On Screen/Writing

'Real Steel 2': Lessons from My Screenplay Pitch

Thirteen years ago, I was asked to develop a sequel take for Hugh Jackman's robot boxing family film...so, let's see what screenwriters can learn from…

Jan 14 • Cole Haddon

8 Essential Questions to Help You Write Your Character-Driven Screenplay

Nail your next script by asking the right character questions before you even start outlining

Jan 7 • Cole Haddon

30 '90s Thriller Scripts to Download and Study

5AM StoryTalk has curated a tour through the most thrilling feature scripts from the end of the 20th century for you to learn from

Dec 17, 2025 • Cole Haddon

Bonus Episode: Cinco Paul Talks 'It's a Wonderful Life'

The 'Schmigadoon!' creator breaks down his favorite scene from one of his favorite films - the Christmas classic, 'It's a Wonderful Life'

Dec 3, 2025

32:14

Screenwriter Cinco Paul Keeps Gambling on Himself

Listen now | Sure, he’d conquered the animation world – including writing three ‘Despicable Me’ films – but he wanted more. This is how the…

Dec 1, 2025

57:28

Bonus Episode: Ben Lee Talks Donald Barthelme's 'The Balloon'

The Australian musician breaks down a foundational piece of art from his life - the iconic 1966 short story 'The Balloon' from Donald Barthelme

Nov 26, 2025 • Ben Lee

21:53

Comic Book Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick Is Still Working on Her Big Third Act

A sprawling conversation about the joys of art, the perils of middle age as an artist, and the need to question everything, including your own creative…

Nov 12, 2025 • Cole Haddon and Kelly Sue DeConnick

Don't Save the Cat...Put It in the Blender!

The screenwriting guide 'Save the Cat' has catastrophically harmed American cinema and the moviegoing experience in the 21st century - but I have a…

Nov 10, 2025 • Cole Haddon

14:50

Resource: 10 Essential Director Interviews from 5AM StoryTalk

What can you learn about cinematic storytelling from these intimate, in-depth conversations with masters of their craft? Spoiler: a lot

Nov 8, 2025 • Cole Haddon

Bonus Episode: Scott Derrickson Talks 'Suspiria'

The horror maestro behind the 'Black Phone' films breaks down a seminal piece of art from his life - 'Suspiria', the 1977 classic from another horror…

Oct 22, 2025

25:04

Director Scott Derrickson Isn't Afraid Anymore

Listen now | The filmmaker behind 'Sinister', 'Doctor Strange', and, most recently, 'Black Phone 2' sits down with me for what might be his most candid…

Oct 20, 2025

1:00:27

125 Horror Scripts to Download and Study

Yes, you read that correctly: 125! 5AM StoryTalk takes you on an epic journey through a century of cinematic horror history to help your screenwriting…

Oct 18, 2025 • Cole Haddon

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