Scriptnotes Podcast 703 - Getting Period Right
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Sep 9, 2025 Discover how to make period films captivating instead of dull history lessons with ten essential tips. The hosts discuss balancing historical accuracy with modern relevance, along with strategies for navigating the complexities of dialogue and transitions between time periods. They also tackle historical sensitivities with humor and insight. In a bonus segment, they rank iconic witches, adding a fun twist to the conversation. Dive into nostalgia and innovative storytelling techniques that resonate with both filmmakers and audiences alike.
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Question If It Must Be Period
- Ask whether your story truly needs to be set in a specific historical period before committing to period detail.
- Avoid using period setting as a crutch because it increases cost and production complexity.
Foreground Story, Background Setting
- The historical setting should be the plate that serves the story, not the meal itself.
- Keep the period in the background unless the story explicitly depends on it.
Showgirls Reading Revealed Script's Strange Energy
- John recounted a USC reading of Joe Eszterhas's Showgirls script that revealed its odd energy.
- The movie felt both boring and wildly off the rails when performed aloud.