iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Tix are going fast for Sun's NO NOTES show! Starring Yvonne Orji, Shabana Azeez, @kirakosarin.bsky.social Justin Kirk, Molly Quinn, Cooper Tomlinson, Langston Kerman, Logan Miller + more great folks! @kashana.blacksky.app Attend live or stream anywhere: calendar.dynastytypewriter.com/shows/no-not...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

PLUS! The cast of the 7/19 NO NOTES show revealed! Scripts by @edeneats.bsky.social & @daleyhaggar.bsky.social + @kashana.blacksky.app starring Yvonne Orji, Shabana Azeez (Dr J!), Langston Kerman, @kirakosarin.bsky.social Molly Quinn + more! Tix: calendar.dynastytypewriter.com/shows/no-not...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

In today's Re:Writing, I urge you new writers with strong feature scripts to enter them into the Nicholl Fellowship. You can do it via the @wgfoundation.bsky.social and it's well worth your effort. Read about it here: benblacker.substack.com/p/submit

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

SUPERGIRL is a good time! Milly Alcock pops, the emotional stuff works, we 💙 Krypto + ANA NOGUEIRA wrote a strong script. In today's pod, Ana talks pitching OWAs, setting a reasonable goal, the Westerns that inspired Supergirl, the core of Kara Zor-El + more. benblacker.substack.com/p/ana-noguei...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

New Writers Panel today with @kitboylan.bsky.social! Christine talks running seasons 2 + 3 of Avatar, the Stoppard quote that taught her structure, the real world seeping into a fantasy series, her nerd credentials, the "Empire Strikes Back" season + more. benblacker.substack.com/p/christine-...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Sun July 19 is NO NOTES in which great pilots FOR SALE by pro writers are rewritten for the stage, we add some production value + cast brilliant actors you love. Scripts by @kashana.blacksky.app and @edeneats.bsky.social + @daleyhaggar.bsky.social. Tix: calendar.dynastytypewriter.com/shows/no-not...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

In today's Writers Panel, @owendennis.com returns to talk about AMONG US, conveying tone, discovering theme, deconstructing tropes, dueling arcs, the line from Star Wars that unlocked everything + more. Listen: benblacker.substack.com/p/owen-denni...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

PLUS: @bnacker.bsky.social + my show about the making of the disastrous Spider-man musical is THIS SATURDAY in LA + streaming everywhere! Starring Randall Park, Melissa Benoist, Iman Vellani (Ms Marvel!), Ben Feldman, Gabriel Luna, Alan Ruck, Mireille Enos + more! www.squadup.com/events/spect...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

In today's Writers Panel, @iandeitchman.bsky.social & Kristin Robinson discuss telling emotionally driven stories, resurrecting a decade-old pilot as their new show, how the writers' strike benefited the show, how they run their room + more! benblacker.substack.com/p/ian-deitch...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

And don't miss my show on 5/16 in LA + streaming everywhere! It's a pilot about the making of the ill-fated Spider-man musical. Starring Ben Feldman, Melissa Benoist, Iman Vellani, Randall Park, Gabriel Luna, Alan Ruck, Mireille Enos, and more! Details here: benblacker.substack.com/p/matthew-ro...

Parody of a famous Spider-man cover with the cast's faces replacing the Spider-man supporting cast. Drawn by artist Matt Haley!

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Had a great chat with @ashcanpress.com for today's Writers Panel pod. We discuss Matthew co-writing with his brother, comics as a "dirtbag medium," the upcoming 4 Kids... film adaptation, story problems presented by an animatronic Abraham Lincoln + more. benblacker.substack.com/p/matthew-ro...

Illustration of animatronic Abraham Lincoln from If Destruction Be Our Lot comic

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

We really love this script. Others are getting involved because they do to. @adamblau.bsky.social is going to live score the show. Liz is going to create some puppetry to convey key scenes. It's really going to be a blast. Attend or stream live/on demand for 2 weeks: www.squadup.com/events/spect...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

This cast's enthusiasm makes it clear to me that everyone just wants to MAKE STUFF. It's why we got into this business. I can't afford to make short films (though trying that too). I do know how to put on a fun live show that feels like being in The Muppet Show. www.squadup.com/events/spect...

Kermit the Frog as Spider-man in a Marvel variant cover by Paco Medina

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Posting this amazing poster by Matt Haley many times. It's a knockout. So is the cast! Ben Feldman, Randall Park, Iman Vellani (Miss Marvel!), Gabriel Luna, Alan Ruck (Cameron!), Mireille Enos, Melissa Benoist (Supergirl!), @electrolemon.bsky.social + more! www.squadup.com/events/spect...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Starting with a favorite script that I wrote with @bnacker.bsky.social +Liz Hara called SPECTACULAR. It's about the making of the comically disastrous Spider-man musical, Turn Off the Dark. It's Sat May 16 at Dynasty Typewriter Theater in LA and streaming everywhere: www.squadup.com/events/spect...

