Scriptnotes Podcast

The hosts unveil their much-anticipated book, packed with insightful screenwriting tips and engaging guest contributions. They explore intriguing stories ripe for film adaptation, like a mother's battle against the revenge porn industry and an undercover date gone awry. A fascinating discussion on solar storms draws connections to real-life chaos and technology. They also reflect on the value of kindness versus mere niceness, while contemplating the impact of crises on collaboration and storytelling.

John and Craig dive into the intricate dance between screenwriters and directors. They share personal stories about casting rejections and the emotional rollercoaster of filmmaking. Tips for first-time directors range from project prep to inspiring a crew. The discussion highlights the vital need for open communication and creativity in building strong partnerships. The conversation also touches on the complexities of crafting shot lists and maintaining a director’s vision, alongside nostalgic tech and hidden gems of Southern California.

Scott Frank, an acclaimed screenwriter known for hits like The Queen's Gambit, shares invaluable insights for aspiring filmmakers. He discusses rethinking film education, advocating for experiential learning and embracing mistakes. The conversation shifts to the evolving portrayal of sexuality in cinema, emphasizing character-driven storytelling. Frank also highlights the importance of intrinsic motivations in storytelling, encouraging authenticity and personal voice. Lastly, he humorously critiques technology's role in hiring, reflecting on the need for ethical practices in the industry.

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.