In this engaging discussion, celebrated screenwriter Linda Woolverton, known for classics like "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King," shares insights into the unique challenges of writing animated films. She candidly recounts her surprisingly low paycheck for "Beauty and the Beast" and reflects on the evolving landscape of animation writers' rights. The conversation also touches on the distinctions between animated and live-action storytelling, the art of visual narrative through color and costume design, and the fascinating dynamics behind productions like "Alice in Wonderland."

Join Jordan Mechner, the mastermind behind Prince of Persia, Desirée Proctor, a talented writer for The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, and journalist Evan Narcisse as they dive into the art of storytelling across film, video games, and comics. They explore their creative journeys and the unique challenges of adapting narratives for different mediums. Discover valuable insights on building a diverse writing career and the importance of collaboration in shaping emotional connections through their craft.

The hosts dive into the outrage surrounding AI models trained on film and TV dialogues, discussing the emotional and ethical fallout for writers. They explore the generational challenges in Hollywood, touching on ambition and financial struggles of younger creatives. The implications of copyright in the age of AI are examined, emphasizing ownership and legal struggles. Listeners are engaged with fascinating genre distinctions between horror and thrillers, and the allure of convenience in food parallels AI content consumption. Expect a mix of humor and thoughtful insights!

Join Jac Schaeffer, creator of WandaVision, Brian Jordan Alvarez, and Stephanie Koenig from English Teacher for a lively holiday gathering. They delve into the transformative process of turning villains into protagonists, sharing the creative journey behind the iconic "Agatha All Along". The trio also discusses maintaining friendships while working in the film industry, the impact of independent filmmaking, and the fun of a Christmas song challenge, all while supporting a worthy charity for underprivileged kids. The festive spirit is infectious!

In this engaging conversation, Justin Kuritzkes, a talented playwright and screenwriter recognized for his works on Challengers and Queer, shares his inspiring journey from stage to screen. He discusses the evolution of Challengers through its drafts and the creative nuances of a three-way relationship. Justin also delves into the adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ Queer, highlighting the complexities of portraying sex on screen. Plus, he reflects on his interesting past as a viral YouTube potion seller, shedding light on the diverse paths in creative careers.

Dive into the dark world of satanic cinema with a look at classics like Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist, and The Omen. Discover how these films shape our understanding of evil and the devil's evolution as a cinematic figure. Explore parental fears and societal anxieties reflected in horror, as well as the intriguing concept of making deals with the devil. The hosts dissect what separates horror from thrillers and ponder why the genre often skips the awards spotlight. Plus, find out their nominations for today's 'antichrist' figures!

John and Craig analyze the iconic 1995 comedy Clueless, and why they’re majorly, totally, butt crazy in love with it. A contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma set in Beverly Hills, Clueless follows protagonist Cher as she tries to do ‘good’ through make-over montages and match-making attempts. We discuss how the movie sets up the characters in the first ten minutes, why Cher’s voiceover works so well, and how Clueless ushered in a new era of teen movies. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig share their own experiences learning to drive and how they’re preparing to teach their teenage daughters driving. Links: Clueless Clueless Script Episode Transcript 8D sound example Creme Mains hand creme O’Keefe’s Working Hands cream 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 Threads, Instagram and Mastodon Outro by Ryan Dunn (send us yours!) This episode was originally produced by Megana Rao. Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Explore the fascinating concept of character agency and how it shapes stories. Discover the importance of allowing characters to make meaningful choices instead of having them drift through plots. Delve into inclusive scriptwriting techniques for portraying characters with disabilities, and hear about the accessibility of screenwriting software for visually impaired writers. The discussion also unpacks the complexities of writing credits when a TV show becomes a movie and touches on the unexpected ties between science and storytelling adventures.

The hosts tackle the anxieties screenwriters face in Hollywood's uncertain landscape. They discuss the generational logjam stifling young talent, reflecting on how aging executives impact creativity. Additional topics include the controversial concept of unpaid development work and its implications for writers' rights. They also delve into the cost-plus model's effects on fair compensation in the industry. Plus, personal recommendations on gaming and literature provide an insightful twist. It's a deep dive into the evolving dynamics of storytelling.

Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, co-creators of the Emmy-winning series "Shogun," share insights on adapting literature into a series and the dynamics of writing together as a couple. Megan Amram and Susan Soon He Stanton discuss the art of staffing and joke crafting on popular shows. They also dive into the complexities of translating culturally rich scripts. The atmosphere is lively as they play trivia games, explore the challenges of production, and reflect on personal journeys in the industry—all peppered with humor and poignant storytelling.