The Screenplay Lab

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, Jeff Barker breaks down the first 50 pages of Obsession , the screenplay by Curry Barker. As both a screenwriter and Curry's father, Jeff brings a unique perspective to this deep dive into one of the most talked-about psychological horror scripts of the year. He was also the film's script consultant.  Together, we examine how Obsession grabs readers from the...

In this powerful father-son conversation, I sit down with my son, Curry Barker , for an honest discussion about filmmaking, creativity, family, ambition, and the realities of building a career in Hollywood. From growing up in Alabama to walking red carpets in Los Angeles, Curry shares the personal stories, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped his journey as an actor, filmmaker, and storytelle...

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab , host Jeff Barker breaks down the A24 film "The Drama," written by Kristoffer Borgli and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson . If you're a screenwriter, filmmaker, or A24 fan, this deep dive explores how this unconventional screenplay works, and why it breaks so many "rules" successfully. Jeff unpacks the script's unique style, including dense action blocks...

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab , host Jeff Barker takes a focused, craft-driven look at the screenplay for Train Dreams , written by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar . This breakdown zeroes in on the first four pages and the final three pages , revealing how the film establishes its voice, structure, and emotional impact with remarkable precision. For screenwriters, filmmakers, and storyteller...

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab , screenwriter Jeff Barker breaks down the screenplay for Project Hail Mary , written by Drew Goddard ( The Martian , Cloverfield ) and based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir, starring Ryan Gosling. If you're a screenwriter, filmmaker, or storyteller, this episode explores how a blockbuster sci-fi film is crafted on the page. Jeff goes line by line throug...

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 Stu...

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 Weap...

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...

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, unforgett...

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 yo...

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...

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 masculinit...

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...

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 te...

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 examines how the screenplay employs musical storytelling without lyrics, subverts traditional romantic structures, and utili...

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 li...

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...

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-mes...

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, e...

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...

In this episode, Jeff Barker takes 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 C...

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 writi...

Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain isn't just an Oscar-nominated screenplay. It's a strong example of 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. 🔹 Wha...

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 s...

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 "sh...