Under the Electric Stars is a cyberpunk adventure about Metropolis West, one of the last cities standing after a nuclear war. Caine Reyes, the fastest driver in the Metropolis, has been trying to pay back the debt their family fell into years ago. After their bot gets broken, Caine runs into the rebel group Zero Zero and gets caught up in the rising revolution. Created by Eli Ramos. Produced by Aster Podcasting Network. Visit our website at https://undertheelectricstars.com/ Got a question? ...
…
continue reading
Birdie is a trans girl and aspiring journalist on the precipice of adulthood who prepares to leave her hometown of Wyrm Harbor. Trailblazing a path of success for herself after unimaginable personal tragedy, she is halted in her tracks by a string of disappearances - again. Finding herself saddled with unpredictable and dangerous magical abilities, she stumbles to navigate a new world of mystery she has no intention of leaving unsolved. Produced by Aster Podcasting Network.
…
continue reading
Rags to riches, riches to rags. Crown Jewels follows Heer, Nazzy, and Bilal Kazan (formerly of the Mirza family, the third richest family in the world) as they navigate life on a literal dime. Everything gets turned upside-down when Altaf, the third richest man in the world and Heer's father, knocks on their door asking for a new life of his own. Produced by Aster Podcasting Network.
…
continue reading
SkillSet is an urban fantasy podcast that follows four university students as they face the growing evil of the creatures of Dissonance. Listen in as Alex, Eshe, Laura, and Michael find out the darker sides of Attunement, as well as the darker sides of the people they love. Produced by Aster Podcasting Network.
…
continue reading
The podcast about staying in, canceling your plans, not doing anything but...bumming around and watching movies.
…
continue reading
Join us as we analyze one screenplay at a time, celebrating its stand-alone beauty as a unique literary device, independent of the final film. From exploring tone and theme to dissecting structure and unforgettable characters, we break down what makes each script sizzle. Dive into the rich imagery and clever narrative devices that create a sensory experience on the page. Hosted by Jeff Barker, this storytelling podcast offers a deep dive into the creativity and precision of screenwriting.
…
continue reading

1
023 - Becoming: Gerwig, Cregger, Sorkin, Aster, Fogelman
40:04
40:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:04In 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, Weapon…
…
continue reading

1
The Office: The Dundies | A Retrospective
48:39
48:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:39We do a deep dive, look back, retrospective, analysis of The Office's iconic Dundies episode. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading

1
KBUM 88.8 [EP. 2] | Cinebums Radio Network
1:05:55
1:05:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:55Live from our Rosemont, Illinois studio...it's 88.8 KBUM with Juicy Jon and Laser Luke. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading
A paved over parking lot where there was once a home, a radio tower that once seemed tall enough to touch the sky, and memories that linger long after the years have passed. Invisible connections link Metropolis West, Cair Mallplex, and Glasshouse--and what's been left in each of them will have to be reckoned with. Trigger warnings for references t…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
The State of Podcasts, Jurassic World: Rebirth, The Materialists, Drop | Cinebums EP. 8
1:16:37
1:16:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:37Two thought leaders in podcasting discuss the state of the industry, Jurassic World: Rebirth, The Materialists, Drop, and more. cinebums.com
…
continue reading

1
The Office: Dinner Party | A Retrospective
55:57
55:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:57We do a deep dive, look back, retrospective, analysis of The Office's iconic Dinner Party episode. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
28 YEARS LATER, F1, LUKE'S SIDEWAYS TRIP, BILL HADER-ARI ASTER | Cinebums Episode 7
44:03
44:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:03Another killer episode filled with friendship, films, and fun. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading

1
KBUM 88.8 [EP. 1] | Cinebums Radio Network
1:04:12
1:04:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:12Live from our Rosemont, Illinois studio...it's 88.8 KBUM with Juicy Jon and Laser Luke. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading

1
020 - Barbie (Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach)
44:25
44:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:25Why Did Barbie (2023) Become a Screenwriting Phenomenon? | The Screenplay Lab Podcast Join screenwriter Jeff Barker as he dives deep into the Barbie (2023) screenplay — the bold, Oscar-nominated script by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach that turned a global icon into a billion-dollar box office hit. In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, we break do…
…
continue reading

