Ink to Film - podcast cover

Ink to Film

Luke Elliott & James Baileywww.inktofilm.com
Are you the sort of person who likes to read the book before you see the movie? So are Luke and James—a writer and filmmaker respectively who bring their backgrounds studying stories to the table for in-depth discussions of the adaptations of the past and present. If you love delving into the craft behind the art you love, then Ink to Film is for you.
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Episodes

From the Vault: Fallout (2024 TV Show) Season 1

In a surprising twist, Amazon’s adaptation of the Fallout video-game franchise is good! Join Luke & James in this former Patreon-exclusive episode as they reminisce about a beloved series, give their spoiler-free reactions to the show, and reflect on what makes Fallout so iconic in the world of post-apocalyptic fiction. Pickup any of the novels they’ve covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the abi...

Aug 14, 202556 min

The Movie That KILLS | The Ring (2002 Film)

In Gore Verbinski’s adaptation of RING (and the original Japanese version) analog film takes the spotlight representing a medium in transition. The result is a turning point in modern horror cinema, as the artform transitioned into a more digital age. In episode 355, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they compare the film to the Koji Suzuki novel, unpack the filmmaking choices that make this movie feel cursed, relive the nostalgic terror of seeing this movie as children, and finally cast t...

Aug 08, 20251 hr 9 min

The Ring Book Has a Disgusting Secret (1991 Novel)

Author Koji Suzuki’s novel RING sparked a resurgence of horror in Japan and launched a franchise that would shock the world, but what disturbing details from his original story didn’t make it to the screen? In episode 354, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they try to make sense of Asakawa and Ryūji’s characterization, encounter Sadako Yamamura for the first time, try to resist the urge to watch cursed media (fail), and wonder if they’ll be next to fall prey to the viral horror. Join them ...

Aug 01, 20251 hr 11 min

Murderbot (S01 E6-10) | A More Comedic Tone

As Paul and Chris Weitz’s adaptation rounds out its first season the emphasis on comedy is clear, but how does that compare to the tone of the books by Martha Wells that it’s based on? In episode 353, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they debate the show’s faithfulness, unpack the comedic shift, lobby for slightly longer episodes, and theorize on what might lie ahead in the recently confirmed season 2! ANNOUNCEMENT: Ink to Film is attending WorldCon 2025 in Seattle where they will be inte...

Jul 18, 20251 hr 5 min

ANNOUNCEMENT: Ink to Film LIVE SHOW w/ Martha Wells @ Worldcon 2025!

Ink to Film is excited to announce they will be recording their first live episode in front of an audience at Seattle Worldcon 2025! Author Martha Wells joins the Ink to Film podcast to reflect on having her work adapted by Apple TV. From Murderbot’s origins to seeing Alexander Skarsgård portray it on the silver screen, come get the inside scoop on the adaptation journey. Friday 8/15 4:30-5:30 PM in the Terrace Suite (4F). Luke Elliott’s Schedule of Appearances Wed 8/13 @ 7:30 PM: Lord of the Ri...

Jul 12, 20253 min

Murderbot (S01 E1-5) | Humans Are the Worst

Paul and Chris Weitz’s Apple TV adaptation of Martha Wells’ series “The Murderbot Diaries” sets itself apart from the books from the beginning through shifts in tone, character, and more, but how well are the changes working? In episode 352, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they react to Alexander Skarsgård’s performance as everyone’s favorite SecUnit, learn to love the goofballs humans Murderbot is trying to protect, unpack the changes that push the show into more of a true comedy than t...

Jul 10, 20251 hr 16 min

All Systems Red (2017 Novella) | Why Nerds (Like Us) Love Murderbot

Martha Wells’s career shifted into a whole new gear with the launch of her series “The Murderbot Diaries” which was a surprising success out of the gate. In episode 351, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they begin their journey with one of Sci-Fi’s newest beloved characters, explore the origins of the iconic bot, unpack neurodivergence coding, talk nonbinary representation, and avoid eye contact as much as possible. Join them next week for the first five episodes of the TV show on Apple! Ho...

