I’ve written a new movie that I’m planning to direct. It’s called The Shadows. It’s a thriller.
I wouldn’t normally announce something like this so far in advance, but casting is going to be a unique process that will require a major search.
The hero of the film is a 15-year-old girl named Abby. She’s stubborn, resourceful and anxious. She is also blind. I’m looking for a blind actress to play this role.
To learn more, you can read the casting announcement.
John and Craig tackle the question, “How do you know when you’re ready to write a given script?” They propose a list of details a writer should know before diving in, and look at why starting too soon can be a recipe for failure. (So can waiting too long.)
We also discuss the WGA’s “refusal to negotiate” myth and answer questions about rewrites vs polishes, and whether writing a bad script could put you on a Do Not Hire list.
Links:
Email us at ask@johnaugust.com
You can download the episode here
UPDATE 8-27-2019 The transcript of this episode can be found here.
John moderates Breaking the Stigma, a panel on addiction and mental health with guests Gemma Baker (creator of CBS’s Mom), Dr. Corey Waller (specialist in pain, addiction and emergency medicine), Dr. Holly Daniels (specialist in eating disorders and mental health issues), and journalist Zachary Siegel.
We discuss how addiction and mental health issues are portrayed in film and TV, more authentic ways of telling these stories, and how writers and creators can take care of their own mental health.
Special thanks to our incredible panelists, plus Kate Folb, Marty Kaplan, and the entire team at Hollywood Health and Society!
Links:
Email us at ask@johnaugust.com
You can download the episode here
UPDATE 8-15-19: The transcript of this episode can be found here.
John and Craig welcome screenwriter Katie Silberman (Set It Up, Isn’t It Romantic and Booksmart) to discuss writing a two-hander, practicing dialogue, and how she got her start in Hollywood.
We also follow up on ‘liked, not love’ and answer listener questions on character development.
Links:
Email us at ask@johnaugust.com
You can download the episode here.
UPDATE 8-10-19 The transcript of this episode can be found here.