Screenplayed Breakdown

'Abbott Elementary' Showrunners Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker

Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker join The Screenplayed Breakdown to discuss Abbott Elementary, the acclaimed ABC comedy they co-created with Quinta Brunson. They discuss how a chance friendship between two interns eventually led them to running one of television's most successful network comedies. Justin and Patrick break down their process for breaking a 22-episode broadcast season, building character arcs around "tent pole" episodes, and using collaborative outlines to bring an entire writers' room into the process. They also discuss what they learned from Quinta Brunson about allowing scenes to simply let audiences live with characters, why character work should come before plotting, and how casting can fundamentally change the characters on the page. Justin and Patrick previously co-created Surviving Jack and Harley Quinn, and have worked together in television since meeting as interns at Quentin Tarantino's production company. Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

'Death of Robin Hood' Director/Writer Michael Sarnoski

Michael Sarnoski joins The Screenplayed Breakdown to discuss The Death of Robin Hood, a new reimagining of the legendary outlaw starring Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer. Michael discusses his lifelong fascination with the Robin Hood myth and why he chose to tell the character's final chapter. Michael breaks down his writing process, from his vomit pass first drafts to discovering characters organically as he writes. He also discusses balancing writing and directing, shooting ambitious action sequences in just thirty days, and why he believes the best creative work comes from following ideas that seem impossible or even like bad ideas on paper. Michael previously wrote and directed the acclaimed drama Pig starring Nicolas Cage and directed A Quiet Place: Day One. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

'All Her Fault' Showrunner Megan Gallagher

Megan Gallagher joins The Screenplayed Breakdown to discuss Peacock’s hit thriller series 'All Her Fault,' starring Sarah Snook. As the show’s lead writer and showrunner, Megan breaks down the process of adapting Andrea Mara’s bestselling novel into an eight-episode television event and reveals how major storylines, characters, and twists were developed specifically for the series. Megan discusses her unconventional path into the industry, moving from the United States to Norway and building a television career through the British and European production systems. She explains the differences between American and British writers' rooms, the challenges of constructing a mystery that keeps audiences guessing, and the importance of creating satisfying twists that feel surprising yet inevitable. The conversation also explores Megan’s experience assembling a writers' room, working with directors Minkie Spiro and Kate Dennis, and translating complex character dynamics from page to screen. She reflects on writing personal material inspired by her own family, the realities of sustaining a career in Hollywood, and why success in the entertainment industry is less about connections and more about persistence and hard work. Before creating 'All Her Fault,' Megan wrote and produced television projects across Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, including work for BBC One. She continues to develop character-driven thrillers and adaptations for international audiences while serving as a writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

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Marvel's 'Wonder Man' Showrunner Andrew Guest

In this episode, Andrew Guest joins the Screenplayed Breakdown to discuss Marvel's new show, Wonder Man. Andrew is the showrunner of the series and brings with him a wealth of television experience, having worked on landmark comedies including 30 Rock and Community before moving into the Marvel universe with Hawkeye. Andrew reflects on the experience of working within the Marvel machine, including what it is like to collaborate with Kevin Feige, and how the writer's room for a streaming show differs fundamentally from the network television rooms where he came up. He also touches on the dual nature of Hollywood that Wonder Man itself explores, the industry as both a source of genuine inspiration and deep frustration, and closes with what advice he would offer his younger self at the start of a career that eventually landed him at the helm of one of Marvel's most unconventional projects. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

'Spider-Noir' Showrunner Oren Uziel

In this episode, Oren Uziel joins the Screenplayed breakdown to talk about his journey from failed attorney to Hollywood screenwriter, the making of Spider-Noir and what it took to get Nicolas Cage on board, his thoughts on breaking into the industry without a film school background, and where he sees the future of writing in the age of AI. Oren is the showrunner and creator of Prime Video and MGM+'s Spider-Noir starring Nicolas Cage, and a screenwriter whose credits include 22 Jump Street, the Netflix thriller Shimmer Lake, which he also directed, and The Cloverfield Paradox He broke into the industry by winning an award at the Austin Film Festival and has built a career spanning studio features, independent film, and prestige television. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

