Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with acclaimed director David Yarovesky (Brightburn, Nightbooks) to discuss his latest psychological thriller, Locked, starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins. They dive into the challenges of shooting an intense one-shot sequence, the emotional depth of the film, and how Locked balances visceral thrills with layered social commentary.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How David Yarovesky created a panic-inducing thriller in just 19 days
• Behind-the-scenes secrets of Locked's jaw-dropping camera work
• What it’s like directing Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins together
• The moral themes beneath the surface of Locked
• How practical set design made the impossible possible

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Script Summit 2025 is open for submissions!
• 00:27 – David Yarovesky joins the show to talk Locked
• 04:13 – The most intense shot: how they pulled it off practically
• 10:45 – Working with Bill Skarsgård and his next-level physicality
• 14:40 – Anthony Hopkins and Bill’s electric chemistry on set

About the Guest:
David Yarovesky is a visionary director known for blending genre storytelling with emotional depth. His previous works include Brightburn and Nightbooks, and his latest film Locked is a high-stakes, claustrophobic thriller starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins. David is a longtime collaborator with James Gunn and continues to push the limits of indie filmmaking with innovation and heart.

About the Host:
With films on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and passionate about teaching. He’s the founder of Script Summit and host of The Successful Screenwriter podcast, where he helps writers elevate their craft and careers. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Script Summit 2025 – Submit Now!
• Locked – In theaters March 21, 2025
• David Yarovesky’s Filmography on IMDb
• The Guide for Every Screenwriter – Book

Connect with the Guest:

• Instagram – @yaroville

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Podcast Website
• Instagram – @screenwriterpod
• TikTok – @screenwriterpod

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