From Script to Setback

Lights, camera, message us. In this episode of Behind the Slate, Jules and Devon dive into one of the most overlooked elements of filmmaking — sound. From the subtle hum of ambience that builds tension to the perfectly timed cue that sparks emotion, sound design can make or break a story. 

Lights, camera, message us. This week on Behind the Slate, Jules and Devon dive into the projects that didn’t go according to plan. From busted shoots and broken gear to lost funding and creative clashes, they unpack the real stories behind filmmaking failures — and how those moments can shape better creators. Honest, funny, and painfully relatable, this episode reminds us that every setback is just another step in the story. 

Lights, camera, message us.This week on Behind the Slate, Jules and Devon crack open Michael Donovan Horn’s Bone Face, a chilling slasher script that drags us deep into the woods of Camp Marigold. What starts as a farewell party for a counselor spirals into blood-soaked terror when the urban legend of Bone Face steps out of the shadows.We break down what makes this script tick, from its classic slasher DNA to its clever twists that keep audiences guessing who’s really behind the mask. Along the way, we discuss the legacy of campfire horror, the balance between homage and originality, and why the final act subverts the slasher formula.

Lights, camera, message us.Before the dialogue, before the soundtracks, there was silence—and yet cinema spoke volumes. In this episode of Behind the Slate, Jules and Devon journey back to the era of Chaplin, Keaton, and Murnau to uncover how the earliest filmmakers crafted stories that still shape the way movies are made today.From expressive performances and groundbreaking camera work to the editing techniques that defined visual storytelling, we break down the silent film innovations that echo through modern blockbusters and indie gems alike. Whether it’s the raw tension of A Quiet Place or the breathtaking visuals of Mad Max: Fury Road, the silent era’s fingerprints are everywhere.🎧 Join us as we explore the artistry of silence—and why its influence will never fade.

Lights, camera, message us.In this episode of Behind the Slate, Jules and Devon break down Gianna Lutz and Andrew Evans’ indie horror The Texas Witch. Set in Jacksonville Forest, the story blends campfire folklore with modern fear—missing people, grief, clout-chasing YouTubers, and the chilling legend of Emily Covington.We unpack what makes the script tick: its sharp pacing, grounded dialogue, and layered character arcs. Plus, we dive into exclusive Q&A insights from the filmmakers—why they chose to root the legend in real Texas history, how they balanced practical and CGI gore, and why the ending has audiences asking: did Piper survive, or did she become the witch herself?If you love horror that feels real, messy, and unforgettable, this episode will keep you out of the woods for good.

Lights, camera, message us. Jules Mercer and Devon Pierce get candid about writing your very first screenplay, using Buster and Kilo as a case study. From overstuffed characters and tone confusion to pacing missteps and clunky dialogue, they break down the traps every beginner falls into—and why finishing that “messy first script” is actually the most important step. With laughs, lessons, and encouragement not to give up, this episode is a must-listen for anyone staring at page one of their own story. Support the show

Lights, camera, message us. Jules Mercer and Devon Pierce pull back the curtain on Ripper, the original crime thriller series in development at Playtime Studio. In this episode, they dig into the hidden easter eggs sprinkled throughout the scripts — from detectives to victims — where names aren’t random at all but carefully chosen nods, some lifted from real history, others invented to build a deeper mythology. The hosts explore how small details like character names can carry weight, foreshadow twists, and reward sharp-eyed viewers. Along the way, they discuss the balance between homage and originality, tease what’s ahead for the series, and share how these choices tie into Playtime Studio’s storytelling philosophy. Support the show

Lights, camera, message us. Jules Mercer and Devon Pierce wander into the haunting quiet of Alone – Fragments of a Lost World. With barely a word spoken, this short film explores isolation, memory, and what remains after everything falls apart. The hosts break down its striking visuals, meditative pacing, and eerie use of sound, while debating whether it’s a story of survival or a metaphor for grief. Support the show

Lights, camera, message us. Jules Mercer and Devon Pierce crack open the chilling two-minute short film Alive, based on the viral two-sentence horror story about waking to the sound of hammering—only to realize you’re inside a coffin. They explore how such a tiny concept packs such massive dread, break down the film’s pacing, sound design, and gut-punch ending, and imagine alternate takes that could make it even more terrifying. Support the show

Lights, camera, message us. Jules Mercer and Devon Pierce take listeners deep into the eerie, small-town chaos of The Coming. From its slow-burn tension to its unsettling final reveal, they unpack the script’s mix of romance, dread, and creeping alien menace. Along the way, they imagine the perfect casting, explore how to capture its atmosphere on screen, and debate whether its ending should leave the audience in shock… or total silence. Support the show