John August

How-To

Flaws are features

Episode - 257

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Follow Up, How-To, Scriptnotes, So-Called Experts, Story and Plot, Transcribed, WGA

Craig and John look at unforgettable villains, screenwriter billions, and a parallel world with two Nathan Fillions. (The last part is not true.)

We also dig into more about magical dad transformation comedies and why there isn’t a female equivalent.

Links:

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 7-8-16: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

How to Introduce Characters

Film Industry, How-To, QandA, Scriptnotes, Television, Transcribed, Words on the page, Writing Process

John talks with Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna, co-creators of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, about how they pitched and wrote their critically-acclaimed show.

We focus on the ways they introduced recurring characters in the pilot, and how casting influenced the series. Given recent controversy over casting of Asian roles, our discussion of the Josh Chan character feels particularly relevant.

This episode was recorded live as part of WGFestival 2016 Craft Day. Our thanks to the Writers Guild Foundation and The Academy for hosting us.

John deeply regrets passing up the opportunity to sing the West Covina reprise.

(The script for the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend pilot is available in Weekend Read.)

Links:

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-13-16: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

The Batman in the High Castle

Follow Up, How-To, QandA, Scriptnotes, Story and Plot, Transcribed, Writing Process

Craig and John discuss epic world-building, and the promises and pitfalls for writers attempting to create fictional universes.

From Gotham to Hogwarts, Middle Earth to Narnia, world-building is at the heart of some of our biggest movies and series, but are we creating settings for our stories, or stories for our settings? We also discuss the differences between portals, lived in worlds and just-beneath-our-noses.

Also this week: whether a screenwriter is better off with a poorly-reviewed hit or a well-reviewed flop.

Links:

You can download the episode here: AAC | mp3.

UPDATE 12-3-15: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

Rewrites and Scheduling

Film Industry, Follow Up, How-To, News, QandA, Scriptnotes

Craig and John take an extensive look at best practices when coming in to rewrite an existing script. How do you take the reins when you weren’t the first screenwriter? Whether you’re starting over at page one or executing some surgical fixes, we discuss the psychology and reality of being the subsequent writer.

Then it’s a look at how film schedules work. The translation from screenplay to shooting schedule can be brutal, but a smart writer (or writer-director) can help the budgeting team make clever choices to make the best film. We offer pointers to help navigate compromises inherent in trying to go from page to plan to production.

Scriptnotes t-shirts are being printed this week. Thanks to everyone who pre-ordered a shirt. We’ll have them out the door beginning the second week in October, in time for the Austin Film Festival.

Links:

You can download the episode here: AAC | mp3.

UPDATE 9-25-15: The transcript of this episode can be found here.