Scriptnotes Podcast

Scriptnotes Podcast

John August and Craig Mazin

Screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin discuss screenwriting and related topics in the film and television industry, everything from getting stuff written to the vagaries of copyright and work-for-hire law.

677 - Puzzle Box Storytelling

677 - Puzzle Box Storytelling

John and Craig decipher mystery box shows, where the premise and audience experience involve solving the puzzle of what’s really happening. They look at strategies for revealing clues and information, being mindful of the audience’s expectations, and the importance of the emotional journey inside the labyrinth. We also announce a new video game, discuss what we can learn by revisiting old projects, follow up on unlocked pages and home automation, and answer listener questions on live instrumen

Feb 25, • 1:01:12

676 - Writing while the World is on Fire

676 - Writing while the World is on Fire

How do you keep doing creative work when the world is falling apart around you? To sift through the despair and doubt, John welcomes back legendary Scriptnotes guest, writer-turned-psychotherapist Dennis Palumbo. They discuss the many feelings that catastrophic events can bring up in artists, the personal narratives that often inform those feelings, and how to keep moving forward when you feel like the band on the Titanic. We also follow up on AI, and answer listener questions on competing with

Feb 18, • 47:18

675 - Say Nothing with Joshua Zetumer

675 - Say Nothing with Joshua Zetumer

Craig welcomes writer and showrunner Joshua Zetumer, creator of the limited series Say Nothing, to explore the process of dramatizing real events — particularly when the subject matter can be volatile. They discuss how to keep a sprawling historical epic from feeling like a lecture, keeping a consistent tone, humanizing complicated people, and how not to get sued by the people who were really involved. They also answer listener questions on following up with people after the fires, charting the

Feb 11, • 1:01:10

674 - The One vvith Robert Eggers

674 - The One vvith Robert Eggers

Hearken well! John sitteth in discourse with the learned Robert Eggers, weaver of dreadsome visions (The Witch, The Lighthouse), whose latest labour bringeth forth Nosferatu from the mistes of antiquity. Together, they dost unravel the craft of breathing newe life into the ghastly count of olde, how Robert didst hone his vision through toil and cunning in his firste labours, and the summoning of terror moste unholy upon the silver’d screen. We do also taketh to hand the queries of our faithful l

Feb 4, • 49:58

673 - Structure, and How to Enjoy a Movie

673 - Structure, and How to Enjoy a Movie

Structure is the fundamental skeleton of every story ever told, so why does it flummox so many writers? John and Craig outline what structure really is, ways to find it in your story, and how to keep it from tying your brain in knots. We also look at ways to find nuance in our appreciation of movies, follow up on erotic fiction, and answer listener questions on how to work with a director and point of view shots. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig measure the helpfulness

Jan 28, • 1:00:53

672 - Navigating Loss with Jesse Eisenberg

672 - Navigating Loss with Jesse Eisenberg

After a difficult few weeks in Los Angeles, John welcomes writer, director and actor Jesse Eisenberg to peel apart the complicated human reactions to grief and loss. They look at how both collective and personal grief inform the characters of Jesse’s latest film, A Real Pain, and reflect on the ongoing LA fires and the loss of David Lynch. They also explore Jesse’s evolution as a writer, directing himself as an actor, and answer listener questions on artistic signatures and simultaneous perspect

Jan 21, • 48:51

547 - The Fires, and Good Energy (Encore)

547 - The Fires, and Good Energy (Encore)

After a week of devastating fires in Los Angeles, we’re revisiting John’s conversation with Anna Jane Joyner and Quinn Emmett from Good Energy Stories on how to talk about climate change on screen. They discuss opportunities for writers to inspire change, raise awareness, and capture the environmental concerns of our time. We follow up on disability representation in Hollywood with the release of the Cost of Accommodations report from the Inevitable Foundation. In our bonus segment for premium m

Jan 14, • 50:51

671 - The Best/Worst it Will Ever Be

671 - The Best/Worst it Will Ever Be

John and Craig look at three extraordinary news stories and ask, How Would this be a Movie? Stories include the United Healthcare CEO assassination, a small town’s process for licensing fortune tellers, and a harrowing I.V.F. mixup. We also follow up on AI, Flightplan’s source material, Craig’s Belfast accent, and answer a listener question on the order of surnames for writing partners. In our bonus segment for premium members: Hey Alexa, play John and Craig’s conversation about home automation.

Jan 7, • 1:14:43

356 - Writing Animated Movies (Encore)

356 - Writing Animated Movies (Encore)

John welcomes Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Homeward Bound) to talk about her experience writing animated features, from the parallel processes of writing and production to her paltry paycheck for Beauty and the Beast. They consider the blurring lines between live-action and hyperrealistic CGI, as well as the history of animation writers’ exclusion from the WGA. We also answer listener questions about whether there is such a thing as a bad character want and how to man

Dec 31, 2024 • 49:35

670 - Writing Across Mediums

670 - Writing Across Mediums

Live from the Austin Film Festival, John joins panelists Jordan Mechner (Prince of Persia) and Erica Harrell & Desirée Proctor (The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners) for an in-depth discussion on working across movies, tv, comics, plays, videogames and VR. Moderated by Evan Narcisse (Rise of the Black Panther), they discuss what led them to new mediums, the storytelling strengths each medium offers, and building a career that moves between them. In our bonus segment for premium members, the paneli

Dec 24, 2024 • 44:18

669 - They Ate Our Scripts

669 - They Ate Our Scripts

Many of the biggest AI models have been trained on film and TV dialogue, and writers are furious. John and Craig explore the legal, ethical and philosophical implications of this revelation, our emotional reactions to it, and offer strategies for picking the right hills to die on. But first, we follow up on the definition of horror vs. thriller, generational narcissism, and young people’s ambition. We also answer listener questions on when to bail on a script and how to approach your first contr

Dec 17, 2024 • 59:28

668 - Holiday Live Show 2024

668 - Holiday Live Show 2024

John and Craig welcome Brian Jordan Alvarez & Stephanie Koenig (English Teacher) and Jac Schaeffer (Agatha All Along, WandaVision) to join them for a live holiday benefit for Hollywood HEART. They discuss constructing Agatha All Along from blue sky to the Witches’ Road, “protagonizing” a villain, breaking in through YouTube and maintaining a working relationship with your best friend. We also play a new game, the Christmas Song Three Word Challenge, with former Scriptnotes producers Megan McDonn

Dec 10, 2024 • 1:00:35

667 - The One with Justin Kuritzkes

667 - The One with Justin Kuritzkes

John welcomes playwright, novelist and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes to discuss having his first two movies — Challengers and Queer — produced a single year. After charting his journey from playwright to screenwriter, we compare two drafts of Challengers to look at how the story changed during a hasty development, including crafting that iconic three-way. We also explore adapting William S. Burroughs’ novel Queer, and the film’s approach to showing sex on screen. In our bonus segment for premium

Dec 3, 2024 • 55:10

666 - Satanic Movies

666 - Satanic Movies

John and Craig take a deep dive with the Devil, exploring the unholy trinity of satanic films: Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist and The Omen. They look at how these three horror classics work, where our modern conception of Satan comes from, and the future of the Devil on screen. We also answer listener questions on character arcs in horror, what separates horror movies from thrillers, and why the spooky stuff rarely gets awards attention. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig

Nov 26, 2024 • 49:52

444 - Clueless (Encore)

444 - Clueless (Encore)

John and Craig analyze the iconic 1995 comedy Clueless, and why they’re majorly, totally, butt crazy in love with it. A contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma set in Beverly Hills, Clueless follows protagonist Cher as she tries to do ‘good’ through make-over montages and match-making attempts. We discuss how the movie sets up the characters in the first ten minutes, why Cher’s voiceover works so well, and how Clueless ushered in a new era of teen movies. In our bonus segment for premium m

Nov 19, 2024 • 1:05:40

665 - What Can You Even Do?

665 - What Can You Even Do?