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'Project Hail Mary' Writer Drew Goddard

Drew Goddard joins The Screenplayed Breakdown to discuss 'Project Hail Mary, ' a new film starring Ryan Gosling directed by creators of the 'Spiderverse' franchise Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Drew's script is adapted from the book of the same name by Andy Weir. Drew discusses the challenge of writing a script with minimal characters and dialogue, as well as adapting such a dense, scientific novel. We hear about Drew's upbringing and early struggles in Hollywood as well as his love for filmmaking that has kept him going strong after twenty-five years in the entertainment industry. Drew previously adapted Weir's book 'The Martian' for the 2015 film of the same name starring Matt Damon and directed by Ridley Scott. Drew has also written on such television shows as 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Lost' and created the Netflix series 'Daredevil.' He has also written and directed the feature films 'Cabin in the Woods' and 'Bad Times at the El Royale.' Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

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'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Writer/Director Jeff Schaffer

Seinfeld writer and Curb Your Enthusiasm director Jeff Schaffer joins The Screenplayed Breakdown for an in-depth discussion of how one of television’s most influential comedies is actually made. Drawing on three decades of collaboration with Larry David, Schaffer explains why Curb is built without a traditional script, how stories are constructed through outlines rather than dialogue, and why Larry David actively avoids rehearsal to preserve genuine surprise on set. The conversation traces Schaffer’s career from Seinfeld to Curb, highlighting how both shows rely on rigorous structure beneath an appearance of chaos. Schaffer also details the practical realities of directing improvisation: live-directing actors, moving cameras mid-scene, feeding lines during takes, and shaping episodes simultaneously as writer, director, and editor. He describes Curb as being written three times — in outline, on the day of shooting, and again in the edit — and explains why some of the show’s most iconic moments emerge unexpectedly in the moment. The episode offers a rare, craft-focused look at improvisation at the highest level of television, aimed at film fans, television audiences, and anyone interested in how great comedy is actually made. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

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'Jay Kelly' Director and Writers Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer

Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer discuss learning rigor from Wes Anderson, how defending murderers can make someone a better writer, and why first drafts are supposed to be difficult. In a loose, wide-ranging conversation, they break down how Baumbach’s early, half-formed ideas slowly turned into a finished script through collaboration, argument, and repetition. Baumbach reflects on working with Wes Anderson early in his career and how that experience taught him not to settle for scenes that merely function, but to keep revisiting the work until it truly clicks. That discipline shapes his process today and defines his collaboration with Mortimer, who describes acting as both creative partner and structural enforcer, pushing story logic while learning to trust that rough early drafts are part of the job. Mortimer shares how her father’s career as a criminal defense barrister — defending even the most unsavory clients — shaped her approach to character, empathy, and judgment, and why treating every character as innocent until proven otherwise leads to richer storytelling. Together, they talk about why most writing starts out bad, how cutting scenes often helps better versions emerge later, and how creative disagreements can strengthen a script. The conversation also touches on directing actors, including working with George Clooney, and why sticking closely to the page can actually give performers more freedom. It’s a casual, honest look at collaboration, craft, and the long, uncomfortable process of turning ideas into films. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

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'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Creator Jenny Han

In this episode, Jenny Han, creator and showrunner of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' pulls back the curtain on how the series was built with patience, emotional confidence, and a deep trust in the audience. She talks about writing “lean,” letting quiet moments breathe, and resisting the urge to chase shock in favor of something more lasting. The result is a show that unfolds gently, rewarding viewers who linger, notice, and return—one that believes the emotional payoff is worth the wait. Han also reflects on memory as the heartbeat of the series: how nostalgia, warmth, and realism shape the tone, making the show feel less like a story being told and more like one being remembered. She explains how seemingly small conversations and fleeting moments were planted early, designed to echo years later, and why those delayed resonances often hit the hardest and stay with people long after each episode ends. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

