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 Stupid Love, This Is Us)

We explore how each broke into Hollywood, the themes that define their work, and what screenwriters and filmmakers can learn from their careers. From Sorkin’s rapid-fire dialogue to Aster’s grief-driven horror, Gerwig’s character-first voice, Cregger’s puzzle-box horror, and Fogelman’s heartfelt ensemble dramas, this episode is packed with craft insights and career lessons.

Perfect for aspiring screenwriters, working filmmakers, and fans of great storytelling.

Jeff-Barker.com

Video Podcast

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 Weapons weaves multiple perspectives into a gripping, layered narrative.

Whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, or horror fan, this deep dive reveals storytelling lessons you can apply to your own work.

Jeff Barker's Website

Video Podcast

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 a pilot twist that actually works

• Dan Fogelman’s use of nonlinear storytelling and emotional payoff

• Setups/payoffs, mechanics, and pacing in a 55-page script

• Crafting dialogue, formatting tips, and white space usage

• Behind-the-scenes: how Paradise became a $15M-per-episode drama

• Genre blending: sci-fi, political thriller, and character-driven drama

We Break Down:

• Script structure

• Use of time jumps, flashbacks, and visual storytelling on the page

• Clues leading to one of the most effective pilot twists in recent TV

Whether you’re writing your first pilot or refining a series bible, this episode offers practical insights from a modern masterpiece in TV writing.

Video Podcast

Jeff Barker's Website