John and Craig explore character agency in everything from scenes to entire series. They look at what agency looks like on the page, which characters should have agency, and what to do when you feel your characters sleepwalking through the plot. We also strategize ways to move forward after the recent US election, and answer listener questions on writing sign language, screenwriting software for the blind, and how writing credits work when your TV series gets turned into a movie. In our bonus se

Nov 12, 2024 • 51:05

664 - Hollywood Got Old

664 - Hollywood Got Old

John and Craig look at how writers (and other humans) handle the anxiety of uncertainty, from election nights to green lights. We’ll talk through strategies for navigating situations where your circle of concern doesn’t match your circle of control. Then we travel back to the 1980s and 90s, when many studios were run by ambitious strivers in their late 20s and early 30s. As the decades have passed, the players in these positions have held onto their posts, leaving the next generation stuck mid-l

Nov 5, 2024 • 56:30

663 - Live in Austin 2024

663 - Live in Austin 2024

John and Craig make their triumphant return to the Austin Film Festival for a wild night full of Emmy winning writers. They welcome Shōgun co-creators Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks to look at their process for structuring a series-long adaptation, keeping translations eloquent and accurate, and writing together as a married couple. We then welcome Susan Soon He Stanton (Succession, Dead Ringers) and Megan Amram (The Good Place, Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin) to discuss staffing on shows and craf

Oct 29, 2024 • 1:08:52

662 - 20 Questions (2024 Edition)

662 - 20 Questions (2024 Edition)

John and Craig answer twenty listener questions on craft, career, and the future of the industry. Questions include: How do you correct well wishes you haven’t earned? What kind of relationship should you have with the person who created your source material? How do you keep your reps invested? What’s going on with that Stereophonic lawsuit? And are writers retreats helpful or a total waste of time? In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig celebrate the new D&D Player’s Handbook

Oct 22, 2024 • 1:13:56

661 - Screenwriting is a Poorly Defined Problem

661 - Screenwriting is a Poorly Defined Problem

Why is screenwriting so difficult, even for the smartest people? John and Craig look at the relationship between intelligence and wisdom, the kinds of problems writers attempt to solve, and the unmeasurable skills that screenwriters need to succeed. Then it’s another round of the Three Page Challenge, where they give their honest feedback on three listener-submitted scripts. We also follow up on Moneyball, green envelopes, shorts, script coordinating, and what Craig means by writers being “calcu

Oct 15, 2024 • 1:18:28

660 - Moneyball

660 - Moneyball

John and Craig welcome back Taffy Brodesser-Akner (Fleishman is in Trouble) for a deep dive on 2011’s sports drama Moneyball. What makes Moneyball work? Is it a traditional underdog movie, or does it break all the rules? Is Billy Beane a hero or a villain? What advantages do sports movies give you, and how much do you have to explain to your audience? How are movies like this developed? And how can you not be romantic about baseball? In our bonus segment for premium members, John, Craig and Ta

Oct 8, 2024 • 1:23:05

271 - Buckling Down (Encore)

271 - Buckling Down (Encore)

John and Craig are on opposite sides of the world this week, so they’re revisiting an episode from 2016 to look at the many psychological barriers facing writers tackling big projects, and offer practical strategies for actually getting the work done. They also discuss the then-upcoming election (same as it ever was), and answer a listener question about how autism spectrum disorder might impact a screenwriting career. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Drew reflect on what’s cha

Oct 1, 2024 • 1:02:27

659 - Big Money Movies with Marielle Heller

659 - Big Money Movies with Marielle Heller

John welcomes back Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood) to look at three stories of real people with too much money and ask, How Would This Be a Movie? Stories include strategies for dating Leonardo DiCaprio, the rise-fall-rise of inventor Palmer Luckey, and a council built to give away a fortune. We also go feral over Marielle’s new movie Nightbitch, as she shares the joys of adapting something that feels personal and her tricks to directing dogs and c

Sep 24, 2024 • 54:13

99 - Psychotherapy for Screenwriters (Encore)

99 - Psychotherapy for Screenwriters (Encore)

John and Craig revisit their legendary conversation with screenwriter-turned-psychotherapist Dennis Palumbo to discuss writer’s block, procrastination, partnerships and more. It’s a can’t-miss episode for aspiring writers and professionals alike. In our bonus segment for premium members, we travel back to episode 425 where John and Craig debate when to practice self care or tough love, and how to evaluate when each of them are helpful. Links: Dennis Palumbo Written by Magazine Dennis’s books on

Sep 17, 2024 • 1:00:17

658 - Advice Show

658 - Advice Show

John and Craig open the mailbag to answer a swath of listener questions that make Craig’s blood boil. They offer insights and umbrage on when you can turn down projects early in your career, picking the right day job, maintaining visibility when you’re taken off a project, the next steps after a successful short, when NDA’s are necessary, and how to credit unpublished source material. We also say goodbye to green envelopes as we celebrate the arrival of direct deposit residuals, and follow up on

Sep 10, 2024 • 59:15

657 - Deadpool with Ryan Reynolds

657 - Deadpool with Ryan Reynolds

John and Craig welcome back Ryan Reynolds for an in-depth look at his creative process bringing the character of Deadpool to the screen. As co-writer, producer and star of the Deadpool franchise, Ryan leads us through his first introduction to the character, the rough journey getting to greenlight, and the challenges presented by an often-faceless protagonist. Along the way, they talk tone and dialogue, collaboration and rule-breaking, respect and irreverence, and the importance of listening to

Sep 3, 2024 • 1:17:57

656 - Halogencore

656 - Halogencore

John welcomes journalist/screenwriter Max Read to look at the emerging sub-genre “halogencore” – stories of corporate malfeasance that are less about uncovering corruption as they are about characters learning to ignore it. They look at the evolution of the sub-genre, how these movies function, and why it’s important to define genres at all. We also explore the current state of independent journalism and freelance writing, and follow up on Hallmark movies and playwrights turned screenwriters.

Aug 27, 2024 • 55:56

655 - Conflict and Stakes Compendium

655 - Conflict and Stakes Compendium

In this compendium episode, John and Craig look at two of the most fundamental building blocks of compelling stories – conflict and stakes. We define six forms of conflict common in movies, and explore ways to sustain conflict within a scene and throughout a story. We also look for ways to find the root of your character’s stakes, pick the right stakes for the world around them, and the importance of making everything personal. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig look at W

Aug 20, 2024 • 1:03:10

654 - How to Watch Bad Movies

654 - How to Watch Bad Movies

John and Craig stand waist-deep in rotten tomatoes and ask, what can we learn from bad movies? Resisting the urge to walk out, they explore ways to evaluate a movie’s problems, interrogate your taste, and turn a real stinker into an opportunity to grow as a writer. We also follow up on Lifetime movies, colored pages and AI screenwriting, and answer listener questions on weirdo characters and the validity of a ghostwriter. In our bonus segment for premium members, when is it okay to bail on somet

Aug 13, 2024 • 53:38

653 - Multi-Cam Comedies and WGA Dollars

653 - Multi-Cam Comedies and WGA Dollars

John welcomes writer-director Betsy Thomas (Superior Donuts, Superstore) to finally discuss writing multi-camera sitcoms. Using famous sitcom scripts as guides, they look at how multi-cam sets itself apart through its unique formatting and production, how it utilizes blocking, its surprising limitations in post, and the live studio audience. But Betsy is more than just a talented creative – she’s also the secretary-treasurer of the WGA West. Who better to lead us through the WGA annual report an

Aug 6, 2024 • 57:22

652 - Rituals

652 - Rituals

John and Craig welcome back Megana Rao to look at rituals and what they can tell us about our characters. But what are characters doing deliberately, and what is just routine? They separate routines from rites, and how both can help deepen our understanding of characters and the threats that face them. We also follow up on un-locking pages, industry software and health insurance for writing teams, before answering a listener question on transitioning from writing plays to writing movies. In our

Jul 30, 2024 • 58:01

651 - The Live Edit

651 - The Live Edit

John and Craig finally become writing partners and edit the opening to one chapter of the upcoming Scriptnotes book live on-air. They wrestle with word choices, adapting the phrasing of a spoken conversation and finding a unified voice as they pass the keyboard back and forth. We also catch up Craig on what he’s missed since he’s been away, follow up on #payuphollywood, and answer a host of listener questions on personal stories, backstories, sharing credit, Lifetime movies, and disliking your p

Jul 23, 2024 • 59:36

650 - Overwritten

650 - Overwritten

John welcomes back Mike Schur (The Good Place, Parks and Recreation) to ask, how do you fix an overwritten script? They discuss ways to rebuild scenes and restore muddy characters that have become burdened by too many notes, all while making sure your script retains its voice. We also look at the new IATSE deal with the AMPTP, the WGA’s back-pay settlement with CBS, Skydance purchasing Paramount, and follow-up on our idea of keeping pages un-locked. In our bonus segment for premium members, John

Jul 16, 2024 • 1:12:45

76 - How screenwriters find their voice (Encore)

76 - How screenwriters find their voice (Encore)

John and Craig welcome Aline Brosh McKenna to look at what writers mean by a “voice,” and how it develops. Some screenwriters’ voice develops long before their craft, leading people to label them as “promising” even though the scripts themselves are a mess. Other writers get all the technical stuff right from the start, but have a hard time finding something distinctive about how they write. From there, we segue into one of the most contentious Three Page Challenges we’ve ever done, with wildly

