PopCraft: Screenwriting

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Let's autopsy the screenplays of your favorite films and TV shows. We'll talk the craft you can learn from their concrete examples, as well as the underlying theories and philosophies behind their storytelling structures. Hosted by Carl Albert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carl Albert


    • Nov 9, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 21 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from PopCraft: Screenwriting

    Shutter Island: Open With Your Twist

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 23:42


    Sorry about the sound issues! I've been having some tech problems, but they'll be fixed for next episode. In this episode, Carl discusses the power of an opening image and just how to make a twist work.Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdACarl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/62cf0ef4d548390013d9f6d8Shutter Island Script: https://www.scriptslug.com/assets/scripts/shutter-island-2010.pdfMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Halloween (1978): Slasher Structure and Stakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 25:13


    In this episode, Carl discusses Slasher Structure and the power of suspense. Get $30 off Arc Studio Pro @ https://arcstudiopro.com/popcraftContact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdACarl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/62cf0ef4d548390013d9f6d8Halloween (1978) Script: https://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/halloween.htmlMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Rings of Power vs House of the Dragon: Pilot Episodes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 44:12


    In this episode, Carl introduces the new PopCraft Versus segment and talks about how Lord of the Rings: the Rings of Power and House of the Dragon compare using the MICE Quotient.Get $30 off Arc Studio Pro @ https://arcstudiopro.com/popcraftContact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdACarl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/62cf0ef4d548390013d9f6d8Main song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Everything Everywhere All At Once: 3 Act Structure and Unlikeable Protagonists

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 61:02


    In the season 2 premiere, Carl and Naomi Beaty discuss unlikeable protagonists and how Everything Everywhere All At Once grounds the viewer's experience with a traditional 3 Act Structure.Get $30 off Arc Studio Pro @ https://arcstudiopro.com/popcraftContact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdACarl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/62cf0ef4d548390013d9f6d8The Screenplay Outline Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Screenplay-Outline-Workbook-step-step/dp/0578299313/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UGYZOMI49S32&keywords=the+script+outline+workbook&qid=1664304415&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjIzIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=the+script+outline+workboo%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1Naomi's Twitter: https://twitter.com/naomibeaty?lang=enNaomi's website: https://writeandco.com/Main song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Spider-Man: Adaptational Approaches and the Power of Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 78:58


    In the season finale, Carl and Austin talk about the different ways filmmakers have approached Spider-Man and why they made the decisions they did.Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdACarl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Arcane: Seeding Structures

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 59:17


    In this episode, the holy trinity of C's -- Carl, Chasey and Caroline -- reunite to talk the (un)usual structure of Arcane Season 1. What worked, what didn't, and why is Carl such a hater?Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdACarl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Caroline's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/carolineputs/Chasey's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/chaseyridgley/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PopThoughts: What's in an Adaptation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2022 23:34


    In this episode, Carl argues that adaptations should be considered separately from their source material.Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Witcher: The Difference Between Mystery and Vaguery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2022 48:08


    In this episode, Carl and Luke talk THE WITCHER 2x01, how mystery and suspense work in tandem, and the mistake of being too vague.Full season 2 spoilers start 31:45 and end 43:45.Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Deep Dive into Plants and Payoffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 35:14


    In this episode, Carl dives deep into the different kinds of plants and payoffs in storytelling. Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Succession: Character-Driven Pilots and Procedurals

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2021 63:06


    In this episode, Carl and Chasey Ridgley talk the best show on TV -- SUCCESSION -- and what it has in common with procedurals. Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    acast succession pilots enwebsite character driven procedurals
    The Wheel of Time: When Is Fridging Not Fridging?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2021 59:43


    In this episode, Carl and his red-headed Aiel siblings Luke and Kathryn talk the new hit fantasy series, THE WHEEL OF TIME. Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comThe Wheel of Time on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F5KBXB6/?ref=DVM_US_DL_SL_GO_AST_21WOFT_mkw_sDXCEeW7j-dc&mrntrk=pcrid_556441649179_slid__pgrid_135825739664_pgeo_1013962_x__ptid_kwd-1454651084322&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhf2MBhDNARIsAKXU5GS5Zr1IZ8KXwzK5xWjK-bcnxxRh5gHZ2gtiyh6qtS3m_9ZAPNH2Z1MaAojeEALw_wcBMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Intolerable Cruelty: Melodrama Is Good, Actually

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2021 46:35


    In this episode, Carl brings on Intolerable Cruelty's writer Robert Ramsey to talk melodrama,  noir, and the Coen Bros. Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dune (2021): Character Arcs and Active Protagonists

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2021 70:40


    In this episode, Carl brings on two fellow screenwriters and USC alums, Caroline Puts and Chasey Ridgley, to talk about the good, the bad, and the Duncan Idaho of Dune: Part 1. Contact Carl @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dune (2021): Adapting the Unadaptable

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 39:23


    In this episode, Carl breaks down how Dune shares exposition and adapts the first part of a so-called unadaptable novel.Contact me @ popcraftpodcast@gmail.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Parasite: Staircase Structure and Subverting Your Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2021 57:00


    In this episode, Carl brings on Namir Khaliq from Imagine Entertainment to talk about midpoints, story structures, subversion, and how Parasite remains utterly traditional.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcraftscreenwriting?lang=enWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comParasite Script: https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/parasite-script.pdfMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Midnight Mass: Monologues and Main Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2021 49:33


    In this episode, Carl brings on fellow screenwriter/podcaster Al Horner to discuss who the real main character of Midnight Mass is and why Mike Flanagan gets away with subversive storytelling. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comAl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Al_HornerScript Apart: https://www.scriptapart.com/ Main song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PopThoughts: This Movie Is Objectively Bad

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 32:00


    In this episode, Carl discusses how writing can be both a craft and subjective at the same time. He also loses his mind. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comInto The Woods by John Yorke: https://www.amazon.com/Into-Woods-Five-Act-Journey-Story/dp/1468310941Main song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Haunting of Hill House: Terror, Trauma, and Timelines

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 59:08


    In this episode, Carl and Hannah talk scares, suspense, heartbreak, and how to make multiple timelines more than a gimmick.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comHannah's Twitter: https://twitter.com/normalsexylady?lang=enHannah's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahceselski?lang=enHaunting Pilot:  http://leethomson.myzen.co.uk/The_Haunting_1x01_-_Steven_Sees_A_Ghost.pdfMain song from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Empire Strikes Back: Plot Your Character Arc

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 57:42


    In this episode, Carl brings on the show's first guest, Hannah Ceselski, to talk romance, character arcs, and fuck-off hermits. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.comHannah's Twitter: https://twitter.com/normalsexylady?lang=enHannah's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahceselski?lang=enKasdan 4th Draft: http://www.scifiscripts.com/scripts/esb_4th.txt"Actionable" from bensound.com. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Return of the Jedi: 3 Act Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 39:02


    In this episode, Carl explains Hollywood's 3 Act Structure and how Star Wars fits into it.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q3e3WHdAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.com3 Act Structure: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-act_structure#/media/File:Three-act_structure.svg"Actionable" from bensound.com. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Star Wars: The Hero's Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 42:49


    In this introductory episode, Carl corrects misconceptions about the Hero's Journey and connects it to Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwritingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldalbert/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopCraftWebsite: https://popcraftscreenwriting.buzzsprout.com"Actionable" from bensound.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/popcraftscreenwriting) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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