Scriptnotes Podcast

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.

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.