Jul 9, 2024 • 1:00:23

649 - The Comedic Premise with Simon Rich

649 - The Comedic Premise with Simon Rich

John welcomes Simon Rich (Man Seeking Woman, Miracle Workers) to look at how he crafts a comedic premise. Using his work on SNL, his time writing Inside Out at Pixar and his plethora of short stories, they look at how he develops a funny idea into a story with narrative and emotional punch. We also follow up on the Harry Potter TV series, and answer listener questions on the downsides of writing in other mediums and adapting your screenplay into a novel. In our bonus segment for premium members,

Jul 2, 2024 • 52:08

648 - Farewell Scenes

648 - Farewell Scenes

John welcomes back Aline Brosh McKenna to help figure out how to say goodbye… in your story. Using examples from some of their favorite movies, they explore how farewell scenes work, what sets them apart from the average see-you-later, and leaving a lasting effect on your characters and the audience. We also look at the summer box office, George Gallo’s Bad Boys lawsuit, Sony’s purchase of Alamo Drafthouse, and answer listener questions on bad ex-managers, second steps, NDA’s, fairies, and how t

Jun 25, 2024 • 1:03:40

647 - Crafting Your Ending

647 - Crafting Your Ending

In this compendium episode, John and Craig fast-forward to the third act to talk about endings. How do they work? What makes them great? And how do you fix them when they’re not working? They look at how to connect your ending to your characters, crafting a twist that surprises (but doesn’t confuse), the function of the climax, the importance of the denouement, and how to make it all satisfying for your audience. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Drew welcome back Megana Rao to

Jun 18, 2024 • 1:12:22

646 - Industry Software

646 - Industry Software

John and Craig decode the current state of software in the film and television industry. With dozens of programs needed for every project, they look at why bad and outdated programs continue to have a hold on the industry, why it’s so hard to build something better, and how these programs find financial success in such a small and specialized market. Then it’s another round of the Three Page Challenge, where they give their honest feedback on three listener-submitted scripts. They offer insights

Jun 11, 2024 • 1:09:42

645 - The Third Season

645 - The Third Season

John welcomes Meredith Scardino (Girls5eva) and Jen Statsky (Hacks) to discuss the highs and lows of writing the third season of a hit comedy. But how do you push a series forward without violating the premise or retreading familiar terrain? Are the shows still the shows they pitched? How has streaming changed since their shows first went on the air? And how do you plan for your series’ future? They also answer listener questions on non-binary characters, past tense emotions in action lines, and

Jun 4, 2024 • 54:10

644 - The Power of the Cold Open

644 - The Power of the Cold Open

John and Craig explore one of the most powerful and versatile tools in episodic television: the cold open. But how does it work? What kind of scenes does it showcase best? How can it play with point of view, perspective and time? What makes it memorable? And how do you make it work for your story? We also discuss new requirements for loan-out corporations, follow up on streaming ads and AI-generated coverage, and answer listener questions on titles, exposition and disabled representation. In our

May 28, 2024 • 1:03:46

Working It Out: Screenwriting Advice You’ll Actually Use

Working It Out: Screenwriting Advice You’ll Actually Use

John joins Mike Birbiglia on his podcast Working It Out to share direct, practical screenwriting advice that you’ll actually use, whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter or you want to pursue creative work of any kind. They explore John’s screenwriting process, from defining his expression “breaking the back of the script,” through the different forms of conflict and navigating the murky middle of the story. John shares the best writing advice he’s ever received, the screenplays everyone shoul

May 21, 2024 • 47:43

643 - Agents and Managers 101

643 - Agents and Managers 101

In this compendium episode, John and Craig demystify the the relationship between writers and the people who represent them, looking at how to acquire, work with and (if necessary) fire your agents and managers. How do you get an agent or a manager? What are they looking for in a potential client? What frustrates them? How do you position yourself for success? And what should you be looking for in an agent? How should they treat their clients? What is in their job description? How do you navigat

May 14, 2024 • 57:48

642 - It’s Brutal Out Here

642 - It’s Brutal Out Here

Why are things so rough in Hollywood right now? John and Craig look at the industry’s current contraction, its historical analogues, and offer suggestions for what might fix it. We also follow up on streaming ad breaks and New York accents, before answering listener questions on being paralyzed, whether it’s by your second draft or writing professional emails. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig wonder what to do with their digital lives once they’ve shuffled off this mortal

May 7, 2024 • 1:08:05

641 - What Characters Know

641 - What Characters Know

John and Craig investigate what characters know and how we know they know what they know. It’s something that can be as confusing as that last sentence was, but they offer clear guidance on building informed characters, audience expectations, and how to get everybody on the same page. We also look at how ad breaks in streaming are interrupting established act breaks. But first we follow up on AI transcription and character voice, and answer listener questions on authentic depictions and how to

Apr 30, 2024 • 58:40

640 - Can You Believe It?

640 - Can You Believe It?

John welcomes writer and comedian Alex Edelman to look at how he wrote his solo show Just For Us, and dig into the meaning of “write what you know.” They discuss finding your voice as a writer, developing your story with an audience, why Alex doesn’t write his shows down, and the sample that first got him staffed. We also answer listener questions on what to do when your manager doesn’t understand your comedy, and the value of characters speaking to themselves. In our bonus segment for premium m

Apr 23, 2024 • 59:40

639 - Intrinsic Motivation

639 - Intrinsic Motivation

John and Craig can’t help but look at intrinsic motivations — those specific internal drives that guide characters behavior. They discuss how to structure and expose that internal drive, the importance of an innate irritability, how it can stop your characters from becoming flat, and rewarding that intrinsic motivation with choice. But first, we follow up on AI training, blueprints and “important” movies. We also weigh in on a high-school senior’s college dilemma and answer a listener question o

Apr 16, 2024 • 1:05:33

638 - Lawyer Scenes

638 - Lawyer Scenes

John and Craig lawyer up with criminal defense attorney Ken White (aka Popehat) to look at legal scenes in movies and TV, and separate the tropes from the truth. How do lawyers actually prepare a case? Will they meet a client in jail? Do they need to gather evidence themselves? And what happens when they go to trial? What are the rules for examining witnesses? How often do people represent themselves in court? And do judges really bang their gavel like that? In our bonus segment for premium memb

Apr 9, 2024 • 1:10:40

637 - Love and Money

637 - Love and Money

John and Craig look at four unbelievable stories in the news and ask, How Would This Be a Movie? Stories include a finance journalist who was scammed out of her savings, men who offer dating bounties, a franken-sheep made of cloned animal parts, and how standardized tests changed one woman’s life. We also reveal which modern classics we’ve never seen (We meant to! We’re sorry!) to decide which – if any – we need to watch. But first, we follow up on D&D for kids, ESL, AI in reality TV, and Tiff

Apr 2, 2024 • 1:14:36

636 - Whispering Loudly

636 - Whispering Loudly

John welcomes back Pamela Ribon (Nimona, My Year of Dicks) to quietly ask: what’s with all the whispering in movies these days? They discuss trends and techniques in voice and volume, picking the right moment to whisper, and the value of voices across decibel levels. We also revisit Pamela’s work on Moana to look at what you can learn from reading early drafts, ponder the threat of TikTok and YouTube, follow-up on vetting potential co-workers, and answer a listener question on writing animation.

Mar 26, 2024 • 1:08:16

635 - Is This Person Going to Ruin Everything?

635 - Is This Person Going to Ruin Everything?

