Scriptnotes Podcast
Arts
About
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.
Episodes
- 734 - A Box Full of Teeth
On Scriptnotes, John and Craig host Katie Dippold to discuss advice for their younger selves and the development of her show "Widow's Bay." They also address listener questions about stolen ideas and pitching oneself.
- 733 - Learning Comedy
John August speaks with writer Ali Barthwell about whether writers can learn to be funny, drawing on her experience with sketch and improv. They also discuss the WGA MBA, the Scriptnotes book, and answer listener questions.
- 732 - Something Very Bad is Going to Happen
John August talks with writer/showrunner Haley Z. Boston about her new series "Something Very Bad is Going to Happen," exploring its development, her experience as a first-time showrunner, the connection between women and horror, and craft…
- 731 - Avoidance and Other Anti-Quests
John and Craig discuss how characters' avoidance can drive stories, using film and TV examples. They also cover recent updates, listener questions on residuals and writing partnerships, and future show plans.
- SC39 - Sidecast: The 2026 MBA
John August discusses the new 2026 MBA agreement between the WGA and AMPTP, sharing details about the deal as he was co-chair of the negotiating committee.
- 89 - Writing effective transitions (Encore)
John and Craig discuss writing effective transitions, their importance, different types, and the use of CUT TO. They also cover obsolete shots, prewriting issues illustrated by a lawsuit, and briefly touch on the LA Olympics.
- 730 - A Frank Conversation About Screenwriting
John August shares insights on the changing landscape of screenwriting, his career evolution, and answers audience questions on topics like writing habits, alternative careers, project choices, and age in the industry.
- 729 - Endings Compendium, Part II
In Part II of their Endings Compendium, John and Craig revisit segments on creating satisfying story endings, focusing on character, the denouement, farewells, and bringing stories full-circle. A premium bonus segment covers casting minor…
- 728 - Beats to Scenes with Drew Goddard
Drew Goddard joins John August to discuss adapting story beats into scenes, using examples from The Martian and Project Hail Mary. They cover scene construction, TV writing room approaches, adaptation challenges, and advice for writers.
- 197 - How do bad movies get made? (Encore)
In this episode of Scriptnotes, John and Craig revisit a favorite topic: how bad movies are made. They use their first-hand experience to explore how bad ideas reach the screen and how good ideas can falter, discussing common patterns that…
- 727 - Free Work
John and Craig discuss the problem of free work, offering strategies for writers to value their time and effort. They also address listener questions on pitching, internships, and naming awards, with a bonus segment on writing about law en…
- 726 - So you've been nominated for an Oscar
John August interviews writer-directors Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh about the process of getting a short film nominated for an Oscar, covering everything from the initial idea through awards season. They also discuss lessons learn…
- 725 - Torn from the pages of Squash Magazine
John and Craig analyze news articles for potential movie adaptations, covering diverse topics like a Minneapolis menstrual supply network and a fake college squash team. They also address screenwriting advice and listener queries.
- 724 - Introductions with Joachim Trier
John August welcomes director Joachim Trier to discuss character and theme introductions in filmmaking, using Sentimental Value as a case study. They also cover writing processes, listener questions on endings and casting, and screenplay p…
- 723 - Blank Meets Blank
John and Craig explore the effectiveness of using comparisons in filmmaking, addressing their utility, pitfalls, and best practices. They also cover listener questions regarding AI feedback and actor attachments for microbudget films, alon…
- 722 - Orality, or Writing to be Spoken
John and Craig explore whether screenwriters are essentially oral storytellers, examining the characteristics of screenplays that distinguish them from other literary works. The episode also touches on WGA member meetings and answers liste…
- 721 - Preparing to Direct (with Eva Victor)
Eva Victor joins John and Craig to discuss the process of preparing to direct her first feature film, 'Sorry, Baby.' The discussion covers her intensive year-long preparation, how she decided which scenes to cut, advice on communicating wi…
- 720 - Watch Your Tone
On Scriptnotes, John August welcomes back Susanna Fogel and David Iserson to discuss their series PONIES. They share insights on establishing an original tone, structuring a writers room, and the process of selling and producing period tel…
- 719 - When Good Enough Isn't Enough
John and Craig discuss how to decide when to perfect a project and when over-optimization is a waste of time. The episode also includes a follow-up on writing habits, industry euphemisms, and the WGA's 2019 agency negotiations.
- 718 - No Worries if Not
John and Craig discuss Hollywood euphemisms and industry speak, reviewing Scriptnotes by the numbers. They also cover Disney