Scriptnotes Podcast

Dive into a treasure trove of insights for first-time filmmakers! Discover essential advice for directing your first feature, from building your crew to ensuring visibility for your film. Explore the nuances of adapting source material while keeping character depth and thematic coherence. The hosts tackle tricky listener questions about networking, professional ethics in writer’s groups, and the emotional rollercoaster of filmmaking. Plus, enjoy a playful game revealing unexpected opinions, including quirky updates on tech innovations and community fun!

Dive into the intriguing world of problem-solving as writers confront obstacles in storytelling and real life. Explore how innovative narratives focusing on single characters can deepen emotional connections. The hosts share humorous anecdotes about chaotic food orders and the quirks of movie tariffs. Discover techniques like 'rubber ducking' for character development, alongside discussions on nostalgia, its complexities, and the significance of sustainable storytelling. Plus, get a glimpse into travel tales from Egypt and Jordan!

Leslye Headland, writer and director known for "Russian Doll" and "The Acolyte," dives into the intricacies of adapting stage plays to film. She shares her journey from theater enthusiast to successful auteur. The conversation unpacks the challenges of scene descriptions, dialogue nuances, and character dynamics. Leslye discusses how family tensions and validation play out in her storytelling. They also tackle listener questions about maintaining engagement between the two mediums and the role of music in elevating narratives.

In this discussion, Eric Kripke, the acclaimed writer and showrunner known for *Supernatural* and *The Boys*, shares his journey from short films to leading successful series. He dives into the art of multi-season storytelling and the intricacies of crafting impactful finales. The conversation also explores the adaptation challenges of bringing classic characters like Tarzan to life and the nuances of developing character-centric episodes. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling and maintaining consistency in adapting comic book narratives.

John and Craig welcome back Aline Brosh McKenna to tackle the issue of idea management. What do you do with all those half-formed ideas and how do you decide which ones to pursue? They share best practices and their approach to middle-of-the-night inspiration. We also discuss how screenwriters’ quotes are determined and answer some listener questions on alternatives to D&D, crediting improv and rain in the second act. In our bonus segment for premium members, DVDs hang in the balance as John and Drew sit down back in 2025 to ask, should Drew get rid of his physical media? Links: Dungeon World Kids on Bikes Crazy, Rich Asians Pay Disparity Searching for Bobby Fischer After Dark My Sweet God (1998 short film) Reg Ex Crossword Puzzle Soothe Massage App Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription or treat yourself to a premium subscription! Craig Mazin on Instagram John August on Bluesky, Threads, and Instagram Outro by Victor Krause (send us yours!) This episode was originally produced by Megana Rao. Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Delve into the world of long takes, where the hosts weigh the pros and cons of these immersive techniques in film storytelling. They discuss the Sundance Film Festival's shift to Boulder and the impact of new rules on the Nicholl Fellowship. Join amusing anecdotes from early careers, and explore the challenges of sound quality and theater experiences. The hosts even touch on their gaming adventures in the Alien RPG and share a humorous critique of recent video games, blending nostalgia with insights on creativity.

In this engaging conversation, producer Lindsay Doran shares her rich experience in the film industry, known for her work on 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Stranger Than Fiction.' She delves into the evolving role of producers and how to navigate the delicate balance between creativity and corporate demands. Lindsay reflects on the adaptation process of Austen's work, the significance of collaboration, and maintaining artistic integrity. Plus, she humorously touches on the surprisingly crucial role of hairstyles in a film's success.

Tony Gilroy, acclaimed writer and director known for the Bourne series and Andor, joins the conversation to share his insights on crafting a second season of a hit series. He delves into creating engaging narratives while balancing audience expectations and production challenges. The discussion covers revolutionary themes in Andor's storytelling, the struggles of follow-up seasons, and the impact of industry competition on creativity. Gilroy also reflects on the relationship between film criticism and writing, touching on resilience and innovation in storytelling.

John and Craig dive into the challenges of waiting for project approvals, offering strategies to handle uncertainty. They discuss the role of script supervisors and the ethical concerns surrounding AI in film. The hosts also critique listener scripts, emphasizing the importance of character depth and clarity. A fascinating narrative on a pirate battle reveals complexities in adaptation and character development. Plus, a nostalgic encounter with Cookie Monster evokes childhood memories of cultural icons.

John welcomes back Christina Hodson (The Flash, Bumblebee) to ask, how do you to construct a great action sequence? Using examples from three different movies, they discuss what good action looks like on the page, how to keep your reader from getting bored or confused, and why production can sometimes blow your plans to smithereens. Then it’s a round of How Would This be a Movie?, where we take four stories from the news and pitch how we might adapt them for the screen. Stories include a mysterious painting, a train trapped in a blizzard, a teen who sued his parents, and zombie colleges. We also follow up on director’s chairs and mammograms, and answer listener questions on side characters and creating a healthy work/life balance. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Christina examine the do’s and don’ts of introducing yourself to a stranger through email. Links: Christina Hodson That New York Times article with John and Christina Bamboo Director’s Chair Birdigo on Steam Action samples: Aliens, The Bourne Identity and Rise of the Planet of the Apes David Koepp’s Jurassic Park screenplay David Benioff’s Troy screenplay A Man of Parts and Learning by Fara Dabhoiwala When a Deadly Winter Storm Trapped a Luxury Passenger Train Near the Donner Pass for Three Days by Robert Klara A U.K. Teen’s Parents Sent Him to Ghana. He Took Them to Court. by Lynsey Chutel Zombie colleges? These universities are living another life online, and no one can say why by Chris Quintana Mike Birbiglia The Onion in print Padraic Murphy’s Research Department Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription or treat yourself to a premium subscription! Craig Mazin on Threads and Instagram John August on Bluesky, Threads, and Instagram Outro by Vance Kotrla (send us yours!) Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.