John and Craig wring their hands and ask, how do you make sure the person you’re hiring isn’t a monster? They look at best practices for vetting colleagues, sussing out problematic people, and managing your own emotions when you’re the person with power. We also discuss writing for non-native English speakers, using three examples to illustrate the importance of syntax, musicality and authenticity. But first, we answer listener questions on giving notes and kids playing D&D. In our bonus segment

Mar 19, 2024 • 1:09:27

634 - What If? Hollywood Edition

634 - What If? Hollywood Edition

John and Craig explore the counterfactuals of Hollywood history — the relatively small moments that, if the coin toss had gone the other way, would have massive ramifications on the world as we know it. What if Edison was allowed to keep his monopoly on motion pictures? What does our industry look like without the Paramount Consent Decree? What if George Lucas died in his car accident? Would superhero movies have dominated our culture if Iron Man had bombed? What studios would have gone down i

Mar 12, 2024 • 1:07:12

633 - Reviving a Dormant Project

633 - Reviving a Dormant Project

John welcomes back John Gatins (Flight, Coach Carter) to talk about reviving a dormant project and actually getting it made – like he just did with his new film Little Wing. They look at how films die, what brings them back to life, and go deep into the mechanics of sports movies. We also follow up on flu tests, the Tiffany problem and pet names before answering listener questions on professionalism, mid-credit scenes, and work ethic. In our bonus segment for premium members, John Gatins talks

Mar 5, 2024 • 51:50

632 - Mystery and Suspense

632 - Mystery and Suspense

John has the flu (or does he?) and Craig is missing, so we’re going back through the vaults to look at the mechanics of mystery and suspense. How do writers exploit the audience’s curiosity? What builds and breaks their trust? How do you use suspense across genres? And what do these techniques look like on the page? But first, we look at the current agency shakeups and share our thoughts on OpenAI’s new engine, Sora. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Drew talk about their expe

Feb 27, 2024 • 1:13:26

631 - Adapting for Television

631 - Adapting for Television

John welcomes writer and showrunner Francesca Sloane (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Atlanta) to talk about her process of bringing a big-screen property to television. She shares how she and Donald Glover found their way into the story, how it evolved in development, building a room that was all women of color, re-writing on set, and the many lessons she learned as a first time showrunner. We also follow up on writing partners and phonetic alphabets before answering listener questions on writing samples, ca

Feb 20, 2024 • 53:23

630 - The One with Celine Song

630 - The One with Celine Song

John welcomes Celine Song (Past Lives) to chart her journey from playwright to Oscar-nominated screenwriter. We discuss the intricacies of writing bilingually, the similarities between theater and a writers room, finding the right collaborators and how writing prepared Celine for for the rigors of directing. We also follow up on foreign courts, the Tiffany problem, and answer listener questions on American grad schools and table reads. In our bonus segment for premium members, Celine looks back

Feb 13, 2024 • 53:37

629 - Cork Grease

629 - Cork Grease

John and Craig host another round of the Three Page Challenge, where they give their honest feedback on three listener-submitted scripts. They offer insights into using sound realistically, writing action that can be easily directed, finding subtext in dialogue, and navigating complex points of view. But first, we dig into several tricky listener questions: How does a writing team discuss their individual work with their reps? When is it ok to say no to inclusive casting? And how do you break up

Feb 6, 2024 • 1:05:45

628 - The Fandom Menace

628 - The Fandom Menace

John and Craig discuss the dynamics of fandom, attempting to chart how things get cool, then hot, then terrible. But how are fandoms organized? Where do subcultures start? And how should you engage with the community that forms around your work? We also look at an alternative screenplay format from one of last year’s best screenplays, and follow up on bake-offs, distracting accuracies in fiction, and UK writing credits. We then answer questions on original songs, packaging your script, and wha

Jan 30, 2024 • 1:15:56

SC38 - Sidecast: The DGA Deal, part 2

SC38 - Sidecast: The DGA Deal, part 2

The DGA surprised the town yesterday, announcing an update to their already-signed agreement with the AMPTP. The new deal includes select pay bumps and the streaming bonus gained by WGA and SAG-AFTRA after their lengthy strikes. John and Drew are back to look at what we know about this off-cycle development and ask questions like huh? And how? And why? Links: DGA Announces Revisions To Film & TV Contract, Including Addition Of Streaming Bonus To Match WGA’s by Katie Campione for Deadline John

Jan 26, 2024 • 9:04

627 - Unbelievably Agentic

627 - Unbelievably Agentic

John welcomes back Aline Brosh McKenna to look at how both you and your characters can become more “agentic.” What are the traps and pitfalls of going after what you want? How do you get people to engage with your protagonist, especially when the protagonist is yourself? Then it’s another round of How Would This be a Movie? We look at stories about a harm-reduction hotline, countertop cancer, loyalty testers and a mathematician who exploited the lottery. In our bonus segment for premium members,

Jan 23, 2024 • 1:04:53

626 - Realistic but Distracting

626 - Realistic but Distracting

John and Craig investigate those details that are accurate and authentic, but can pull viewers out of the story. They look for ways to balance what is realistic with what is believable, and how to get rid of distractions and keep your audience focused on what matters. We also discuss popular names, follow up on Icelandic pronunciations and the Mazinga toy, and answer listener questions on period details, defining biopics, writing during production, and whether or not to read the script before wa

Jan 16, 2024 • 56:27

625 - Back in the FYC

625 - Back in the FYC

John and Craig take a look at the many For Your Consideration scripts suddenly available to read to see what lessons can be learned from movies that were actually made. They find best practices for establishing setting, using “we see” and “we hear,” complicated setups, directing on the page, and how to get right into your story. We also look at the possible sale of Paramount, the International Phonetic Alphabet and setting 2024 goals, before answering listener questions on UK credits and our wri

Jan 9, 2024 • 1:04:11

624 - Creating Empathy for Your Characters

624 - Creating Empathy for Your Characters

In this compendium episode, John and Craig look at how we can best articulate our characters’ inner lives and get the audience invested in them. They discuss the intricacies of point of view, finding truthful emotional states, and why it’s so important for your characters to be liars. How do you engage an audience’s empathy? What makes an audience cry? What emotional response breaks their trust? Why is point of view important, and how can it be manipulated? How can lies be used to drive a charac

Jan 2, 2024 • 1:09:03

623 - A Very Special Christmas Episode

623 - A Very Special Christmas Episode

John and Craig are joined by the ghosts of Scriptnotes past and present (Megana and Drew) for a festive competition: discussing the perils of studio bake-offs — pitting writer against writer for one coveted job — while simultaneously judging three of LA’s finest holiday cookies. We also look at Netflix’s recently released viewership data, follow up on homonyms, AI coverage and voting, and answer a listener question on the definition of a drafts. But first, we investigate the origin of a very u

Dec 26, 2023 • 1:06:42

622 - The One with Christopher Nolan

622 - The One with Christopher Nolan

John welcomes writer and director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Inception) to discuss experimentation, subjectivity and adaptation as they take an in-depth look at his screenplay, Oppenheimer. They explore Chris’ writing process, how to make non-linear structures work, finding the story in real-life events, being kinetic on the page, the importance of embracing editing, and why theme can be a tricky thing. In our bonus segment for premium members, Chris and John muse about the difficulties

Dec 19, 2023 • 52:19

621 - How Would This Be a Biopic?

621 - How Would This Be a Biopic?

John and Craig look at several notable figures in the news and ask, How Would This Be a Biopic? They examine the lives of Henry Kissinger, Sandra Day O’Connor, George Santos, Rosalynn Carter, and Sam Altman to see which are best suited for the big screen, and declare once-and-for-all the proper way to pronounce “biopic.” We also follow up on VFX and AI, the two-column format, inner monologues, and Melissa Mazin sets the record straight on her role at Thanksgiving. In our bonus segment for premiu

Dec 12, 2023 • 51:57

412 - Writing About Mental Health and Addiction (Encore)

412 - Writing About Mental Health and Addiction (Encore)

John moderates Breaking the Stigma, a panel on addiction and mental health with guests Gemma Baker (creator of CBS’s Mom), Dr. Corey Waller (specialist in pain, addiction and emergency medicine), Dr. Holly Daniels (specialist in eating disorders and mental health issues), and journalist Zachary Siegel. We discuss how addiction and mental health issues are portrayed in film and TV, more authentic ways of telling these stories, and how writers and creators can take care of their own mental healt

Dec 5, 2023 • 1:25:16

620 - This Uncertain Age

620 - This Uncertain Age

John and Craig investigate their anxiety and ask, why is the future so hard to predict right now? They discuss everything from what’s going at OpenAi, the upcoming elections, a new service that uses AI to generate script coverage, and muse about how to move forward in a time of unprecedented uncertainty. We also follow up with two listeners who wrote in for advice, and answer new questions on composite characters, being inspired by reddit, and how to maintain a long running D&D group. In our bon

Nov 28, 2023 • 57:47

619 - Comedy Episode

619 - Comedy Episode

John welcomes Jesse David Fox (Comedy Book, Good One) and Greg Iwinski (Last Week Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) to “explain the joke” and discuss how comedy works. They explore everything from harnessing your comedic voice, building a career in comedy, the importance of diversity in late night, to fundamental questions about the art form: How do jokes work? Is laughter always the primary goal of a comedy? Do you need to put your work online? How has the algorithm changed our consu

Nov 21, 2023 • 57:54

618 - Clearing out the Mailbag

618 - Clearing out the Mailbag

John offers a host of career-focused insights as he tackles our overflowing mailbag to answer as many listener questions as he can. What’s the best way to keep track of shower thoughts? How do you build a good creative workplace? How do you disclose your past wrongs to a future employer? What is Appendix A? And who picks up the tab at a coffee meeting? In our bonus segment for premium members, bells are ringing as John and newlywed Drew discuss what makes a wedding work. Links: Oppenheimer: T

