Scriptnotes Podcast

In this discussion with Eva Victor, an actor, writer, and director of the indie film 'Sorry, Baby', we dive into her journey preparing to direct. Eva shares her year-long bootcamp experience, from reverse shot-listing to shadowing established directors. She talks about making tough editing choices to maintain her protagonist's perspective and the importance of communication styles when working with actors. Eva also reflects on how her early career in short-form video shaped her skills for directing, emphasizing collaboration and respect on set.

David Iserson, a seasoned writer known for "New Girl" and "Mr. Robot," joins Susanna Fogel, director and co-creator of "PONIES," to unveil the secrets behind crafting an original tone in their new series. They discuss the unique challenges of pitching period shows, the colorful 1970s aesthetic, and building a diverse writers' room. The duo shares insights on balancing humor with dramatic stakes, navigating production in Budapest, and the importance of trusting your instincts as a writer.

John and Craig dive into the challenge of knowing when perfection is necessary versus when good enough will do. They explore the balance between obsessive formatting and practical writing, examining how personal standards affect project outcomes. The duo also discusses the dangers of over-optimization, sharing stories of high-stakes presentations versus lackluster product launches. From the value of 'vomit drafts' to the evolution of the writing industry post-WGA negotiations, this conversation is packed with insights for writers at all levels.

John and Craig dissect Hollywood's euphemisms, revealing the real meanings behind phrases like 'playing phone tag' and 'getting ducks in a row.' They analyze Disney’s intriguing deal with OpenAI and recap the shocking Netflix scam case. The hosts share insights on the evolving nature of video podcasts and outline strategies for writers navigating tricky collaborations. Plus, they celebrate 2025 by sharing impressive audience stats and highlight Charlie XCX's modern Substack as an innovative artist platform.

In a spirited crossover, Meg LeFauve, screenwriter of Inside Out, and Lorien McKenna, former Pixar story manager, delve into the nuances of storytelling. They discuss the pitfalls of rigid structures and how true themes arise from character depth. The conversation turns to navigating creative rejection and redefining success. They also explore the significance of emotional connections on the page, emphasizing the importance of what characters want versus what they truly need. Get ready for a masterclass in screenwriting wisdom!

In this discussion, screenwriter Mike Makowsky shares insights about his historical series, Death by Lightning, exploring the bizarre tale of President Garfield's assassination. He delves into the challenges of dramatizing lesser-known history and finding compelling narratives. The conversation also touches on writing habits and personality typologies, debating their utility in character development. Mike's unique creative process and obsessive traits spark a lively exchange, alongside reflections on breaking into Hollywood later in life and adapting complex stories for the screen.

Julia Turner, a culture journalist known for her work on Slate, joins to discuss the Scriptnotes book and its significance. She challenges the hosts on the value of criticism in storytelling. Comedian Ashley Nicole Black shares insights from her career while tackling leftover audience questions. They explore the bittersweet nature of completing creative projects, the impact of AI on storytelling, and the importance of maintaining a unique voice in writing. Plus, there's a fun live quiz on quirky Christmas movie lines that keeps the audience engaged!

Join John and Craig as they host a live Three Page Challenge, offering real-time critiques on listener-submitted scripts. They dive into world-building in apocalyptic settings and discuss how to make military characters more specific. The duo emphasizes crafting mystery and suspense, while unraveling the complexities of con-artist logic. Plus, in a fun Q&A, they tackle audience questions about script format, character descriptions, comedic elements, and directing a reader's attention. It's an insightful journey for aspiring writers!

Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan, the dynamic screenwriting duo behind K-pop Demon Hunters, share their journey from film school to their first feature. They discuss the challenges of finding their voice and the importance of collaboration in their writing partnership. Their unexpected path to success involved a pitch that didn’t quite land but ultimately earned them a significant opportunity. They also dive into managing ADHD in their writing process and offer advice for breaking into the industry at any age.

Dana Fox, a screenwriter and showrunner known for hits like The Lost City and Cruella, joins to discuss adapting Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good. She reveals the challenges of turning a beloved stage musical into films, detailing the decision to split the story into two parts. Dana shares the complexities of filming both movies simultaneously and the emotional weight of pivotal songs. The conversation also touches on the contemporary relevance of the story and the personal toll of production, providing a unique glimpse into the Hollywood musical machine.