#295 – When Survival Becomes a Subscription: Writing Lessons from Black Mirror’s Common People and GOATs Doing GOAT $hit
Welcome to episode 295 of the Spun Today Podcast, In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the world of storytelling by breaking down the Black Mirror episode, "Common People." He explores how great speculative fiction doesn't invent new emotions—it amplifies the ones we already know all too well. Tony discusses how everyday anxieties like money, health, and love become the heartbeat of compelling narratives, especially when survival itself is transformed into a subscription service and love is put under extreme pressure.
You'll also hear writing takeaways on grounding relatable characters, escalating stakes through economics instead of violence, and how subtle horror can be more powerful than gore. On top of an insightful TV breakdown, this episode welcomes Ben Affleck and Matt Damon into the "Goats Doing Goat Shit" segment for their groundbreaking efforts in reshaping how film crews get compensated. Whether you're a writer seeking fresh inspiration or just a fan of sharp analysis, this episode is packed with creative insights to fuel your craft. So settle in—let's explore the delicate dance between art, commerce, and the stories that stick with us long after the credits roll.
The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but unlimited in scope. Give it a whirl.
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Links referenced in this episode
Black Mirror: Common People - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30127325/
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon negotiate bonus for crew: https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/affleck-damon-netflix-rip
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