Jul 03, 202558 min

Adaptation Hall of Fame | 2025 Class & 350th Episode Celebration

It’s Ink to Film’s 350th episode, so join Luke & James as they induct the 2nd ever class into their prestigious "Adaptation Hall of Fame.” These films will be forever considered true exemplars for all other filmmakers to aspire to when adapting the written word onto the screen. The nominees are: “Blade Runner,” “Jaws,” “Children of Men,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Arrival,” and “The Shining.” Six amazing films, but only three can make the cut! Episode Breakdown: Intro Presenting the Conten...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 30 min

Shrek (2001 Film vs 1990 Book) | Body Positivity King

The path to bringing the iconic ogre to the screen was fraught with difficulties, but in the end Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson were able to capture something special from the book SHREK! By William Steig. In episode 349, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they relive a childhood classic, embrace true body positivity, explore the lost version of the movie starring Chris Farley, ask how effectively the movie conveys its themes, and finally cast their votes on which is ultimately the better ...

Jun 12, 20251 hr

Filmmaking Clues That Hint at Divine Will | Conclave (2024 Film)

Did director Edward Berger hide clues about God’s will through his filmmaking choices? In episode 348, Join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they consider symbols beyond just the turtles, compare what works better about the characters in the film, discuss their own religious backgrounds, debate a change made to a pivotal speech, and finally cast their own votes on which one’s better: the book or the movie! Pickup Conclave by Robert Harris at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/...

Jun 05, 20251 hr 25 min

The Secret Lives of Messy Cardinals | Conclave (2016 Novel)

What was it about this novel by Robert Harris that made it so ripe for an award-winning adaptation? In episode 347, join writer Luke Elliott and filmmaker James Bailey as they wade into a papal political thriller about the flawed men who are vying for the office, recount their own spiritual deconstructions, reflect on growing up as Christians, discover an unfortunate Roman Polanski connection with the author, and react to a surprising twist they didn’t see coming. Join them next week for their d...

May 30, 20251 hr 7 min

Edward Ashton Reflects on “Mickey 17” (2025) | Creative Conversations

Author Edward Ashton (MICKEY7, ANTIMATTER BLUES) joins the show to reflect on having his work adapted by director Bong Joon-Ho into the 2025 film “Mickey 17.” In episode 346, Luke Elliott & James Bailey add to their “Creative Conversations” series where they discuss adaptations previously covered with someone directly involved in their creation. Topics include the origins of the Mickey7, why Ed would never use a teleporter, how his cancer research and scientific background influences his wri...

May 15, 20251 hr 4 min

The Wheel of Time (S03 E6-8) | Just Renew It Already

Rafe Judkins' delivers the best season of his adaptation to date, but how does it stack up to the novels it's depicting? In episode 345, join writer Luke Elliott and filmmaker James Bailey as they finish THE SHADOW RISING at the same time they finish the last 3 episodes of this season, get creepy with Moghedien, traverse the Hills of Tanchico, defend the Two Rivers with Perrin Goldeneyes, mourn some surprising character deaths, and get Jellicle with an Aelfinn! They finish their coverage by answ...

May 08, 20251 hr 41 min

From the Vault: The Fall of the House of Usher (1960 Film)

The first in the series of director Roger Corman’s Edgar Allen Poe films sets a high bar for gothic horror adaptations. It stars the legendary Vincent Price as Roderick Usher, with a screenplay penned by Richard Matheson. The story is more faithful to the source material than Mike Flanagan’s version, but there are still some significant changes. It’s time for a classic in this former Patreon-exclusive! Support the show on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming proj...

