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Free Work

Episode - 727

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March 3, 2026 Scriptnotes

John and Craig tackle the scourge of free work and offer strategies to avoid it. They look at established norms, potential remedies, the things that should work but often don’t, and how writers should think about the time and effort they’re putting in before getting paid.

We also follow up on useful comps, AI coverage, what to do with our DVDs, and answer listener questions on pitching at an internship and a sensitive situation when naming an award.

In our bonus segment for premium members, how do we write American law enforcement officers now that their jobs don’t function the way they used to?

Links:

  • Birdigo is now on iOS!
  • Weekend Read 2
  • Zathura
  • Scarecrow Video donations
  • H.R. Pufnstuf
  • Disney Axed ‘Star Wars’ Sequel ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ Without Ever Asking About the Budget or Other Details by Zack Sharf for Variety
  • FlipBelt Classic Running Belt
  • The Wedding Party by Secret City Vancouver
  • Get your copy of 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
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  • John August on Bluesky and Instagram
  • Outro by Eric Pearson (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.

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Each week, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin discuss screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters, everything from the craft to the business to the best ways to get yourself writing.

The most recent 20 episodes are available for free on this site and Apple Podcasts. The entire 430+ episode back catalog, plus bonus content and episodes, are available to Premium Subscribers.

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