Nov 14, 2023 • 1:10:21

SC37 - Sidecast: SAG-AFTRA has a deal

SC37 - Sidecast: SAG-AFTRA has a deal

After 118 days on strike, SAG-AFTRA has a tentative deal with the AMPTP. John and Drew look through the details of the agreement to see what gains the actors union was able to make on streaming, self-tapes, performance capture, AI protections, and residuals. What are the current effects of this agreement? And what’s next for organized labor in Hollywood? Links: SAG-AFTRA Summary of 2023 Tentative Agreement SAG-AFTRA 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts Hub John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scri

Nov 14, 2023 • 21:02

386 - The Princess Bride (Encore)

386 - The Princess Bride (Encore)

John and Craig host an in-depth look at the 1987 classic, The Princess Bride, recorded live at the WGA Theatre in 2019. They discuss how the “abridged” structure brings us only the best parts of the story and what this means for the characters and world. From the frame story to the myth of the Dread Pirate Roberts, The Princess Bride shaped decades of screenwriters but would be inconceivable to produce today. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig discuss William Goldman’s famo

Nov 7, 2023 • 57:49

617 - Monsters and You

617 - Monsters and You

Mad scientists John and Craig dissect monsters and how they function in the stories we tell. How do monsters differ from the average villain? What makes them tick? And how do you make them fascinating? We also discuss how narratives are applied to real-life news, follow up on aphantasia and diabetes, and answer a listener question on characters in cosplay. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig fire up their dial-up modems to reminisce about the old internet. Links: Aaron Sork

Oct 31, 2023 • 1:09:11

616 - The One with Neil Gaiman

616 - The One with Neil Gaiman

John and Craig welcome Neil Gaiman (The Sandman, Good Omens) to discuss the serialized storytelling of comics and screenwriting. Using Neil’s script for issue 24 of The Sandman, they look at how comics are written, communicating with other artists, using the medium to your advantage, and finding unique ways to deliver your story. Neil also shares how he developed his voice as a writer, from the origin of his religious and mythological curiosities to the importance of doing it wrong, defining sty

Oct 24, 2023 • 1:04:36

615 - The Mind’s Eye

615 - The Mind’s Eye

John and Craig talk about the importance of visualization for screenwriters, and the fact that some very successful writers can’t do it. They share what’s going on inside their brains as they write, their processes for imagining a scene, and what writing is like across the spectrum of aphantasia. But first, we look at Marvel’s new approach to TV and follow-up on diabetes, studio distribution, and a word John has been using incorrectly for years. We also answer listener questions about choosing t

Oct 17, 2023 • 58:04

SC36 - Sidecast: WGA Ratifies its Contract

SC36 - Sidecast: WGA Ratifies its Contract

It’s official – the WGA has ratified its contract with the AMPTP. John and Drew look at how the votes were distributed, what happens next, and what to keep in mind as SAG-AFTRA moves forward in their negotiations. Links: 2023 MBA Ratified – WGA SAG-AFTRA on Strike! WGA Solidarity with SAG-AFTRA John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Oct 11, 2023 • 1:47

614 - Storytelling and the Strike

614 - Storytelling and the Strike

John sits down with WGA Negotiating Committee co-chair Chris Keyser to look at how writers crafted the narrative of the strike. From establishing the premise and themes, identifying characters, and all the way down to specific word choices, we dissect the choices, revisions, and tactics used to guide the MBA negotiations to a successful conclusion. We also answer listener questions on foreign levies and writers’ relationship with the studios going forward. In our bonus segment for premium member

Oct 10, 2023 • 1:17:15

613 - Entering the Post-Strike Era

613 - Entering the Post-Strike Era

John and Craig take an in-depth look at the deal points of the WGA’s tentative agreement with the AMPTP, which ended the 2023 WGA strike after 148 days. Together they break down what gains were made, how they work, and why they are important for writers everywhere. We also open a time-capsule email from 2018, follow up on five year old predictions, and send our predictions for 2028 off into the future. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig discuss a topic we’ve slept on for to

Oct 3, 2023 • 1:04:39

SC35 - Sidecast: On the SAG-AFTRA Picket Line

SC35 - Sidecast: On the SAG-AFTRA Picket Line

Recorded live from Paramount and Amazon Studios, John and Drew talk with actors and writers marching in support of SAG-AFTRA as they re-enter negotiations with the AMPTP. Thanks to everyone who talked with us! Links: SAG-AFTRA on Strike! WGA Solidarity with SAG-AFTRA WGA Contract Ratification – Vote Here WGA Contract 2023 Tentative Agreement John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Oct 3, 2023 • 6:02

SC34 - Sidecast: What’s in the Deal

SC34 - Sidecast: What’s in the Deal

John, Drew and Megana read through the details of the WGA’s Tentative Agreement to see what was initially proposed and what was ultimately won. Links: WGA Tentative Agreement Summary 2023 MBA Tentative Agreement Megana Rao on Twitter John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Sep 27, 2023 • 35:14

433 - The One with Greta Gerwig (Encore)

433 - The One with Greta Gerwig (Encore)

John and Greta Gerwig (Barbie, Little Women and Lady Bird) discuss adaptation, ambition and authorship. With the screenplay in front of them, they look at specific scenes in Little Women and explore how its non-linear timeline changed how the movie works. We also answer listener questions on writing for the page and starting a family as an aspiring writer. In our bonus segment for premium members, Craig shares what it was like winning a Golden Globe for Chernobyl. Links: The Original Episode: 4

Sep 26, 2023 • 1:09:18

SC33 - Sidecast: There’s a Deal!

SC33 - Sidecast: There’s a Deal!

After 146 days on the picket line, the WGA has reached a tentative deal with the AMPTP. John walks through the very exciting email that was sent out to members, outlining what it means, what happens next, and reflects on how far we’ve come. Links: Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses SAG-AFTRA Picket Schedule and Locations Strike Rules FAQ Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced

Sep 25, 2023 • 9:28

612 - The Wizard of Splash

612 - The Wizard of Splash

John and Craig test out a dreamy thesis: that all fish out of water stories are either The Wizard of Oz or Splash. What are the differences? Are Splash movies funnier? And what are the hidden pitfalls of placing our characters in unfamiliar worlds? We also look at how Rotten Tomatoes works (and how it’s manipulated). But first, we follow up on physical media and lining up in size order before answering a listener question on writing gibberish. In our bonus segment for premium members, Craig shar

Sep 19, 2023 • 54:58

SC32 - Sidecast: Writers Who Read

SC32 - Sidecast: Writers Who Read

John and Drew talk about one of the best things writers can do to keep their skills sharp during the strike: reading. They discuss where to find scripts, what you can learn from other people’s writing, and what they’ve been working on while pencils are down. Links: Weekend Read 2 on the App Store Scriptslug.com Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGACo

Sep 19, 2023 • 9:53

463 - Writing Action (Encore)

463 - Writing Action (Encore)

John and Craig talk action! It’s an all-craft episode about how words on the page become high-adrenaline events on the screen. Using a variety of different scripts, we look at how different styles of action sequences can be used to clearly communicate what is meant to happen in a scene and how it’s supposed to feel. In our bonus segment for premium members we try to discuss the Emmys but mostly talk about teenage girls’ obsession with Criminal Minds. Links: Action Scenes PDF Scriptnotes Episod

Sep 12, 2023 • 1:19:34

SC31 - Sidecast: NYC Picketing

SC31 - Sidecast: NYC Picketing

Live from New York, John talks with writers and actors about the differences between LA and NYC pickets, anxiety, and how joy can be a form of protest. Featuring Christopher Kyle and Wilson Cruz. Big thanks to everyone who talked with us! Links: East & NY Strike Resources Writers Guild of America East Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023

Sep 8, 2023 • 4:46

SC30 - Sidecast: Disability and Visibility on the Picket Line

SC30 - Sidecast: Disability and Visibility on the Picket Line

Cory Reeder interviews writers and performers at the joint WGA/SAG-AFTRA disability picket at Disney. Big thanks to Cory and everyone he spoke with! Links: WGAw Disabled Writers Committee SAG-AFTRA Diversity Committees SAG-AFTRA Empowering Performers with Disabilities on Set Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Twitter, Inst

Sep 5, 2023 • 8:20

611 - Basic Instincts

611 - Basic Instincts

John and Craig investigate our primal instincts and how they motivate our characters. Often referred to as the four F’s, these are the impulses hardwired into every animal in order to survive. But how do these base impulses guide a character’s behavior? And how can they be harnessed to make sure you don’t overcomplicate your character’s want? We also look at impermanence in our digital world and the ways people are trying to preserve lost media. But first we answer listener questions on comics