May 02, 202530 min

The Wheel of Time (S03 E1-5) | Better Than The Rings of Power

Rafe Judkins' adaptation returns with style for a third season tackling a pair of huge novels at once through condensed and remixed storylines—but how well is it working? In episode 344, join writer Luke Elliott and filmmaker James Bailey as they break down one of the most ambitious adaptations being attempted on tv right now, pick cast favorites, react to the possible Elayne & Aviendha ship, and compare WOT so far to Amazon’s other high price-tag fantasy offering: The Rings of Power. Join t...

Apr 24, 20251 hr 32 min

The Shadow Rising (1992 Novel) part one | Peak Wheel of Time?

Book 4 of the Wheel of Time series features some of the series most memorable scenes, but how will they hold up to adaptation? In episode 343, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they discuss a little over the first half of this gargantuan novel, learn about the ominous future of the White Tower, return to the Two Rivers with Perrin Aybara, find out how to fully enter the world of dreams, and travel into the Aiel Waste and Rhuidean for some of WOT’s most iconic sequences. Join them next week a...

Apr 17, 20251 hr 27 min

The Dragon Reborn (1991 Novel) | Why Skip It?

Showrunner Rafe Judkins confirmed that season 3 of the Wheel of Time show will be focused on book 4 of the series, but why? In episode 342, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they review the entirety of book 3 and lay out what happens so they can keep an eye out for what they include in the show, what is lost, and how it might change things in the series going forward. Stay tuned for more as they tackle The Shadow Rising and season 3 of the show in coming weeks! Full Video version available o...

Apr 10, 20251 hr 9 min

From the Vault: The Haunting (1999 Film)

Jan de Bont’s adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s novel bears little resemblance to the source material, much less the 1963 Robert Wise film, but with all the talent that worked on the movie it should have still been a success. Stephen King and Steven Spielberg both pitched in, but for whatever reason they couldn’t save the movie from critical disappointment. Stars Catherine Zeta Jones, Owen Wilson, Liam Neeson, and Lili Taylor are all there, too, but can they elevate the movie above cheap thrills? ...

Apr 04, 202543 min

The Monkey (2025 film) | Everyone Dies, Let's Dance ft. Laura of Why the Book Wins

Osgood Perkins delivers a Stephen King adaptation to remember with his take on “The Monkey” from the SKELETON CREW collection, but how does it stack up to the numerous other King adaptations being produced by Hollywood in recent years? In episode 341, Laura from the “Why the Book Wins” youtube channel joins Luke Elliott & James Bailey to debate Stephen King films, find humor in the ubiquity of death, rate their favorite scenes from the film, discuss what was changed from story to screen, and...

Mar 28, 20251 hr 30 min

Mickey 17 (2025 Film) | Book vs Movie Debate

Bong Joon-Ho’s adaptation of Edward Ashton’s Mickey7 provides a colorful and hilarious look at a dystopian future, but how does the sharper social commentary stack up to the novel’s more philosophical themes? In episode 340, Join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they react to Mark Ruffalo’s on-the-nose performance, get lost in the sauce with Toni Collette, get into the garbage cycler with a little goblin performance from Robert Pattinson, and finally cast their votes on which was better: the b...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 24 min

Mickey7 (2022 Novel) | A Working Class Hero

Edward Ashton’s expendable protagonist makes for a blue-collar hero for our times—someone who doesn’t think too hard, ask too many questions, and most importantly, whose life doesn’t matter… or does it? In episode 339, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they revisit some SF classics like the "Ship of Theseus," the "Teleporter Paradox," and a spicy new entry in a long running segment "would you do it?" Come back next week for their reaction to Mickey 17 by Bong Joon-Ho and their votes on whi...

Mar 13, 20251 hr 3 min

The Iron Giant (1968 Novel vs 1999 Film) | A Gun with a Soul

The backstory behind Ted Hughes’s original book THE IRON MAN is a tragic one, and the subsequent film by Brad Bird has a heartbreaking story all its own. In episode 338, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they discover an unexpected connection to Sylvia Plath, try to wrap their heads around a "Space-Bat-Angel-Dragon," defend animation’s reputation as a medium, explore questions of consciousness around artificial beings, and finally cast their votes on which one is ultimately best: the book ...