1
The Phoenician Scheme, Mission Impossible, Friendship, The Studio, & MORE | Episode 6
2:03:17
2:03:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:03:17It's our mid-year catch-up! Wow-wow! 00:00 Intro 02:20 The Rehearsal 15:56 Friendship 26:09 The Studio 32:10 The Phoenician Scheme 41:20 Mission Impossible & Luke's Ranking 55:00 The Materialists & The Tonight Show 01:11:34 Jon's Criterion Channel Intellectual Review 01:35:47 The Long Goodbye 01:41:04 Better Call Saul & The Office 02:02:25 Epilogue…
…
continue reading
What makes Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Network one of the most studied and celebrated screenplays of the last 20 years? In this episode of Screenplay Lab, host Jeff Barker breaks down The Social Network scene by scene, revealing why its rapid-fire dialogue, layered structure, and relentless conflict have made it a benchmark for screenwriters everywhe…
…
continue reading

1
018 - Aster, Peele, Eisenberg, Baker & More: Screenwriters
40:13
40:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:13In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, Jeff Barker explores the creative journeys of some of today’s most exciting screenwriters and filmmakers, from Oscar winners to breakout indie voices. We dive deep into the writing styles, influences, and careers of: 🧠 Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain) 🔥 Coralie Fargeat (Revenge, The Substance) 🌊 Trey Edward Shult…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Screenplay Lab, we dive into the genre-bending screenplay of Companion (2025), a sci-fi horror comedy written and directed by debut filmmaker Drew Hancock. Starring Sophia Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Jack Quaid (The Boys), Companion is a bold, twisty narrative that shifts from dark comedy to sci-fi thriller to full-on horror, al…
…
continue reading
Ari Aster’s Hereditary – Prestige Horror Screenwriting In this episode, Jeff Barker breaks down the Hereditary screenplay by Ari Aster, the 2018 A24 film that redefined modern horror. Whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, or horror fan, this deep dive explores how Aster builds emotional horror through grief, trauma, and supernatural dread. We’l…
…
continue reading
Welcome to The Screenplay Lab, the podcast that treats screenplays like the art they are. I’m Jeff Barker, a screenwriter, and in this episode, we’re dissecting the bold, layered, and seductive script behind Challengers (2024) — written by Justin Kuritzkes and directed by Luca Guadagnino. Starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, Challengers…
…
continue reading

1
SINNERS, WHITE LOTUS, THE STUDIO, SEVERANCE & MORE
1:47:54
1:47:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:47:54So much has happened since we last recorded. Time to recap⁉️🔥00:00 Sinners26:43 The White Lotus51:52 Severance01:08:14 The Studio01:29:44 Best 2025 Movies So Farhttps://www.cinebums.comWrite to us: [email protected] us:@cinebums on InstagramLetterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading
The relentless stare of a hundred digital cameras, thousands of glares under masks, all focus in on a certain nobody — Caine Reyes — as they search for Su-jin, the only one they have eyes for. Featuring a split meaning for the title’s pun, a way to make doors open, and three new voices… though one’s more familiar to some. Trigger warnings for loud …
…
continue reading
In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, host and screenwriter Jeff Barker takes a closer look at the screenplay behind La La Land by Damien Chazelle. Known for its music and emotional impact, this film offers just as much inspiration on the page as it does on the screen. Jeff examines how the screenplay employs musical storytelling without lyrics, s…
…
continue reading

