A Tarot Reader Dives into Euphoria’s Archetypes

Dani Espinosa, filmmaker and tarot reader, dissects the Euphoria characters their personalities and the show’s plot by assigning tarot cards from the traditional deck. In this combination of media criticism and spiritual interpretation, she shares deeper insight into this now iconic show.

zodiacs, television, tarot cardsKimberly HoyosDecember 21, 2022euphoria, tarot cards, archetypes

Hey ‘You’: My Chronic Illness Is Not A Plot Device

The chart-breaking Netflix hit You has been the center of many discussions. But writer and filmmaker Brynna Arens brings light to the show’s harmful portrayals of living with chronic illness. As a fan of the show, she shares a unique POV on disability representation.

personal narrative, television, think pieceKimberly HoyosFebruary 1, 2022you, chronic illness, IC, netflix

Saying Goodbye to HBO's Insecure

HBO’s Insecure said its final goodbye on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Here we share some insight into the world of Insecure and celebrate, not only the show, but some of the talent behind it!

television, researchKimberly HoyosDecember 26, 2021issa rae, hbo insecure, insecure, research

AAPI Creators In Hollywood That You Need to Know

Whether it’s in directing for television, film or branded content — or even writing for your favorite tv show, these Asian American and Pacific Islander creators are making a splash on screen with their artistic vision! Read on to learn about Amina Munir, Emily Ting, Christina Xing, Karen Chee, Diane Paragas and Ravenna Tran.

On Screen: Hunter Schafer’s Impact on Queer and Trans Representation

Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp is a genderqueer, pansexual creator who examines the impact of Hunter Schafer's influence on HBO's Euphoria both personally and in the industry. Sophie dissects the HBO storyline that covers trans and queer identity and is modeled after Schafer's own experiences.y stage of production is critical to equitable and realistic representations of our lived experiences.

on screen, contributor, televisionKimberly HoyosMarch 3, 2021euphoria, trans, gender, sophie prettyman beauchamp, julues, jules

On Screen: Analyzing the Male Gaze Present in ‘the Queen’s Gambit’

The Queen’s Gambit, follows Beth Harmon, a prodigious young woman who attempts to enter the male-dominated sphere of competitive chess. Critics have praised it for its cinematography but Dhara Patel explores how feminist a show can be when it’s still created in the male gaze.

on screen, television, contributorKimberly HoyosFebruary 26, 2021on screen, the queens cambit, dhara patel, netflix, tv, analysis

Golden Globes History: Race and Gender Across the Years

The Light Leak is all about sharing information, inspiring, and supporting women and nonbinary filmmakers. So we took a critical look at how the Golden Globes has amplified (or not) the voices of women and BIPOC communities.

television, movie, awards showsKimberly HoyosFebruary 25, 2021golden globes

The Hustle: Basic Screenwriting Tips

The Hustle is an advice section from the Light Leaks. If you’re a beginner in screenwriting for fiction short films, or going back to revise an old idea- this is the article for you. This easy breakdown was written by our founder, Kim Hoyos, and includes tips she’s learned from studying film, reading film books, and personal experience.

web series, television, the hustleKimberly HoyosJuly 18, 2020kim hoyos, screenwriting, on screen, tips, the hustleComment

Free PDFs and Resources on Screenwriting, Film Production, and More

We created this master list of free PDFs for download because one major barrier, especially for students, women, BIPOC, and people living with a disability, is the financial barrier of higher education dedicated to film and tv. Education should be accessible. This list will be updated as more books are found and if a link is broken please feel free to reach out to us at kim@thelightleaks.com)

television, movieKimberly HoyosJuly 18, 2020Free, PDFs, resources, book, books, screenwriting, production

On Screen: Why Tami Taylor is a Fan Favorite on Friday Night Lights

Think you can’t find a feminist icon in a soapy teen drama? Think again- Friday Night Light’s Tami Taylor is a fan favorite for that very reason. Read Sophie Hayssen’s debrief on Tami’s influence.

On Screen: Fleabag’s Portrayal of Loneliness and Spirituality

Fletcher Peters examines her own views of death and spirituality through the show Fleabag.

on screen, televisionKimberly HoyosJuly 8, 2019fleabag, on screen, tv, contributor, death, spirituality

Big Little Lies and the Complexity of Public Personas

Film writer Sophie Hayssen discusses the intricacies of Big Little Lies’s domestic abuse plot line through the lens of the Me Too movement’s ousting of public figures. With the manipulative tendencies of abusers to appear like good people, Sophie breaks down the complexity of public personas.