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'A Quiet Place' Writers Scott Beck & Bryan Woods

Writer-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the writers of A Quiet Place and the filmmakers behind Heretic starring Hugh Grant, discuss writing more than 40 scripts that went nowhere to landing one of the most successful modern thrillers, they explain why failure was the key to their breakthrough. They reveal how A Quiet Place evolved into a near-silent studio blockbuster, how real-life experiences shaped its emotional core, and what it takes to keep an audience on the edge of their seat without dialogue. The conversation also unpacks Heretic, including the risks of dialogue-heavy tension, working with Hugh Grant, and designing scenes that hold attention through performance alone. Beck and Woods discuss Hollywood gatekeeping, audience testing, studio pressure, and the realities of directing under exhaustion and uncertainty. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, hard-earned lessons, and honest advice, this episode pulls back the curtain on writing, directing, and surviving in modern filmmaking. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

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'Preparation for the Next Life' Director Bing Liu

Oscar-nominated director Bing Liu joins us to break down how he made the leap from skate videos to award-winning documentaries like 'Minding the Gap' and now his first narrative feature, 'Preparation for the Next Life.' We talk about how he pitches studios, builds truthful performances, rewrites in the edit, and stays inspired through years of “hurry up and wait.” Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' with "13%" of the Writers"

On this episode of The Screenplayed Breakdown, we speak with 4 of the 13 credited 'Borat 2' writers. They share with us the struggles of writing and filming a movie in the real world that's performed by unsuspecting people, and the insane obstacles they faced.

'Sound of Metal' with Director/Co-Writer Darius Marder

On this episode of The Screenplayed Breakdown, Darius talks about the ten years it took to complete 'Sound of Metal' and the 2,000+ pages he and his brother, Abraham wrote for the film. He tells us about his experience as a first-time director, and teaches us to "Enjoy the not knowing".

'Palm Springs' with Andy Samberg and Writer Andy Siara

On this episode of The Screenplayed Breakdown, we speak with actor and comedian, Andy Samberg, and writer, Andy Siara, about their film, 'Palm Springs'. Samberg and Siara talk about the benefits of shooting a film on a low budget and the importance of not selling out the tone of the film or its characters.

'Promising Young Woman' with Carey Mulligan and Director/Writer Emerald Fennell

*SPOILER WARNING* On this episode of the Screenplayed Breakdown, we speak with Golden Globe-nominated director Emerald Fennell and Academy Award-nominated actor Carey Mulligan about their new film, ‘Promising Young Woman.’ Emerald explains how she blends comedy with a serious issue, and Carey tells us about working with a first-time director on a big production.

'Judas and the Black Messiah' with Director/Co-Writer Shaka King

On this episode of The Screenplayed Breakdown, we speak with director and co-writer, Shaka King, on his new movie, 'Judas and the Black Messiah'. Shaka talks about structuring a true-life story, the struggles of selling his first feature, and the racism he experienced in the industry.

'Soul' with Writer Mike Jones

On this episode of The Screenplayed Breakdown, we speak with Pixar writer, Mike Jones, about life, death and digging deep within ourselves. Mike tells us about the Pixar process, what the “brain trust” is and his collaboration with Pete Docter and Kemp Powers on their latest film, 'Soul’.

'The Mauritanian' with Tahar Rahim and Director Kevin Macdonald

On the first episode of The Screenplayed Breakdown, we speak with Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald and Golden Globe nominee Tahar Rahim about their new film, “The Mauritanian.” Kevin Macdonald also talks about his first big directing role on the set of “The Last King of Scotland” and his transition from documentaries into features. Tahar Rahim explains the challenges of acting in multiple different languages and the obligation of getting an accent right.