Sep 5, 2023 • 1:00:56

SC29 - Sidecast: Picket Line Q & A

SC29 - Sidecast: Picket Line Q & A

John answers the most common questions he hears out on the picket line, including the nervous, “Wait, why are you here? Is something wrong?” Links: wgacontract2023.org It’s All Relative on YouTube Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt Email us at ask@jo

Aug 30, 2023 • 7:37

610 - The Premise

610 - The Premise

John and Craig examine the foundation of every story: the premise. What is your story really about? What questions is it trying to answer? How does that differ from your logline? And what should writers do to make sure those things match up? We also follow up on AI copyright, physical media, Esperanto and lingua franca. We then answer listener questions on the usefulness of “Fade in,” what studios actually do, and whether or not to put spec scripts on your website. In our bonus segment for premi

Aug 29, 2023 • 1:04:45

SC28 - Sidecast: FTC Looks at Mergers

SC28 - Sidecast: FTC Looks at Mergers

John and Drew inspect the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed merger guidelines and why they’re important for everybody – not just writers – to read and comment on. Links: FTC and DOJ Seek Comment on Draft Merger Guidelines by the Federal Trade Commission Publicly Comment on the FTC Draft Merger Guidelines WGA Template and Call to Action FTC proposes new merger guidelines by John August Financial Interest and Syndication (Fin-Syn) Rules on Wikipedia Paramount Decree on Wikipedia Picket hour

Aug 23, 2023 • 9:20

609 - Dialogue and Character Voice

609 - Dialogue and Character Voice

John and Craig look at how well-written dialogue is used to give characters a unique voice. Using clips from previous episodes they present a history of dialogue and its evolution, how it informs your actors, and how communicating an idea sometimes comes down to the smallest words our characters say. How can writers use dialogue to make their characters feel distinct and alive? What are tests for character voice? What can memorizing dialogue can teach us about writing it? And how do you keep all

Aug 22, 2023 • 1:05:33

SC27 - Sidecast: Elections

SC27 - Sidecast: Elections

With union elections on the horizon, John and Drew present an overview of the voting process and governing structures of the WGA, DGA and SAG-AFTRA.   Links: SAG-AFTRA 2023 Elections and Voter Guides SAG-AFTRA Governance DGA Leadership WGAw 2023 Elections WGAe 2023 Elections Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Aug 16, 2023 • 13:42

608 - Scriptnotes LIVE! at Dynasty Typewriter in LA

608 - Scriptnotes LIVE! at Dynasty Typewriter in LA

John and Craig welcome guests Quinta Brunson, Rachel Bloom and Natasha Lyonne to join them for a live benefit for Hollywood HEART. Since they cannot discuss the shows they’re currently working on (strike rules!) they instead reflect on the surprising paths of their careers, how acting has influenced them as writers and directors, and how much is learned at every step of production. We’re also joined by AMPTP spokesperson Nancy Sullivan to discuss our concerns with the ongoing strike, what she

Aug 15, 2023 • 1:05:38

SC26 - Sidecast: 100 Days

SC26 - Sidecast: 100 Days

On the 100th day of striking against the AMPTP, John heads to the picket line to speak with writers about what they’ve learned, how they’re feeling, and what has changed. Thanks to everyone who talked to us! Links: 2023 WGA Writer’s Strike Gallery by J. W. Hendricks Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses Updated picket hours and information 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract20

Aug 10, 2023 • 6:01

607 - In the Beginning Was the Word

607 - In the Beginning Was the Word

John and Craig ponder the nature of words and what gives them meaning. Using new information on how large language models function, they look at the dizzying amount of connections words can create with other words, between humans, and their profound effect on the nature of consciousness. We promise we’re not high. We also follow up on racist characters before answering listener questions on balancing deadlines with an artistic process and our ideal press junket questions. In our bonus segment fo

Aug 8, 2023 • 54:02

SC25 - Sidecast: AMPTP Asks for a Meeting

SC25 - Sidecast: AMPTP Asks for a Meeting

The AMPTP has reached out to set a meeting with the WGA. What does this mean? How should we feel? And can John find a metaphor for it? Links: WGA Announcements: Discussion with AMPTP about Negotiations Scriptnotes LIVE! At Dynasty Typewriter Writing Is Our Home by WGA Negotiating Committee Co-Chair Chris Keyser Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses Updated picket hours and information 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about

Aug 2, 2023 • 3:55

403 - How to Write a Movie (Encore)

403 - How to Write a Movie (Encore)

Craig hosts a solo episode presenting his general theory on screenwriting. He covers the central dramatic argument, the ‘why’ behind plot points, and of course, umbrage on common script diagrams. Good luck, and go torture your heroes! In our bonus segment for premium members, John Gatins (Flight, Real Steel) tells us about his history with HollywoodHEART, the charity behind our Scriptnotes LIVE show. Get your tickets for this year’s show through the link in our show notes! Links: Scriptnotes L

Aug 1, 2023 • 45:08

SC24 - Sidecast: Risk and Reward

SC24 - Sidecast: Risk and Reward

John has opinions on the AMPTP’s new assertion that the studios are bearing all the risk when it comes to making a movie or a series, and therefore should be receiving all the reward. Links: AMPTP response to SAG-AFTRA ‘Idiots’: Wall Street Analysts Unload on Hollywood by Claire Atkinson for The Ankler Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses Updated picket hours and information 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023

Jul 26, 2023 • 6:42

606 - Character and Story Fit

606 - Character and Story Fit

John welcomes back Pamela Ribon (My Year of Dicks, Moana) to talk about how to fit the right characters to your story. We know story comes from characters, but often an idea starts with a world, so how do writers find the right characters to build their story around? We also talk about writing for animation, working in reality TV and the forgotten art of television recapping. We then answer listener questions about choosing a character’s sex and gender, and gauging page count from an outline. An

Jul 25, 2023 • 1:08:09

SC23 - Sidecast: Different Guilds, Different Needs

SC23 - Sidecast: Different Guilds, Different Needs

John and Drew take a look at SAG-AFTRA’s summary of negotiations to see what was asked for, what was offered, and what writers need to know. They also share insights on SAG-AFTRA’s new captain system. Links: SAG-AFTRA Summary of Negotiations SAG-AFTRA Strike Information Portal kate bond’s thread on Twitter Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses Updated picket hours and information 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2

Jul 18, 2023 • 9:46

605 - Medicine and Mayhem

605 - Medicine and Mayhem

John and Craig look at four tales of science, medicine and mayhem and ask, how would this be a movie? Stories include a catatonic woman who woke up after 20 years, a white supremacist transformed by MDMA, a drugged crypto lawyer, and an in-depth account of alien biology. But first we have a very special announcement: Scriptnotes LIVE is back! We also follow-up on recent episodes before Drew and Halley look at statements John and Craig made years ago to see if either of them have changed their tu

Jul 18, 2023 • 58:12

SC22 - Sidecast: The Double Strike, Day One

SC22 - Sidecast: The Double Strike, Day One

On the first day of the the SAG-AFTRA strike, actors and writers on the picket lines tell us why this strike is so important to them and what advice they have for first-time picketers. Featuring Jim Rash and SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee members Nicole Cyrille and Joseph Melendez. Thanks to everyone who talked to us! Links: SAG-AFTRA Strike Notice to Members Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses Updated picket hours and information 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FA

Jul 14, 2023 • 8:38

SC21 - Sidecast: SAG-AFTRA on Strike

SC21 - Sidecast: SAG-AFTRA on Strike

SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents all the film and television actors in the US, has announced that their members are going on strike. John and Drew look at what that means, what to expect, and how it will impact the ongoing writers strike. Links: SAG-AFTRA Strike Notice to Members A Message from the SAG-AFTRA President and Chief Negotiator AMPTP Responds To SAG-AFTRA Strike by Erik Pedersen for Deadline Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses Updated picket hours and

Jul 13, 2023 • 9:07

368 - Advice for a New Staff Writer (Encore)

368 - Advice for a New Staff Writer (Encore)

John welcomes Alison McDonald (Russian Doll, #BlackAF) and Ryan Knighton (In the Dark, Billions) to reveal the fundamentals and unspoken rules of working in a TV writers room. How did they get the job? How much should new writers talk? What should you wear? How much money do you make? And what’s for lunch? Our bonus segment is for everyone this week! John invites Ryan Knighton back to talk about travel writing and the mixed blessings of tourism. Links: The original Episode 368: Advice for a New

Jul 11, 2023 • 1:13:50

SC20 - Sidecast: Heroes and Villains (of the Strike)

SC20 - Sidecast: Heroes and Villains (of the Strike)