Play poster that riffs on a classic Spider-man comic book cover, featuring the cast of the live show.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

I'm starting this new live series called NO NOTES. Something more than a table read, something less than a play. There are so many great scripts out there that deserve to live. So I'm producing + directing them w some production value, killer casts, writers re-writing for the stage.

Behind the scenes footage of the three Spider-man actors goofing around and Tobey Maguire dancing. They love being Spider-man!

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Last year was a frustrating one to be working in this industry. Felt like nothing was getting done. I've been tired, past few years, of writing scripts that didn't get the exposure I thought they deserved bc of fear/risk aversion/ hedging by reps + buyers. So, I decided to do something about it.

Gif of Tom Holland Spider-man summoning his remaining strength and will to lift a fallen building off of himself.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

In today's Re:Writing newsletter, @jeremyslater.bsky.social gives some truly excellent advice about knowing your audience, how to keep working in a mercurial business, empty white space + more. Ask Jeremy YOUR q's this Sun at our live Zoom Q&A! Details: benblacker.substack.com/p/6-question...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

PLUS: Today's newsletter contains a save-the-date for our live Q&A with @jeremyslater.bsky.social (Umbrella Academy; Mortal Kombat II)! AND a hint at a very exciting live show I'm putting on next month... benblacker.substack.com/p/chandler-l...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Loved chatting with Chandler Levack (Mile End Kicks; Roomates) for today's Writers Panel. We discuss how her first script became her second movie, revisiting Mile End Kicks after shooting I Like Movies, loving stage directions, music in movies, and lots more. benblacker.substack.com/p/chandler-l...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

In today's Writers Panel, @bdgrabinski.bsky.social talks about MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE and the current of his career, runs of bad luck, runs of good luck, SCOTT PILGRIM, perseverance, tips for writing an easy-to-read script, making hamburgers + more. benblacker.substack.com/p/bendavid-g...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Hello! I haven't been to New Orleans since 2019. Any new places to eat and drink I should check out when I go next week?

A vieux carre cocktail with an orange twist.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

In today's Writers Panel, @rachelshukert.bsky.social returns to discuss her post-Baby-Sitters Club life, relearning to write to act breaks, why mysteries are so hard to crack, finding the heart of The Burbs, dreams of the Golden Girls house + more. Listen: benblacker.substack.com/p/rachel-shu...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

In today's Writers Panel, I sample Star Trek! STARFLEET ACADEMY showrunners Alex Kurtzman (Picard) + Noga Landau (Nancy Drew) discuss what they look for in a collaborator, story from the inside out, learning storytelling through Trek + more. benblacker.substack.com/p/star-trek-...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

In today's Re:Writing, THE CONJURING writers The Hayes Brothers answer my 6 Questions about research, not making a plan B, their new writer-friendly evaluation tool, what they're suckers for in a script +more. Ask your Qs this Sunday in our live Zoom Q&A! benblacker.substack.com/p/6-question...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

A good one in today's Writers Panel pod. PONIES creators @davidiserson.bsky.social & Susanna Fogel on going from The Spy Who Dumped Me eight years ago to Ponies, comedy with stakes, American culture through a funhouse mirror, why pitching is a scam + more. Listen: benblacker.substack.com/p/ponies

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

In today's Writers Panel pod, I talk to PLURIBUS writer/director/EP Gordon Smith about the origins of the show, what gives it legs, story as algorithm, a non-mystery mystery, parsing notes, getting sand in your eyes + lots more. Listen: benblacker.substack.com/p/gordon-smi...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

In today's Re:Writing newsletter, I wrote a post about goals (for your characters, but maybe they apply to you too?). Used three of my 2025 favorites by way of example, and there's some good advice in here too from David Goyer, @malcolmspellman.bsky.social + more. benblacker.substack.com/p/goal-post

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

And of course the conclusion to the romantic story that was bobbing throughout this episode is completely sold by the look SMG gives in the very last moment. The degree to which SMG is smitten with Buffy being smitten with Angel almost sells me on Angel as a character. Almost.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Also! They're starting to populate the world a bit, which is really fun. We see Danny Strong's Jonathan for the second time in this episode, being a today for Cordelia. And we got Oz in the previous episode. When the producers fall in love with an actor, they really let them play.

