The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 277 | Scriptnotes Hosts John August & Craig Mazin: The Craft Lessons That Matter Most
Dec 23, 2025
John August, a seasoned screenwriter known for films like Big Fish, and Craig Mazin, the Emmy-winning creator of Chernobyl, dive into the art of storytelling. They explore the pitfalls of rigid structure, emphasizing that true theme emerges from character depth. The duo candidly discusses how writers can navigate rejection and maintain creative confidence. With insights on emotional POV and the essence of great endings, they offer a humorous yet reassuring guide for writers at every stage of their journey.
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Breakthroughs In Strange Places
- Craig finds breakthroughs when removing himself from distractions, often in the shower or bathroom.
- He described having a scary idea while peeing that energized his work.
Relief Of Turning In A Script
- John celebrated turning in a script and felt immediate relief from its mental weight.
- He used the free time to write a speech and enjoy promotion for the Scriptnotes book.
Fix Relationships At First Encounter
- Re-examine first encounters when audiences don’t connect to a relationship.
- Strengthen how you introduce a character to invite emotional engagement early.