A lot of people have been singled out as either heroes or villains of this writer’s strike, but does any individual deserve that title? John and Drew look at these narratives, the motivations behind them, and celebrate their own personal heroes of the strike. Links: David Zaslav Article Taken Down By GQ After Warner Bros. Discovery Raises Objections by Dave Hayes for Variety Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses Updated picket hours and information 2023 WGA Strike Rule

Jul 7, 2023 • 17:39

604 - That’s a Good Question

604 - That’s a Good Question

John and Craig question questions themselves. What’s really happening when a character asks a question? How many types of questions can be asked? What can questions tell us about our characters and the power dynamics within a scene? Are these leading questions or rhetorical questions? And will John and Craig answer them all? We also answer questions from listeners about turning a screenplay into a book and first jobs in the industry. But first, we follow up on the GameStop movie, pitch decks and

Jul 4, 2023 • 55:52

603 - Billion Dollar Advice

603 - Billion Dollar Advice

John and Craig welcome Akela Cooper (M3GAN, Malignant) to help offer guidance to billionaires looking to put their money in the safest place they can: the film and television industry. The trio looks at the upsides of investing in productions, which business models already exist and what we can learn from the independent television studios of the past. We also chart Akela’s career from USC student through to this year’s hit film M3GAN. We then answer listener questions on planting easter eggs an

Jun 27, 2023 • 1:04:14

SC19 - Sidecast: Summer Schedule

SC19 - Sidecast: Summer Schedule

With that hot summer sun comes new picketing hours from the WGA. John and Drew take a look at the new schedule and answer a listener question about YouTube content. Links: Updated picket hours and information Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle – Griffith Observatory Scene NDA with Dave Wiskus – What the Writers Strike Means For Creators (feat. John August) Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more a

Jun 23, 2023 • 8:29

SC18 - Sidecast: March and Rally for a Fair Contract

SC18 - Sidecast: March and Rally for a Fair Contract

Live from the WGA STRONG: March and Rally for a Fair Contract in Los Angeles. Featuring Adam Conover, Boots Riley and Lindsay Dougherty. Thanks to everyone who talked to us! Links: 5,000-Plus Demonstrators Rally in L.A. to Support Writers Strike, Pressure Studios by Katie Kilkenny and Xennia Hamilton for The Hollywood Reporter WGA Strike Rally & March information Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations

Jun 22, 2023 • 6:53

152 - The Rocky Shoals (pages 70-90), Encore

152 - The Rocky Shoals (pages 70-90), Encore

John and Craig welcome Aline Brosh McKenna to talk about the difficult journey through pages 70-90 of your feature. The end of the second act can drive even the most seasoned writers into an existential crisis, but together they offer their tips and tricks to navigating this difficult passage. We then talk about the importance of tone: what does tone feel like on the page? And how can it distinguish great writing? We also talk mentors, procrastination, the Panic Monster and our inner Instant Gra

Jun 20, 2023 • 1:12:20

SC17 - Sidecast: Screenwriters Everywhere - Cologne and Copenhagen

SC17 - Sidecast: Screenwriters Everywhere - Cologne and Copenhagen

Scriptnotes listeners Anton Breum in Copenhagen, Denmark and Pierre Puget in Cologne, Germany interview writers picketing in support of the WGA during the International Day of Solidarity, organized by Screenwriters Everywhere. Thank you to everyone who was interviewed and thank you Anton and Pierre! Links: Screenwriters Everywhere: International Day of Solidarity Pierre Puget is the co-host of the European Screenwriters Podcast EURO PUDDING Anton Breum Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals

Jun 15, 2023 • 5:45

602 - Research Isn’t Cheating

602 - Research Isn’t Cheating

John and Craig host another round of the Three Page Challenge, selecting three listeners’ scripts for feedback on what’s working and common pitfalls to avoid. They offer insights into the tricky issues when cheating movement, formatting non-English dialogue, and the importance of logic in comedy. But first, we answer some long-gestating listener questions: What are strategies for writers to option IP on their own? Can you use your smart relative for dialogue? And how do you discuss co-creators o

Jun 13, 2023 • 1:21:44

SC16 - Sidecast: International Day of Picketing

SC16 - Sidecast: International Day of Picketing

The WGA’s international sister unions are coming together Wednesday, June 14 for international picketing, and John and Drew are excited. We discuss where these pickets are taking place and how to RSVP, then answer a listener question about FYC events. Links: Screenwriters Everywhere: International Day of Solidarity Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here a

Jun 9, 2023 • 5:25

SC15 - Sidecast: SAG-AFTRA, DGA and What Comes Next

SC15 - Sidecast: SAG-AFTRA, DGA and What Comes Next

John and Drew look at the results of SAG-AFTRA’s Strike Authorization Vote and the DGA’s tentative deal with the AMPTP, and what they mean for writers on strike. Links: SAG-AFTRA Members Approve Strike Authorization with 97.91% Yes Vote DGA Tentative Agreement Press Release Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Twitter, Inst

Jun 6, 2023 • 5:09

601 - Side Quests

601 - Side Quests

John and Craig take a detour to discuss side quests: those smaller tasks that can serve as the building blocks of a character’s journey. How do side quests differ from your hero’s primary goal? What’s the best way to use them? And how can writers make them meaningful? We then discuss the importance of failure to the artistic process. We also follow up on graphic design for writers, spacing out TV episodes, and a Scriptnotes love story. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig put

Jun 6, 2023 • 47:45

SC14 - Sidecast: How to Talk To Your Parents about the Strike

SC14 - Sidecast: How to Talk To Your Parents about the Strike

Megana, Drew and John discuss the best ways to talk about the WGA strike with family and non-industry friends. How much context do you need to give? How do you properly frame the AI issues? How do you calm down a nervous parent without setting unrealistic expectations? In other news, Weekend Read 2 is out! Drew and Megana have prepared hundreds of scripts and transcripts for your reading enjoyment. Links: Weekend Read 2 Megana Rao on Twitter Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP res

Jun 2, 2023 • 18:39

600 - McQuarrie Returns

600 - McQuarrie Returns

As we reach our 600th episode, John and Craig welcome back writer and director Christopher McQuarrie (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Top Gun: Maverick, The Usual Suspects) to continue their decades-long argument on the future of the movies and the forces that power the entertainment industry. Together they lead a wide-ranging debate on the corporate lure of AI, cultivating movie stars, the bad habits writers have to unlearn, the importance of making genre movies, feeding the Hollywood m

May 30, 2023 • 57:22

SC13 - Sidecast: Animation Picket

SC13 - Sidecast: Animation Picket

Live from the picket line, John talks to members of The Animation Guild (TAG, IATSE local 839) marching in solidarity with with members of the WGA. They explain the issues writers in animation are facing, and why it’s so important for the the two unions to support one another. Guests include Stuart Friedel, Bill Wolkoff and Len Uhley. Thanks to everyone who talked with us! Links: The Animation Guild WGA Special Pickets Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike

May 24, 2023 • 7:59

SC12 - Sidecast: Location Picketing

SC12 - Sidecast: Location Picketing

John returns from a parking lot in Koreatown to tell Drew all about his experiences picketing productions on location and how other writers can get involved. We also answer listener questions, look at upcoming themed pickets, and celebrate the gains we’ve made at neutral gates. Links: WGA Special Pickets WGA tip line: tips@wga.org Sean Graham at WGA: sgraham@wga.org Aziz Ansari’s ‘Good Fortune’ Suspends Production by Samantha Bergeson for IndieWire ‘Duster’, From J.J. Abrams & LaToya Morgan,

May 23, 2023 • 16:10

599 - Group Dynamics

599 - Group Dynamics

John and Craig work together to look at team movies and what writers need to be thinking about when they have more than one protagonist. From Charlie’s Angels to The Hangover and every Ocean in between, they break down how to create narrative drive and tension with so many characters, and how to bring them all together in the end. We also take a look at a new study that compares releasing TV episodes weekly vs. the binge model before following up on tone meetings and TV movies. We then answer li

May 23, 2023 • 50:24

SC11 - Sidecast: A New SAV

SC11 - Sidecast: A New SAV

The actors union has called for a Strike Authorization Vote ahead of their negotiations with the AMPTP. John and Drew look at what that means, and what impact it may have on the writers strike. Links: SAG-AFTRA Strike Authorization Vote Lukas Gage audition video by Lukas Gage on Twitter Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Tw

May 19, 2023 • 10:44

598 - The One with Vince Gilligan

598 - The One with Vince Gilligan

John and Craig sit down with legendary writer, director and showrunner Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) to discuss his prolific career and how to make great television. Vince leads us through how he develops a premise, balancing creative surprises with rigorous planning, and his advice for up-and-coming showrunners. We also discuss re-writing features before following up on the old dancing prospector archetype — only to discover it’s a character Vince has a long personal history w