Jonathan being threatened by the Inca Mummy Girl

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Small character moments in this one really shine. Willow getting flustered about Buffy lying to Giles, and later dressing down both Giles + Angel, is excellent. There's a killer line read from Charisma Carpenter that follows this gif. When Buffy replies w reticence, she replies, "Me too. Let's go!"

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

The strongest episodes are the ones in which the emotional story's climax coincides with the plot climax. That doesn't happen here. Character story culminates with Angel showing up to rescue Buffy- going into vampface; after that it's just (anti-climactically) fighting frat boys and a lizard guy.

Brooding Angel telling Buffy he can't get a coffee with her.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

205 "Reptile Boy" is a strong episode. Writer/director David Greenwalt spends a lot of time with the characters while the plot inches along, which makes it all bit plodding, but Greenwalt's strength is in the group and their dynamics.

Buffy and Xander on the bed behind Willow. They're all watching a movie and doing Willow's hair. It's a sleep over.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

And SMG is truly excellent in both of these episodes, even in more of a supporting role in “Mummy Girl.” The moments she has shine. She hears the music, delivers every line with intention. And Buffy and Giles together are always brilliant scenes. The two strongest actors in the show, at this point.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

The “World Costume Dance” is WILDLY problematic. But Willow in her Inuit parka is absolutely perfect for her character. And the introduction of Oz, playing different rhythms to the rest of the cast in the best way, noticing “that girl” in her costume is adorable.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

The ep has a lot of interesting story + thematic strands. Buffy + Empata both being denied normal lives is great. Willow working out her Xander crush is charming (“I haven’t picked one yet” is both hilarious and so real). But the plotting is dodgy. Feels like a LOT of ADR + too much air in general.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

I’ve got a lot of time for 204 “Inca Mummy Girl.” I liked when the show tried “their take” on classic monsters. They did Frankenstein (“Some Assembly Required”), Invisible Man (“Out of Sight…”); this is their go at The Mummy. Making her a teen, having her fall for Xander, are good ways in.

Xander dressed as Clint Eastwood and the mummy girl dressed as herself at the costume party

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

It had not occurred to me until THIS MINUTE that the title is meant to evoke “Die Hard.” Because that last third takes place entirely in the school. I guess that’s funny?

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

And of course Spike is a perfect villain for the series. While the Master had an element of camp, Spike is funny and scary and chaotic and, well, cool. Young. (For a vampire) And the series was always about youth.

Spike in vamp-face smoking a cigarette. Because he can. He’s a vampire. And it’s cool.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

203 “School Hard” is the first A+ ep of the series. The disparate elements click in unison. The writers start hitting “Buffy just wants to be normal” hard this season, firmly defining the character’s ultimate (relatable) goal. Jokes are sharp. Parent-teacher night a perfect thematic horror backdrop

Xander, Buffy, and Willow try to study at the Bronze.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

A huge lesson I took from Buffy for my own writing is that everyone has their own story. Supporting characters are so strongly developed, especially by season 2. And the apply what they’ve learned about writing them to new characters too. Even the monsters aren’t always such monsters.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

“Some Assembly Required” is a strong episode that is mostly forgotten about. Feels like a solid season 1 ep but the jokes, characterization, dialogue + plotting is sharper. Good direction throughout. The Giles/Ms Calendar stuff is charming, and this dynamic is very funny without being overplayed:

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Last Writers Panel of the year is a great one. Writer/director CRAIG BREWER (Song Sung Blue; Hustle & Flow) on dreamers, making a narrative out of a documentary, non-musical musicals, the beauty of “Save As,” the Faustian bargain of making art + lots more benblacker.substack.com/p/craig-brew...

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

We went hard for Morton & Hayes, a 6 ep series starring Kevin Pollak about an early film comedy duo. Reiner, Guest, McKean, etc made these short homages to Abbott and Costello type comedy shorts. It knocked us out.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

My friends and I were obsessed with Reiner in high school. We were feelings-boys (like him, we thought), so it wasn’t Tap but The Sure Thing, WHMS…, Stand by Me, Princess Bride. And when we found out his company produced Seinfeld? Fans for life. We became fans of Castle Rock as an entity!

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Linda Holmes sums up so much of what we loved about Reiner and his films, an enormous part of which is the enormous amount of love in them. For me it was When Harry Met Sally… which I saw too young and which defined “adult relationships” for me for good and for… misguided. It’s perfect.

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Ben Blacker @benblacker.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

201 feels like a pretty hard re-establishing of the format, which makes sense. It’ll be interesting to see when the show starts to become more serialized and how that kind of storytelling it handled. For now, I’m just excited for a 22 episode season!

Buffy standing over the Master’s skeleton, about to work out her “issues.”

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