Scriptnotes Podcast

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.

John welcomes back Liz Hannah (The Girl From Plainville, The Post) to ask, how do you know if a character can carry a story? They look at ways of identifying your protagonist, defining privileged storytelling power, and the choices to make when figuring out which characters can hold narrative point of view. We also look a the phenomenon of the “Stranger in the Room,” follow up on writing during crazy times, brain trusts, plays vs movies, the phrase “begs the question,” and the usefulness of sharing your pronouns. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Liz explain the difference between East LA, West LA, and why the valley might beat them both. Links: Liz Hannah on IMDb and Instagram Episode 676 – Writing while the World is on Fire Slate Culture Gabfest The Post | Screenplay Episode 128 – Frozen with Jennifer Lee Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2 on Disney+ Highland Pro The Girl From Plainville on Hulu The Dropout on Hulu “The Stranger in the Room” by @toddalcott on Threads Episode 399 – Notes on Notes Dragonsweeper by Daniel Benmergui Dare I Say It by Naomi Watts 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 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.

John and Craig welcome producer Dan Etheridge (iZombie, High Potential, Party Down) to look at how non-writing producers develop projects, coordinate across departments, and maintain the tone of the show as directors come and go. We offer practical tips for making the most of video village, regardless of your role, and solutions for the scourge of directors chairs. Highland Pro, John’s next generation screenwriting app is now available now for Mac, iPad and iPhone! We discuss what’s new and what’s coming next. We also answer listener questions pitching multiple projects, writing on tablets and how to launch an app. In our bonus segment for premium members, John, Craig and Dan look back on their experience officiating weddings, and offer advice for those about to marry people. Dan even officiated John’s wedding! Links: Highland Pro | Download on the App Store Dan Etheridge on IMDb Buck Rodgers’ robot sidekick [The Tom Thumb locomotive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Thumb_(locomotive) Statpage and DuckDuckGo I Miss the Music from Curtains Curule Evercast Scripto Night Moves, Prime Cut, and Scarecrow Lorelei and the Laser Eyes on Steam Diplomacy Beneath the Moon and Long Dead Stars by Daniel Wallace 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 Richard Barrett (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 puzzling world of mystery box storytelling with insights into shows like 'Lost' and the strategies behind revealing clues. The hosts chat about the quirky psychology behind pricing and brainstorm a potential Las Vegas live show. They explore the indie game 'Vertigo' and discuss the challenges of script management in TV. Additionally, there's a reflection on immersive theater experiences and a heartfelt tribute to a departing assistant, showcasing the connections that enrich creative work.

Dennis Palumbo, a writer-turned-psychotherapist known for his work on "My Favorite Year," joins the conversation to explore the challenges creatives face during tumultuous times. They discuss how catastrophic events can fuel despair and self-doubt in artists, and offer innovative strategies to push through these feelings. The duo also tackles the impact of AI on creativity, the significance of personal connection in defending friends amidst controversy, and the emotional solace art can provide during crises.

Joshua Zetumer, writer and showrunner of the highly anticipated series 'Say Nothing,' dives into the challenges of dramatizing volatile historical events. He talks about balancing creative control within a diverse writers' room and the importance of character development. Zetumer explores the complexities surrounding figures like Jerry Adams in Northern Ireland's conflict, and shares insights on maintaining authenticity amidst the tension of real-life narratives. Plus, he and Craig tackle the importance of emotional resonance in writing, all while indulging in the joys of ice cream!