The Screenplay Lab

What if the BACKROOMS movie you loved was almost an entirely different film?
In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, host and screenwriter Jeff Barker takes a deep dive into the original first draft of BACKROOMS (2026), written by Will Soodik in collaboration with director Kane Parsons, the creator of the viral Kane Pixels phenomenon.
And this screenplay is VERY different from the finished A24 horror movie.
Deleted monsters, disturbing new creatures, a mysterious candy store, a creepy little girl, an expanded ASYNC conspiracy, and a completely different backstory for Mary are just some of the surprises buried in this early draft. Even the movie's most terrifying moments underwent major transformations.
But beyond the lost scenes and alternate storylines, this episode explores something even more fascinating: how do you write the unsettling, atmospheric horror of the Backrooms on the page?
Jeff breaks down Soodik's distinctive writing style, exploring how action lines, camera directions, punctuation, visual reveals, and carefully controlled pacing create suspense and dread. Along the way, he examines the challenges of writing liminal-space horror, the importance of a screenwriter's individual voice, and the creative decisions that transform a first draft into a finished Hollywood film.
For emerging screenwriters and independent filmmakers, it's an opportunity to study the rewriting process behind a major horror production. For longtime Backrooms fans, it's a fascinating glimpse into an alternate version of Kane Parsons' terrifying universe.
Whether you're passionate about screenwriting, horror filmmaking, found-footage storytelling, or the mythology of the Backrooms, this episode reveals just how much can change between the script and the screen.
The Screenplay Lab examines professional screenplays as works of literature, uncovering the craft, creativity, and storytelling techniques that writers and filmmakers can learn from.
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Screenwriter Jeff Barker breaks down Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten's RESIDENT EVIL screenplay, examining the craft behind its pacing, action writing, dialogue, exposition, horror set pieces and cinematic storytelling.
In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, Jeff looks at how the script uses white space, short action lines, capitalization, ellipses, double dashes, character asides, and unconventional formatting to create a fast, visual reading experience. He also explores Zach Cregger's distinctive screenwriting voice, how it compares to WEAPONS and BARBARIAN, and what Shay Hatten brings from his work in the JOHN WICK universe.
The episode also covers major differences between the Resident Evil screenplay and the finished film, including changed characters, deleted sequences, alternate story beats, and the ending.
For screenwriters, filmmakers, horror fans, and Resident Evil fans, this is a deep dive into how a professional genre screenplay creates momentum, suspense, humor, and visual storytelling on the page.
The Screenplay Lab is a screenwriting podcast hosted by screenwriter Jeff Barker, breaking down professional screenplays to uncover practical lessons in writing, structure, character, dialogue, and filmmaking.
Jeff-Barker.com

Screenwriter Jeff Barker breaks down Katie Dippold's original Widow's Bay pilot in this deep dive into TV writing, screenplay structure, horror-comedy, and professional screenwriting craft. Discover how the early Widow's Bay script differs from the finished series, how Dippold uses jokes, callbacks, exposition, character introductions, and visual comedy, and what screenwriters can learn from the pilot's evolution. A must-listen for writers, filmmakers, TV writers, and fans of Widow's Bay, Parks and Recreation, and horror-comedy.
Jeff-Barker.com

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, Jeff Barker breaks down the first 50 pages of Obsession, the screenplay by Curry Barker.
As both a screenwriter and Curry's father, Jeff brings a unique perspective to this deep dive into one of the most talked-about psychological horror scripts of the year. He was also the film's script consultant. 
Together, we examine how Obsession grabs readers from the opening pages, builds suspense through character and situation, and creates the kind of narrative momentum that keeps audiences invested. Along the way, Jeff explores the screenplay's structure, dialogue, character introductions, dramatic irony, and the carefully planted story questions that drive the first act.
Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, a working filmmaker, a film student, or simply fascinated by how great stories are constructed, this episode offers practical lessons you can apply to your own writing.
The Screenplay Lab is a podcast dedicated to breaking down screenplays page by page to uncover the techniques, decisions, and storytelling principles behind effective screenwriting.
Jeff-Barker.com

In this powerful father-son conversation, I sit down with my son, Curry Barker, for an honest discussion about filmmaking, creativity, family, ambition, and the realities of building a career in Hollywood. From growing up in Alabama to walking red carpets in Los Angeles, Curry shares the personal stories, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped his journey as an actor, filmmaker, and storyteller.
We dive into the creative process behind making films, navigating rejection, handling pressure, staying grounded through success, and what it really takes to pursue your dreams in the entertainment industry. Along the way, we reflect on family, personal growth, and the unique bond between a father and son having real conversations about life and purpose.
Whether you're passionate about movies, acting, entrepreneurship, storytelling, or simply love authentic long-form conversations, this episode delivers inspiration, humor, wisdom, and behind-the-scenes insight you won't hear anywhere else.
Jeff-Barker.com