Screenplayed Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

'A Quiet Place' Writers Scott Beck & Bryan Woods Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

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'Preparation for the Next Life' Director Bing Liu Nov 29, 2025

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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" Apr 19, 2021

Show notes

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 Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

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 Mar 26, 2021

Show notes

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 Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

*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 Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

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 Feb 22, 2021

Show notes

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 Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

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.

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