The Screenplay Lab

• 019 - The Social Network (Aaron Sorkin)

  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 “white space” secrets that keep readers turning pages – Why conflict in every scene matters, and how to apply this to your own scripts – Writing for actors through effective character intros – How to write with voice while respecting cinematic clarity – Behind-the-scenes insight on how Sorkin’s draft became the film almost word-for-word Whether you’re a screenwriter looking to sharpen your craft, a filmmaker studying how structure supports story, or simply love movies and want to understand why The Social Network endures, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable takeaways to level up your writing. 🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab: We study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works, not just blueprints for film. We deconstruct a script in each episode, uncovering what makes it unique and exploring what writers can learn. 📢 Join the Conversation! 💬 Like this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review! ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅Video Podcast on YouTube

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• 018 - Aster, Peele, Eisenberg, Baker & More: Screenwriters

  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, Midsommar, Eddington) 💀 Curry Barker (Milk & Serial, Obsession) 🤖 Drew Hancock (Companion) 🎾 Justin Kuritzkes (Challengers) 🥁 Damien Chazelle (Whiplash, La La Land) 🕵️ Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Conclave) 🩸 Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies, Babygirl) 🎤 Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold (Vox Lux, The Brutalist) 🌆 Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Anora) Plus, a special conversation with rising creator Curry Barker about Jordan Peele’s influence on his own filmmaking, writing horror, and creating cinematic sketch comedy. If you're into screenwriting, directing, or just love bold modern cinema, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. 🎬 Subscribe, rate, and follow The Screenplay Lab for more in-depth breakdowns of the screenwriters shaping today’s film landscape. ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅Video Podcast on YouTube

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• 017 - Companion (Drew Hancock)

  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 wit to inventive exposition and layered symbolism. If you're a screenwriter, filmmaker, or fan of smart genre storytelling, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. In this episode: How Companion nails exposition and formatting Symbolism deep dive (yes, including that Goo Goo Dolls moment) Script vs. screen: What changed and why The evolution of Drew Hancock as a writer-director Standout performances from Thatcher and Quaid Comparisons to films like Barbarian Whether you're here to level up your craft or just love a smart, surprising screenplay, this episode delivers. 🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab: We study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works, not just blueprints for film. We deconstruct a script in each episode, uncovering what makes it unique and exploring what writers can learn. 📢 Join the Conversation! 💬 Like this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review! ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅Video Podcast on YouTube

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• 016 - Hereditary (Ari Aster)

  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 performance deserved an Oscar, and how Hereditary changed horror screenwriting forever. 🎬 Topics Include: Elevated horror & genre subversion Ari Aster’s writing style & story structure Emotional realism in horror Screenplay statistics, POV, pacing, formatting Character development & theme layering The psychology behind Hereditary’s horror Perfect for: 🖊️ Screenwriters 🎥 Indie filmmakers 🧠 Film students 💀 Horror lovers 📚 A24 and Ari Aster fans 🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab: We study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works, not just blueprints for film. We deconstruct a script in each episode, uncovering what makes it unique and exploring what writers can learn. 📢 Join the Conversation! 💬 Like this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review! ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅Video Podcast on YouTube

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• 015 - Challengers (Justin Kuritzkes)

  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 screenplay that’s as cinematic on the page as it is on screen. 🎾 What’s inside this breakdown: Emotional momentum in a nonlinear structure Power, seduction & control — tennis as metaphor Subtext-laced dialogue that leaves an impact Multiple perspectives told with clarity and flair Formatting risks: mini-slugs, bold text, "thwaacckkk", and more How Challengers blends sports drama, erotic thriller, and psychological tension We also explore how Justin Kuritzkes transitioned from a viral YouTuber to a Black List screenwriter, how the script evolved in collaboration with Zendaya and Guadagnino, and what this film teaches us about modern cinematic storytelling. 💡 Plus: Comparisons to Eternal Sunshine, symbolism deep-dives, and why this screenplay hits harder than a Grand Slam serve. 🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab: We study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works, not just blueprints for film. We deconstruct a script in each episode, uncovering what makes it unique and exploring what writers can learn. 📢 Join the Conversation! 💬 Like this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review! ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅Video Podcast on YouTube

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