1
013 - The Lighthouse (Max & Robert Eggers)
29:17
29:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:17In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, host and screenwriter Jeff Barker takes a deep dive into the brilliantly unhinged screenplay for The Lighthouse (2019), written by Robert and Max Eggers. This A24 psychological horror film, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, is a claustrophobic two-hander soaked in myth, madness, and maritime misery. …
…
continue reading
In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, Jeff Barker deconstructs the provocative and award-winning screenplay for Babygirl (2024), written and directed by Halina Reijn and starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. This psychological erotic thriller, produced by A24, subverts the genre by placing a powerful woman at the center of a dark, complex, …
…
continue reading
The only awards show that matters is finally here. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us: @cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading
In this deep-dive podcast episode, screenwriter Jeff Barker explores Trey Edward Shults' emotionally captivating screenplay, Waves (2019), an A24 cult classic praised especially by Gen Z audiences for its unique storytelling and profound emotional resonance. Discover how Shults innovatively uses screenplay conventions alongside experimental techniq…
…
continue reading
In this special audio episode, host and screenwriter Jeff Barker dives deep into the genius behind Jordan Peele's groundbreaking screenplay, "Us" (2019). Explore how Peele intricately weaves supernatural horror, psychological depth, and relentless suspense into a captivating narrative that examines powerful societal themes like class division, iden…
…
continue reading
Join us for a riveting exploration of THE BRUTALIST, the film that has stormed the Oscars with ten nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture, and Best Director. In this episode, we dissect the genius of Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold’s screenplay, an intense period drama that goes beyond mere architectural discourse to challenge…
…
continue reading
Revisiting our lists from years past. We also break down the Luka Doncic trade. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jeff Barker takes a deep dive into CONCLAVE, the Oscar-nominated screenplay written by Peter Straughan. Adapted from Robert Harris’ novel, this gripping script blends political intrigue, religious drama, and even sports movie elements, creating one of the most unique and suspenseful screenplays of the year. 🔥 What We Cover in This …
…
continue reading
A very Lynchian episode. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading
Sean Baker’s Anora is a Romantic Drama turned Thriller infused with comedy and sharp social commentary. Recently nominated for SIX Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, this modern anti-Cinderella story explores love, independence, and class conflict with breathtaking nuance. What to expect in this episode: The brilliance of Sean Bake…
…
continue reading
Caine chases after Su-jin, flying back down the road that leads to one place: Metropolis West. It’s time to come home — and time to leave another one behind. Featuring a split in the team, a way to keep doors shut, and a familiar voice. Trigger warnings: Reference to drugging, violence, emotional manipulation, yelling, discussion of family issues/m…
…
continue reading
Part Two includes our TOP 5 of 2024. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/ 00:00 No. 5 Furiosa10:05 No. 4 Challengers (Jon)16:18 No. 4 A Complete Unknown (Luke)16:50 No. 3 Anora (Jon)21:18 No. 3 The Apprentice (Luke)34:04 No. 2 A Different Man (Jon)48:21 No. 2 Ch…
…
continue reading
Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain isn’t just an Oscar-nominated screenplay. It's a strong example of character-driven storytelling, mental health representation, and emotional depth. In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, we break down the script, analyze its hidden meanings, and explore how Eisenberg crafts psychologically rich characters through his …
…
continue reading
Part 1 of our Top 10 lists for 2024. Featuring tangents on Bob Dylan, Beatles, The Brutalist. And the origin story of Luke and Jon... cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/ 00:00 Intro & The Brutalist 13:53 Jon's 10 20:02 Luke's 10 29:56 Jon's 9 33:28 Luke's 9 40:…
…
continue reading

1
The Dark Knight | Cinebums Commentary
1:03:27
1:03:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:27The Cinebums provide a much needed commentary for acclaimed feature film, The Dark Knight. cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagram Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading
This week, we’re diving into THE SUBSTANCE by Coralie Fargeat, the Academy Award-nominated satirical psychological body horror film that’s making waves with its visceral storytelling and extensive practical effects. We’ll explore how this screenplay drives readers to confront themes of aging, beauty, and perfection, all while dissecting its bold st…
…
continue reading

1
004 - Quick Cast: A Complete Unknown - Screenplay vs. Film
4:38
4:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:38This week, we’re diving deep into A Complete Unknown, the Academy Award-nominated Bob Dylan biopic by James Mangold and Jay Cocks. In this QUICKCAST episode, we break down the creative changes that took this film from script to screen. From missing scenes (remember Johnny Cash jumping into a stranger’s car?) to reimagined character moments and modi…
…
continue reading

