Screenplayers

About Screenplayers

a podcast reimagining cinema's most iconic scenes focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com/s/screenplayers?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Ellis Barthorpe & Gareth Bradwick read and reimagine iconic movie scenes

Category

arts · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

21 Jan 2026

Latest episode

22 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Apr 2026

   THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING - THE FORMING OF THE FELLOWSHIP

   Strangers from distant lands, subscribers of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Screenplayers. As we reach our Season 1 finale, the time seemed fitting to bring to life one of the greatest pieces of fantasy script ever put to film. In a trilogy still beloved 25 years after its release, and with the threat of more sequels, prequels and spinoffs looming, we would not be forgiven should our season not end with a scene from Lord of the Rings. Enter the Fellowship: Elves, Dwarves, Wizards, Sean Beans and Hobbits, all volunteering themselves to protect a ring on its quest to be destroyed in the fiery pits of Mount Doom. Throughout our first season, we’ve really turned our hand to any role that’s come our way. Gareth’s astutely English Emily Blunt; Ellis’ passionately yelled Al Pacino; and of course no two friends will ever be the same when one of them has faked an orgasm in front of the other. So we needed a scene in which impressions were plentiful, and characters were rich. So be it…Ellis would take on Boromir, Legolas, Elrond, Frodo & Merry, whilst Gareth would voice Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, Samwise & Pippin. They shall be The Fellowship of the Ring. If you wish to embark on this quest yourself and read along with the episode, then hit this link (https://thescriptsavant.com/movies/The_Lord_Of_The_Rings.pdf) and scroll to page 96 of the script written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson. And so our first season comes to an end. We have loved every second of recording these episodes, and honestly the positive response has been amazing. Thanks so much to everyone that’s joined us, and rest assured our second season will be with you in no time. As it’s our second season, it felt like the only time to bring you a collection of episodes that contained iconic scenes from iconic movie sequels. Expect T2’s, Shrek 2’s & Bad Boys 2’s, as we the Screenplayers get our very own sequel. If you’ve enjoyed, and can’t wait for Season 2 to begin, please hit subscribe to make sure you don’t miss out! One does not simply walk into Season 2…one must get some more scripts together and attempt some terrible impressions first. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   11 Apr 2026

   FROZEN - FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER (REPRISE)

   It was only a matter of time before we turned our snow-powered hands to a musical scene, and here it is with our first dive into the Disney archives for a scene where Elsa and Anna butt heads in the modern day classic: Frozen. Perhaps not the most famous scene from the film, the reprise of First Time in Forever takes the classic second-act conflict and gives it a helping of Disney magic. The tough task then, is recreating those breathtaking vocals; made even tougher by the fact we definitely can’t afford the big Disney dollar, so brace yourself for a legal minefield when we get to the singing section of the scene. Gareth plays Elsa, Ellis plays Anna - just what we’ve always dreamed of! Plus there’s a tiny helping of Olaf in there too. The scene has all the Frozen goodness you could need, but with just a little more cynicism, and a lot less snow. If you want to read (and sing) along with the episode, or take your own look at Jennifer Lee’s magical script, then hit this link (https://assets.scriptslug.com/live/pdf/scripts/frozen-2013.pdf?v=1729114913) and scroll to 65. Enjoy the episode? Thanks so much for listening, and putting yourself through our obnoxious Disney Princess voices. Please hit that subscribe button to be notified on all of our upcoming script reads, including our Season 1 finale which is a recreation of an iconic scene from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Season 2 will fast approach, so please send us any scene suggestions that you’d like to hear us recreate. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   30 Mar 2026

   ALIEN - THE CHESTBUSTER AT DINNER

   It’s been a little under fifty years since the Xenomorph first leapt onto our screens in Ridley Scott’s Alien. And still now we feel the impact of that huge sci fi epic and the (mostly good) sequels that followed. A scene that literally got under the skin of everyone upon first viewing is the moment where Kane finds himself inhabiting a new friend in his stomach; it makes an unexpected appearance and leaves John Hurt’s Kane lying across the lunch table in its wake. In this episode of Screenplayers, we bring the chaotic scene to life via podcast. There’s so many members of the crew it’s occasionally hard to keep up, but through grotesque sound effects and a pacy reading of stage directions we think we’ve captured some of the tension caught by Weaver and co in 1979. If you want to read along with Dan O’Bannon’s iconic script, then hit this link (https://www.avpgalaxy.net/files/scripts/alien-script-june-1978.pdf) and scroll to document page 60. Enjoy the episode? Thanks so much for listening, we’d advise locking the hatch and not giving any aliens a cuddle, unless they’re big fans of movie podcasts, in which case let them in. We’ve got two episodes left to come this season, and we’d love to hear your scene suggestions ready for Season 2. Comment below with your suggestions and please hit that subscribe button to be notified on all of our upcoming script reads. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   19 Mar 2026

   THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA - ANDY'S INTERVIEW

   We’re fast approaching the release of The Devil Wears Prada sequel, and whilst we can only hope for great things from the long awaited second film, we can revisit the original whenever we want. One of the best in its genre, with stalwart performances and strength in both direction and screenplay. Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci and of course Her Royal Majesty Queen Meryl Streep. In the latest episode of Screenplayers we try our best to bring these actors portrayals to life, opting for impressions instead of our own interpretations. After all, why change perfection. The harsh, downplayed Miranda, the eccentric Nigel and constant battle of personality between Andy & Emily. There’s havoc, glam and mind games around every corner, and in this scene specifically we see the energy surrounding Miranda for the first time. It takes a while to get this one moving, with Gareth’s cat desperate for a supporting role in the script read, but when it does get moving, it’s punchy and lots of fun. If you want to read along with Aline Brosh McKenna’s glamorous script, then hit this link (https://johnaugust.com/Assets/DEVIL_WEARS_PRADA_Full_Script.pdf) and scroll to 19. Enjoy the episode? Thanks so much for listening, we’d advise tucking that shirt in and getting a nice pair of heels…who are we kidding, put your comfies on and find a pair of slippers. We’ve got three episodes left to come this season, and we’d love to hear your scene suggestions ready for Season 2. Comment below with your suggestions and please hit that subscribe button to be notified on all of our upcoming script reads. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   7 Mar 2026

   SCREAM - THE OPENING PHONE CALL

   In the week that saw yet another Scream sequel hit the big screen, we’re thinking about how it all started, with Drew Barrymore on the phone answering questions about scary movies. The windows are curtainless, the popcorn is popped and the night is eery, as Ghostface looms, waiting to make his original kill. That Ghostface voice changer is iconic. The original voice was provided by Roger L. Jackson who continues to provide the voice in 2026. We had no chance of getting anywhere close to his level of esteemed voice performance, but we have given it a good go, adding a voice effect to Ellis’ performance to make Gareth’s Barrymore even more scared. By the end of the episode, we turn the phone call in to a game show and Gareth brings a children’s storytime feel to the final moments. It’s a visceral scene on screen and on paper, and we try our best to bring it to life here. If you want to read along with Kevin Williamson’s fear-tastic script, then hit this link (https://cemp.ac.uk/scriptzone/script.php?type=download&id=524) and start from the beginning. Enjoy the episode? Thanks so much for listening, we’d advise closing those curtains and not picking up any strange phone calls tonight. We’ve got four episodes left to come this season, and we’d love to hear your scene suggestions. Comment below with your suggestions and please hit that subscribe button to be notified on all of our upcoming script reads. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   26 Feb 2026

   TOY STORY - "YOU ARE A TOY"

   Seeking refuge beneath a large truck at a gas station, Woody and Buzz are still yet to find that friendship they’re so well known for today. Two of the most iconic voice performances of all time: Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, are shown off at their best when the 15 inch tall characters roll around and yell at one another before finding their way to Pizza Planet. We share that sarcastic (but full of love) tone in our own friendship too, and so it seemed fitting to lend our voices to two of the most beloved characters put to film, as Gareth voices Buzz, and Ellis voices Woody. It’s a wholesome one people! If you want to read along with the episode, or take your own look at this collaborative Pixar script, then hit this link (https://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/toy_story.html) and scroll down to the scene. Enjoy the episode? Thanks so much for listening. We’ve got five new episodes coming your way soon, but feel we’d love to hear what scenes you’d like us to recreate. Please hit that subscribe button to be notified on all of our upcoming script reads. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   17 Feb 2026

   THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS - DR LECTER'S CELL

   All that sits between them is a few panes of glass, and yet it feels like Hannibal Lecter could jump through and grab Clarice at any moment. The level of tension achieved in the most iconic scene from Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs is in most part down to the undeniable performances from both Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster. It elevated both of their careers and still to this day each are one of their biggest and best roles on film. These new podcast episodes work best when the scene is a two hander, and we’ve figured that bringing a lighter shade to an otherwise very dark scene is necessary. We definitely do that here as Gareth plays the doctor like you’ve never heard him before, and Ellis plays Clarice Starling with little nuance and a lot of caricature. Impressions galore and a dive into the script’s intricate detail afterwards. If you want to read along with the episode, or take your own look at Ted Tally’s script, then hit this link (https://imsdb.com/scripts/Silence-of-the-Lambs.html) and scroll down to the scene. Enjoy the episode? Thanks so much for listening. Next up we’ve got a Toy Story episode coming your way. Fell free to let us know what scenes you’d like to hear us recreate next. Please hit that subscribe button to be notified on all of our upcoming script reads. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   10 Feb 2026

   WHEN HARRY MET SALLY - THE DINER SCENE

   Oh would you look at that, it’s a When Harry Met Sally episode just in time for Valentines Day. When Ellis met Gareth, neither of them imagined they’d be recreating the iconic orgasm scene from this 80’s romcom. Nonetheless, it is one of our absolute favourites and a blueprint for success in romantic cinema, we were going to recreate at some point. Can we recreate the undeniable sexual tension between the two, in a way that Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal did so seamlessly? Not likely, but one of us performs the fake orgasm and it’s spectacular (and awkward), as it probably should be. In the episode, we discuss the Silence of the Lambs and Toy Story episodes that we recorded before this one. There’s a sneak peak to the next two episodes coming your way. If you want to read along with the episode, or take your own look at Nora Ephron’s iconic script, then hit this link (https://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/whenharrymesally.pdf) and scroll to 67. Enjoy the episode? Thanks so much for listening. Please hit that subscribe button to be notified on all of our upcoming script reads. Let us know what scenes you’d like to hear us recreate next.Plus, we’re always adding more written content to the blog too, so feel free to dive into our page and get reading. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   28 Jan 2026

   JURASSIC PARK - THE T-REX ESCAPES THE PADDOCK

   Few have managed to create iconic family cinema like Steven Spielberg, and one of his mega hits is riotous, tense, dino-horror classic Jurassic Park. Split across two Jeeps (and a toilet), the film’s best scene sees the characters of the first Jurassic epic working together to escape the grips of Rexy. So the challenge for us then, was not only to recreate the gruff panic in the voice of Sam Neill, or the unpredictable rhythmic patterns in Jeff Goldblum’s poetic patter, or the high pitched voices of the child actors. But also to bring Rexy to life in a way that Spielberg and co could only dream of… If you want to read along with the episode, or take your own look at David Koepp’s iconic script, then hit this link (https://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/jurassicpark_script_final_12_92.html) and scroll to 58. Enjoy the episode? Thanks so much for listening. Please hit that subscribe button to be notified on all of our upcoming script reads. Let us know what scenes you’d like to hear us recreate next.Plus, we’re always adding more written content to the blog too, so feel free to dive into our page and get reading. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    21 Jan 2026

    HEAT - THE DINER SCENE

    In 1995, director Michael Mann brought together legendary crime actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro for a character piece that had, at its centre, a legendary diner scene. With a bottle of Tomato Ketchup between them, and the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant soundtracking the scene, we watch Neil and Hanna go toe to toe with one another, in a conversation containing mutual respect. But would the scene be better with semi-decent impressions at its centre? Ellis plays Pacino, bringing the rough, shouty, aggressive version of Al that’s more “hoo-hah” than disciplined LAPD detective. Gareth plays De Niro, and like any good De Niro impression is driven by the faces he pulls. Do we grasp the shared confessional feeling the script evokes, and do we give better performances than the Oscar winners (we don’t)? Hit play and find out. If you want to read along with the episode, or take your own look at Michael Mann’s fantastic writing in the diner scene, then hit this link (https://theactorsplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Heat-The-Diner-Scene.pdf). Did you enjoy? There’s plenty more where that came from. We’ve got episodes coming your way where we read iconic scripts from Jurassic Park, When Harry met Sally and more! Disclaimer: we mention this episode being filmed, it was, though we recorded it a while back, and seem to have misplaced the video version. Get in touch below if you’d like to see video versions of future episodes This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit focusentertainment.substack.com (https://focusentertainment.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.