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Behind the Slate

Behind the Slate

By: Playtime Studio
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About this listen

Behind the Slate is your backstage pass to Playtime Studio. Hosts Jules Mercer and Devon Pierce mix sharp analysis with real talk about writing, filmmaking, and the struggles of bringing stories to life. New episodes drop every Saturday — because great stories deserve more than just the spotlight.

© 2025 Playtime Studio
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Episodes
  • Bone Face – The Mask of Camp Marigold
    Oct 2 2025

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    This week on Behind the Slate, Jules and Devon crack open Michael Donovan Horn’s Bone Face, a chilling slasher script that drags us deep into the woods of Camp Marigold. What starts as a farewell party for a counselor spirals into blood-soaked terror when the urban legend of Bone Face steps out of the shadows.

    We break down what makes this script tick, from its classic slasher DNA to its clever twists that keep audiences guessing who’s really behind the mask. Along the way, we discuss the legacy of campfire horror, the balance between homage and originality, and why the final act subverts the slasher formula.

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    32 mins
  • Echoes of Silence – The Lasting Legacy of Silent Films
    Sep 25 2025

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    Before the dialogue, before the soundtracks, there was silence—and yet cinema spoke volumes. In this episode of Behind the Slate, Jules and Devon journey back to the era of Chaplin, Keaton, and Murnau to uncover how the earliest filmmakers crafted stories that still shape the way movies are made today.

    From expressive performances and groundbreaking camera work to the editing techniques that defined visual storytelling, we break down the silent film innovations that echo through modern blockbusters and indie gems alike. Whether it’s the raw tension of A Quiet Place or the breathtaking visuals of Mad Max: Fury Road, the silent era’s fingerprints are everywhere.

    🎧 Join us as we explore the artistry of silence—and why its influence will never fade.

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    47 mins
  • The Texas Witch – When Legends Hunt Back
    Sep 18 2025

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    In this episode of Behind the Slate, Jules and Devon break down Gianna Lutz and Andrew Evans’ indie horror The Texas Witch. Set in Jacksonville Forest, the story blends campfire folklore with modern fear—missing people, grief, clout-chasing YouTubers, and the chilling legend of Emily Covington.

    We unpack what makes the script tick: its sharp pacing, grounded dialogue, and layered character arcs. Plus, we dive into exclusive Q&A insights from the filmmakers—why they chose to root the legend in real Texas history, how they balanced practical and CGI gore, and why the ending has audiences asking: did Piper survive, or did she become the witch herself?

    If you love horror that feels real, messy, and unforgettable, this episode will keep you out of the woods for good.

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    35 mins
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