Scriptnotes Podcast

698 - Movies that Never Were

Aug 5, 2025
Dive into the fascinating realm of shelved movies, where projects never quite make it to the screen. Discover the challenges filmmakers face, from securing talent to navigating costs. The hosts share insightful anecdotes on scriptwriting and creative fatigue, while exploring the ethics of screenwriting in today's political landscape. They also discuss the importance of supporting filmmakers and the evolving norms around non-English dialogue. Plus, enjoy a whimsical take on movie sequels and delve into personal favorite gadgets!
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ANECDOTE

RFID Tracking Uses and Privacy

  • John August discusses RFID tags used in marathons and cruise ships for tracking participants.
  • While useful in limited contexts, he resists constant tracking due to privacy concerns.
ADVICE

Write Short Scenes to Experiment

  • Encourage writers to write short scenes with no pressure to connect to a larger script.
  • This exercise helps students overcome fear and find their own voice creatively.
INSIGHT

Board Game Movies Stuck in Development

  • Board games like Monopoly and Risk have been repeatedly attempted as adaptations but rarely reach production.
  • These projects mostly remain stuck in costly development phases with heavy script investment.
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