Scriptnotes Podcast 693 - Setups That Don’t Feel Like Setups
Jul 1, 2025
Delve into the art of organic setups that lead to satisfying payoffs in storytelling. Explore California's evolving film tax credits and their impact on writers' earnings. Discover the challenges and benefits of AI in visual effects. Gain insights on identity representation in screenwriting, particularly for trans characters. Plus, hear about the emotional rewards of human connection through the '30 Minutes with a Stranger' project. A bonus segment pits the best films against each other, ensuring lively debate!
AI Snips
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Transcript
Episode notes
AI Supports, Doesn't Replace VFX
- Generative AI currently assists with simple VFX tasks but doesn't replace creative visual effects work.
- The VFX supervisor and trusted vendors remain essential for high-standard Hollywood projects.
Avoid Toxic Vertical Writing Gigs
- Avoid working for low-paying vertical content companies that exploit writers with unrealistic expectations.
- Prioritize environments that improve your craft and provide career growth over toxic short-term gigs.
Focus on Transitions
- After finishing a draft, do a pass focused solely on transitions between scenes and ideas.
- Improving transitions helps scripts feel unified and smooth rather than disjointed.