Mar 06, 20251 hr 20 min

10 Things I Hate About You (1999 Film) | It Shouldn’t Work

With his directorial debut, Gil Junger delivered an iconic romantic teen comedy with his adaptation of the controversial Shakespeare classic, “The Taming of the Shrew” that probably shouldn't have worked. In episode 337, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they react to the moment that audiences fell in love with Heath Ledger, explain the Julia Style poem’s connection to the Kendrick/Drake feud, appreciate the screenwriting skill on display, talk about the Clueless inspiration, and finally c...

Feb 27, 20251 hr 4 min

The Taming of the Shrew (1592 Play) | Shakespeare’s Worst Comedy

Shakespeare’s works are renowned around the world as some of the best ever written, so how should we feel about what just might be his worst play? In episode 336, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they try to find hidden meanings in the array of identity-swapping games being played by the characters, analyze a framing device that seems to go nowhere, unite in their hatred of the terrible Petruchio, and prepare for the modern retelling to come with “10 Things I Hate About You.” Full Video v...

Feb 20, 202550 min

Nosferatu (2024 Film) | A Romance With Death

Robert Eggers brings questions of coercion and consent to the fore as he takes on legends of both literature and film with his stealth adaptation of Dracula via the influential German silent film from the 1920s, Nosferatu. In episode 335, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they try their Count Orlok impressions out, get surreal in Transylvania, and praise a stellar cast for their memorable performances, including from Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, Bill Skarsgård, and Nicholas Hoult. They fini...

Feb 13, 20251 hr 21 min

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992 Film) | A Vampire God

Francis Ford Coppola’s influential adaptation of this Gothic masterpiece set the standard for vampire films to follow. In episode 334, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they react to a new spicier version of the vampire count, stab a cross and drink its blood, let things flop out, romance the wolf-man, and cross oceans of time for a set of high-fashion red armor. Then they finish out the episode by casting their votes for which one's better: the book or the movie? And join them next week f...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 21 min

Dracula (1897 Novel) | An Impossible Reflection

Welcome to season 9! We kick things off with a seminal novel for Horror fiction, Bram Stoker’s masterpiece, DRACULA. In episode 333, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they immerse themselves in the language of the era, learn all about Bram Stoker’s relationship to Henry Irving, follow the modern epistolary format with surprise, and get a little bummed about Dracula’s relatively easy demise. Join them next week for Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation, followed by Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu! Ful...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 16 min

Last Looks 2024

Season 8 of Ink to Film comes to an end with a retrospective on the year that was 2024. In episode 332, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they reflect on the ups and downs of an emotionally taxing year, try to compare masterful adaptations to one another across eras, recap the conventions they attended, appraise how the podcast is doing statistically, and look to the challenges ahead in 2025. Thank you to everyone who listened to Ink to Film this year! Categories Biggest Surprise Worst Rea...

Jan 01, 20251 hr 28 min

Scrooged (1988 Film) | Better Than "A Christmas Carol?"

Richard Donner’s dark comedic take on Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” is an over-the-top nostalgic ride, but is it the best version of this holiday classic? In episode 331, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they get visited by three strange ghosts, react to Bill Murray hamming it up, debate whether Frank Cross is worth redeeming, question Claire’s taste in men, and finally cast their vote on which was better: the book or the movie? Full Video version available on YouTube https://bit.l...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 10 min

A Christmas Carol (1843 Novella) | Is Generosity Enough?

Charles Dickens is arguably the most celebrated author of the Victorian period, but is his reputation deserved? How about Ebenezer Scrooge—should we grant forgiveness to greedy CEOs if they show enough generosity? In episode 330, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they chat about Luke’s experience at Dragonsteel Nexus 2024, what people mean by “Dickensian,” and how effective Dickens was at showing the living conditions of the lower classes. Join them next week when they discuss “Scrooged” (...

Dec 13, 20241 hr 14 min
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