Scriptnotes Podcast

Join Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, talented writers behind classics like 'The Naked Gun' and 'Chip n' Dale: Rescue Rangers.' They dive into the revival of the spoof genre, exploring what led to its decline and how to make it relatable for today's audiences. The duo also reflects on nostalgic genres that have fallen out of favor and tackles the challenges of modern storytelling. With a fun twist, they discuss the cultural differences in humor across generations and share comedic insights from their writing journeys.

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!

Dive into the art of crafting unforgettable villains, where motivations and moral dilemmas come to life. Explore iconic characters like Gollum and Annie Wilkes, and the fine line between obsession and heroism. Discover the significance of henchmen and their relationships with antagonists. Unpack the complexities of villainy through various cultural lenses, and why even the scariest creatures might not always be the true villains. Get tips for making your bad guys compelling and relatable in any story!

In this engaging conversation, author Stu Horvath, known for his book on tabletop RPGs, dives into the evolution and cultural significance of role-playing games. He shares stories from his impressive collection of over 2300 RPGs and explores how collaborative storytelling has transformed gaming. The discussion touches on the impact of giants like Tolkien and Lovecraft on Dungeons & Dragons, pushing RPGs towards greater innovation. Plus, don't miss their insights on the accessibility of modern RPGs and the joy of discovering lost gaming treasures.

Max Read, a journalist and screenwriter known for his newsletter Read Max, joins the discussion on navigating the challenges of writing science fiction in our rapidly evolving tech landscape. He shares insights on how creative constraints influence storytelling and examines societal perspectives on technology. The conversation dives into the importance of personal websites for writers and the balance between work and play, while also tackling the frustrations of screenwriting software like Final Draft. Max also proposes an intriguing new film genre!

Recent innovations in video creation are shaking up the entertainment landscape. John and Craig dive into the rise of vertical formats and the impact of AI on authenticity in storytelling. Memorial Day’s box office boom highlights a collective success in the film industry, while the evolution of animation showcases shifts from classic styles to modern techniques. They also tackle the challenges of grief for filmmakers and share intriguing insights on scene geography in screenwriting. Plus, a nod to gratitude for the crew behind 'The Last of Us'!

Mike Birbiglia, a celebrated writer, director, and comedian known for his engaging storytelling, joins the hosts to explore the art of joke writing. They humorously dissect true news stories, from urban coyotes to bone marrow donation dilemmas. Mike shares insights on developing his Netflix special, The Good Life, and the balance of humor and vulnerability in comedy. The discussion also highlights the importance of personal anecdotes in building audience connection, showcasing how everyday life provides rich comedic material.

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.