who has appeared in numerous acclaimed productions. He is also a highly respected, in-demand acting coach known for helping actors deliver authentic, emotionally compelling performances. In this episode, we explore storytelling through the eyes of an actor and how understanding an actor's process can help writers, directors, and filmmakers crea...

In this episode, our special guest is Matthew Ninaber, a writer, director, producer, and actor known for A Knight's War and Death Valley. He also starred in the cult favorite Psycho Goreman, directed by Steven Kostanski, showing his ability to work both in front of and behind the camera. We go into his approach to filmmaking, how he got started, and what it actually takes to get independent films...

In this episode, our special guest is Doug Morrow. He is a master makeup effects artist who has worked across some of the most recognizable film and television productions in the industry. He breaks down the craft of practical makeup effects and how those techniques are used to support storytelling on screen. He shares behind-the-scenes insights from projects including the Stephen King adaptation...

Malay Kim and Michael Lehr are seasoned stunt performers and fight choreographers known for their work on major action productions, including the highly anticipated Mortal Kombat 2. In this special joint episode, we dive deep into filmmaking, action design, and the craft of cinematic fight choreography. Malay and Michael share behind-the-scenes stories from working on Mortal Kombat 2, how they col...

Ryan Lambert is best known for portraying the iconic Rudy in the beloved 1987 cult classic The Monster Squad . In this episode of Methods of Fiction , Ryan joins us to discuss his upcoming directorial debut, what it was like shooting on both 8mm and 16mm film, and his creative process as a writer and director. He shares insights into independent filmmaking, developing stories for the screen, and t...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Barker, award-winning screenwriter and script consultant on the hit horror film Obsession , written and directed by his son, Curry Barker. We discuss his journey into screenwriting, his work consulting on Obsession , and the storytelling principles that help shape compelling films. Jeff shares behind-the-scenes stories from his involvement with Obsession , in...

In this episode, we sit down with Seth Savoy , writer, director, and producer behind the feature film Echo Boomers . We discuss his journey into filmmaking, the process of writing and directing his first feature film debut, and what it was like bringing Echo Boomers to life. Seth shares behind-the-scenes stories from production, insights into filmmaking, storytelling, directing actors, and the rea...

In this episode, we sit down with accomplished composer Martin Macphail of BLITZ//BERLIN, whose music has been featured in feature films, major movie trailers, television, and video games. We talk about the creative process behind film scoring and sound design, collaborating with directors, storytelling through music, and the unique way Martin and BLITZ//BERLIN broke into the industry and built th...

In this episode, we sit down with stunt performer and actor Daniel Nelson to talk about his journey in the film industry, working on upcoming projects including the highly anticipated Mortal Kombat 2, and what it's really like performing high-level stunts for major productions. We also dive into the world of independent filmmaking, short films, storytelling, choreography, behind-the-scenes experie...

April Wright is an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story and Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace . In this episode, April joins us to discuss her upcoming feature documentary All Skate . We dive into her approach to storytelling, the process behind developing a documentary from concept to completion, and what draws her to the r...

In this episode we sit down with stunt performer and stunt coordinator Loyd Bateman who has over 20 years of experience working in major blockbuster films. We discuss his transition into directing his first feature film debut Crimson Cove, an action thriller.  He also shares how he founded his independent film company, Misfit Circus Productions, choosing to take his career into his own hands and c...