Scriptnotes Podcast
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.
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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: …
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 …
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, Instagram and Mastodon Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt with …
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 …
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@johnaugust.com You can download the …