1
003 - A Complete Unknown (Mangold & Cocks)
42:34
42:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:34This week, we're diving deep into A Complete Unknown, the stunning biopic about Bob Dylan, penned by the legendary James Mangold and Jay Cocks. Nominated for 7 Academy Awards (Best Adapted Screenplay), this script chronicles Dylan’s journey from an unknown 19-year-old in New York to his groundbreaking electric performance at the Newport Folk Festiv…
…
continue reading
This Week on The Screenplay Lab: We're diving deep into Robert Eggers' Nosferatu screenplay, a masterful reimagining of the gothic classic. Fresh off the presses, this screenplay showcases Eggers’ unique style, oscillating between lush, sprawling sentences and punchy bursts of intensity. What We’ll Cover: Robert Eggers: A modern trailblazer of psyc…
…
continue reading
A deep dive into the screenplay: Heretic by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. Dive into "Heretic," a standout script by the writers of "A Quiet Place." Known for its uniq…
…
continue reading
This is… THE SCREENPLAY LAB. My name’s Jeff Barker, and I’m a screenwriter. Join me as we analyze one screenplay at a time. I’m not talking about the film… I’m talking about the screenplay. This unique literary device creates a sensory explosion, causing the reader to make a movie in our own minds. We’re going to search for what brings the heat… Sc…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 4: Holiday Catch Up (Trip to LA, Anora, The Substance, Christmas and more!)
1:16:53
1:16:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:53The Cinebums are back from another much-needed break. We cover Jon's wild LA trip, Luke's solo Thanksgiving, Luke's appreciation for Anora, and did Jon try the "Substance"? All this & more!cinebums.comWrite to us: [email protected] us:@cinebums on InstagramLetterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/Intro & Monologue 0:00Intro 00:00Holiday…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 3: LA Shorts Fest, TRAP for Ryan Reynolds, Twisters & more!
1:54:48
1:54:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:54:48We take notes from M. Night Shyamalan to set a TRAP for Ryan Reynolds, Luke hit the red carpet at the LA Shorts Festival, Jon went on a COVID bender, and Luke has a MAJOR issue with Twisters. All this & more! https://www.cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cinebums/ Letterboxd:ht…
…
continue reading
Under the watchful eyes of two surgeons, Tari de Whitte has a change of heart. And maybe others do too. Featuring a phrase often repeated, a much-needed hug, and snap decisions. Trigger warnings: Medical discussion and procedures, drug abuse, surgery, surveillance, discussions of memory loss, fainting, discussion of death, alarms, fire, yelling, br…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 2: Maxxxine, Porn vs. Mafia, 4th of July, Wine Country & more!
1:45:50
1:45:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:45:50We saw MAXXXINE. Porn Stars vs. The Mafia! 4th of July Movie Bender!? Monkey Men? WINE?? This episode has it all. https://www.cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cinebums/ Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/ Intro 0:00 Rundown 6:14 MAXXXINE 10:00 Porn Star or Mafia GAME! …
…
continue reading
There's a timer ticking on Tari de Whitte's life and everybody knows it. And while eir survival hangs in the balance, Haven's freedom encroaches on the fate of Cair Mallplex--and Zero Zero along with it. Featuring a trip backwards in time, reckless decisions, and confessions in waiting rooms. Trigger warnings: Discussions of death, drug and alcohol…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 1: Summer Movie Catch-Up (Furiosa, Challengers, Fall Guy, Quiet on Set & more)
1:37:34
1:37:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:37:34Lots to cover in the new iteration of the Cinebums Podcast. Timestamps below. https://www.cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cinebums/ Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/ 00:00 Intro 08:26 Rundown 10:52 Everybody’s in LA 15:56 Quiet on Set 38:30 Challengers 48:08 Furiosa…
…
continue reading

1
ANNOUNCEMENT: Season 2 Finale Update and APN's official statement for a Free Palestine
4:11
4:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:11Donate to Operation Olive Branch here: https://linktr.ee/opolivebranchDonate to Palestinian's Children's Relief Fund here: https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-recovery Transcript: Hi, everyone. Eli Ramos here, creator and editor of Under the Electric Stars and Head of Aster Podcasting Network. Hello! It's been a really long time since I've tal…
…
continue reading
Title says it all! 0% luck, 0% skill, 0% concentrated power of will, 0% pleasure, and 100% pain! https://www.cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cinebums/ Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading
In this episode, we talk about movies we watch when we need to keep our mental health in check! https://www.cinebums.com Write to us: [email protected] Follow us:@cinebums on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cinebums/ Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/cinebums/
…
continue reading