Scriptnotes Podcast

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.

Aline Brosh McKenna, an award-winning writer known for her work on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and The Devil Wears Prada, joins to discuss the evolving landscape of pitching in Hollywood. She shares insights on what executives expect from pitch decks today and reveals best practices for effective Zoom pitches. Aline reminisces about the impact of 90s single-lady sitcoms and their influence on culture, analyzing why they're less prevalent now. Plus, she advises on crafting compelling content for female-centered workplace comedies and the importance of maintaining a strong creative voice.

What happened to all the weirdos? The hosts dive into cultural stagnation and the decline of deviance, discussing how weirdness gets commodified. They explore how online communities reshape local oddness and the tension between fringe movements and mainstream acceptance. Listeners learn actionable steps to transform ideas into writing, including commitment strategies. Plus, insights on adapting podcasts and integrating music into animation add practical flair. Authentic weirdness in film is celebrated, with standout recommendations showcasing genuine creativity.

Join Pamela Ribon, a talented writer known for her work on hits like Nimona and Moana, along with Anthony Sparks, an accomplished showrunner from Queen Sugar and Bel-Air. They dive into the intricate dynamics of character relationships and their central role in storytelling. The duo shares insights on how to navigate career transitions in writing and the art of teaching. Questions from the audience lead to discussions about overcoming writer's block, the ethics of AI in writing, and the delicate balance between exposition and character engagement.

This week, John and Craig dive into three captivating stories of deception and rivalry. They discuss a flamboyant grifter with a penchant for showbiz, the fierce sibling rivalry of LA billboard queens, and the absurdity of American students scammed into a fake Oxford college. The duo also tackles the rise of AI in Hollywood and how it might affect writers. Plus, they share tips for staying connected to your favorite shows while traveling. Tune in for a mix of drama, comedy potential, and expert advice!

Nora Garrett, a writer and actress, reveals the inspiring journey of her first feature screenplay, After the Hunt, which caught the attention of director Luca Guadagnino and star Julia Roberts. She shares how her background in ballet shaped her discipline in storytelling and acting. Nora discusses the challenges of drafting her script and navigating industry feedback, emphasizing the importance of structured deadlines. The conversation also delves into writing character-driven narratives, building tension, and knowing when to show versus tell in storytelling.

Aline Brosh McKenna, a prolific film and television writer, returns to discuss vital screenwriting techniques. She shares insights on flipping character motivations to reignite stalled scenes and the importance of scene geography in storytelling. Aline also emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in a writer's career, cautioning against oversimplified narratives. The trio explores innovative ways to invigorate characters, including altering gender or background, and highlights the significance of precise yet evocative details in scripts.

John and Craig wonder, how has TV changed in the last ten years? They compare what's better and worse, the tradeoffs between quality and quantity, how curation is changing, the pros and cons of shorter seasons, and what this all means for writers and viewers. We also look forward to our time at the Austin Film Festival, offer paths for writers to keep their health insurance, follow up on Three Page Challenge selections that actually got made, and answer listener questions on adapting a screenplay into an audio drama and payment for work after a script is turned in. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig looks at what makes a damn fine cup of coffee. Links: Going to the Austin Film Festival this year? Submit for our LIVE Three Page Challenge here! Entertainment Community Fund Services & Programs Signed editions of the Scriptnotes Book Destination: Earth audio drama Weekend Read Episode 163: Ghost WGA Showrunner Training Program Phantom Ink The House of Tesla Preorder the Scriptnotes Book! Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Become a Scriptnotes Premium member, or gift a subscription Subscribe to Scriptnotes on YouTube Scriptnotes on Instagram John August on Bluesky and Instagram Outro by Nick Moore (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.

Dive into the world of short films as the hosts dissect what makes them great and how they can serve as career springboards for writers. They ponder the existential threats to screenwriter careers amidst evolving industry dynamics and the rise of digital platforms. A lively debate ensues over new challenges like authoritarianism and censorship. Listeners also get insights on staff writer wages, the intricacies of writing for new TV models, and the practicality of fictional URLs in scripts. Plus, cool recommendations like a Devo documentary and a neat clipboard manager!

John welcomes back Liz Hannah (The Post, The Girl from Plainville) to discuss how to construct and communicate setting in a script. They talk about the balance between establishing a sense of space while avoiding the beginner's mistake of over-blocking. We also follow up on accountability groups, last looks, and French composers. Then, we answer listener questions on revisions and getting your Hollywood Card revoked. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Liz consider how to explain screenwriting to your kids (and others). LINKS: Bob The Musical has a Director! Download Weekend Read on the App Store Oxo Carbon Steel Pan Dehv Candle Company Apply for a student license for Highland Pro! Interested in being our new UI/UX designer? More info here! Preorder the Scriptnotes Book! Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Become a Scriptnotes Premium member, or gift a subscription Subscribe to Scriptnotes on YouTube Scriptnotes on Instagram John August on Bluesky and Instagram Liz Hannah on Instagram Outro by Spencer Lackey (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.