May 16, 2023 • 1:07:14

SC10 - Sidecast: Neutral Gates

SC10 - Sidecast: Neutral Gates

John and Megana Rao return from the picket line to ask, what’s the deal with neutral gates? Using the Teamsters as a guide, we look at the rules that govern neutral gates, why we have them, their history, and how they can guide our best practices for picketing as we enter the third week of the strike. Links: Teamsters local 399 FAQ Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negot

May 15, 2023 • 11:01

SC9 - Sidecast: One Week In

SC9 - Sidecast: One Week In

After a week on the picket line, John and Drew meet up to highlight listeners they’ve met, which productions have been shut down, what to expect from the upcoming DGA negotiations, and what non-WGA members can do to support striking writers. We then answer questions to help listeners navigate the strike rules. Are writers are allowed to submit to labs and fellowships? Are we supposed to boycott struck companies? And how does the strike affect your favorite weekly podcast? Links: Inevitable Fo

May 10, 2023 • 20:14

597 - Rollo Tomasi

597 - Rollo Tomasi

John and Craig dive into our overflowing mailbag to answer a wide range of listener questions. They discuss ageism in the industry, the realities of overall deals, clunky character backstories, and creating the relationship you want with your manager. We also explore the history of a Disney Channel Original Movie, the realities of panning for gold, and who deals with your stuff after you die. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig reach through time to find their dream Scriptno

May 9, 2023 • 57:55

SC8 - Sidecast: The Shrine

SC8 - Sidecast: The Shrine

John is joined by Megana Rao to give us a first-hand account of last night’s WGA member meeting at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles. Links: Megana Rao on Twitter Sarah Schaefer on the proposed “day rate.” Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt Ema

May 5, 2023 • 11:47

SC7 - Sidecast: On the Picket Line - Day 1

SC7 - Sidecast: On the Picket Line - Day 1

John and Drew talk with writers on the picket line outside of CBS Studios in LA, who tell us what they’re currently not writing, what’s changed since the 2007 strike, and why this strike is so important to them. Guests include WGA board member Zoe Marshall and previous Scriptnotes guest Megan Amram. Thanks to everyone who talked to us! Links: WGA Strike Announcement Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations

May 3, 2023 • 8:08

SC6 - Sidecast: WGA on Strike

SC6 - Sidecast: WGA on Strike

Just after midnight, the WGA officially went on strike. John explains what happened in the negotiating room and sets his sights on the picket line. Where do the negotiations stand? What are the next steps for WGA members? Links: WGA Strike Announcement Summary of Negotiations: WGA proposals and AMPTP responses 2023 WGA Strike Rules Strike Rules FAQ Picket Schedules and Locations RSVP for WGA member meetings in Los Angeles and New York. Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGACont

May 2, 2023 • 9:49

596 - McQuarrie on McQuarrie

596 - McQuarrie on McQuarrie

In preparation for episode 600, John revisits our first two episodes with Christopher McQuarrie (Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, The Usual Suspects) to marvel at his wisdom and enjoy his ongoing feud with Craig. We chart his course from writer to writer-director, his process of rescuing a movie in crisis, the storytelling opportunities on TV, and what the future holds for young filmmakers. In our bonus segment for premium members, John, Craig and Chris conduct a post-mortem on

May 2, 2023 • 58:19

SC5 - Sidecast: Solidarity and Strike Rules

SC5 - Sidecast: Solidarity and Strike Rules

John and Drew discuss the newly-released WGA 2023 Strike Rules and how guilds across the industry are showing support for the WGA. We then answer listener questions about what writers – union and non-union – can do during a strike. Are any meetings are ok to take? Can you sign with a manager? And what if your optioned material is sold? Links: WGA Sends Out Strike Rules To Members As Potential Hollywood Labor Shutdown Looms Next Week by Dominic Patten and David Robb for Deadline Teamsters Stat

Apr 26, 2023 • 12:48

399 - Notes on Notes

399 - Notes on Notes

John and Craig talk to an audience of development executives about the experience of getting notes as a writer. They cover the do’s and don’ts of giving notes, ways to motivate writers towards a creative vision, and why these conversations kick in a writer’s fight or flight response. We take questions from the audience and discuss ‘the bad pitch,’ likable characters, and how to stay friends with a writer after a breakup. In our bonus segment for premium members, John offers his notes on Drew’s f

Apr 25, 2023 • 1:01:33

595 - Correctable Crises

595 - Correctable Crises

John welcomes Danielle Sanchez-Witzel (Up Here, The Carmichael Show) to discuss the state of modern TV writing and answer crafty questions from our overflowing mailbag. How do you structure a limited series? How do you take inspiration from an idea without ripping it off? And how do you know if your story really needs that sex scene? In our bonus segment for premium members, we explore the tricky situation of having a co-worker who is nice but incompetent. Links: Danielle Sanchez-Witzel on IM

Apr 18, 2023 • 48:39

SC4 - Sidecast: SAV Results

SC4 - Sidecast: SAV Results

In this mini-episode, John and Drew discuss the results of the Strike Authorization Vote, and what’s next for negotiations. We also answer a listener question asking how preWGA writers can show support during a possible strike. Links: Strike Authorization Results Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Apr 18, 2023 • 4:00

594 - Bindles and Gold Pans

594 - Bindles and Gold Pans

John and Craig look at another set of incredible news stories and ask, How Would This Be a Movie? Stories include an AI love service, an inventor with good intentions who doomed our planet, a fake Aretha Franklin, and a multi-million dollar nut heist. We also follow up on heroic names and answer listener questions about researching your story. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig lie awake and wonder — what happens to our work after we die? Links: The Man of Your Dreams by

Apr 11, 2023 • 1:03:50

593 - The Ref with Richard LaGravenese

593 - The Ref with Richard LaGravenese

Writer and director Richard LaGravenese joins Craig for an in-depth analysis of his 1994 comedy classic screenplay, THE REF. Together, Craig and Richard dig into the rules of farce, making hyper-verbal characters work, and the difference between a main character and a protagonist. We also discuss how to write compelling monologues, engineering a character’s catharsis, and why coffee really is better with cake. In our bonus segment for premium members, Craig and Richard discuss why it’s often so

Apr 4, 2023 • 1:00:06

SC3 - Sidecast: Strike Authorization Vote

SC3 - Sidecast: Strike Authorization Vote

John returns from the negotiating room to chat with Drew about the upcoming Strike Authorization Vote. What does Strike Authorization actually mean? How do WGA members vote? And what can writers do this week before voting begins? We also answer a question from a listener wrestling with their fears of a potential strike. Links: Find complete information for the Strike Authorization Vote here. Find more about the 2023 WGA negotiations here at WGAContract2023.org John on Twitter, Instagram and Ma

Apr 3, 2023 • 12:43

193 - How Writing Credits Work

193 - How Writing Credits Work

In an extensive deep-dive, John and Craig attempt to create the definitive explanation of screenwriting credits. How are they determined? Who has copyright? And what really happens when a screenplay goes to arbitration? In our bonus segment for premium members, we look back on the 2023 awards season and pitch a potential awards show of our own. Links: WGA Additional Literary Material Credit Scriptnotes, Ep 20: How credit arbitration works Jurassic World Script Credits Resolved; Helmer Colin T

Mar 28, 2023 • 1:19:43

592 - Only One of Us Can Be the Hero

592 - Only One of Us Can Be the Hero

John and Craig host another round of the Three Page Challenge where they look at listener pages and offer feedback on what’s working and how to avoid common pitfalls. They discuss writing gore, finding your tone, and introducing a character’s problem. We also follow up on villains, pirates and European script consultants. We then ponder a long-nagging question: why do all action heroes have names that begin with J? In our bonus segment for premium members, we talk about our experiences with anes

Mar 21, 2023 • 1:05:13

591 - Collective Narratives

591 - Collective Narratives

John and Craig welcome back writer/producer Megana Rao to discuss techniques to explain what happened in the world of a movie before the movie began. How do we use past events as touchstones, and how does our interpretation of events become the narrative in our culture? Then Megana tells us her story of getting staffed. How does a new writer join the WGA, and what is expected of a writer on your first day? She also answers listener questions and shares advice she’s learned from her time on our s

Mar 14, 2023 • 55:49

590 - Anti-Villains

590 - Anti-Villains

John and Craig twirl their mustaches and discuss what motivates our villains. Why does past trauma lead some characters to become villains, while others become heroes? What separates good and evil, and what makes a villain great? We also celebrate Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy TV special, and follow up on office phones, #PayUpHollywood, and American military influence in film. In our bonus segment for premium members, we discuss Craig’s new tattoo of Ellie’s switchblade, and our first tattoo experi

Mar 7, 2023 • 57:31

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