John August

Three Page Challenge

Three Page Zoom

Episode - 447

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News, Scriptnotes, Three Page Challenge, Transcribed

John and Craig host another Scriptnotes Livestream Show with special guest Dana Fox (Isn’t It Romantic, Couples Retreat). They discuss her new show, Home Before Dark, and her thoughts on why creating a feeling is so important to developing television shows.

Then we hold a Three Page Challenge and we invite each of our four participants on to discuss their script after we deliver feedback. We cover how to write momentum into action descriptions, ‘overwhelmers’ in a scene, and creating fantastical worlds.

Huge thank you to Dana for joining us, and a big thanks to all of our Three Page Challenge winners for their submissions!

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 4-21-2020 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Ambition and Anxiety

Episode - 434

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Scriptnotes, Three Page Challenge, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss the difference between ambition and anxiety, and how writers can find a balance. We also follow up on agency developments and a new study that shows the live-action Aladdin is good for your health.

Then we host another round of the Three Page Challenge, this time focusing on establishing the setting. Thank you to all of our participants, especially Janelle B. Gatchalian, Alex Beattie, and Linda Yardley.

And for our Premium Members, John and Craig express their views on gift bags, and in particular coffee mugs.

Special thanks to Bo Shim and Jacq Lesko.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 1-28-2020 The transcript for this episode can be found here.

The New One with Mike Birbiglia

Scriptnotes, Three Page Challenge, Transcribed

John and Craig welcome back writer/comedian Mike Birbiglia (Sleepwalk with Me, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend) to discuss his one-man show “The New One.” When writing about yourself, how much has to be true? What responsibilities do you have to friends and loved ones?

Then it’s a new round of the Three Page Challenge, where we look at the first three pages in listeners’ scripts. We also address Akiva Schaffer’s concerns on movie screeners and try our first-ever bonus segment after the credits.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 12-1-19: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

Getting Staffed

Scriptnotes, Three Page Challenge, Transcribed, WGA

John and Craig proudly welcome back former Scriptnotes producer Megan McDonnell to tell her journey from film student to getting staffed on her first television show.

We then review a batch of Three Page Challenge submissions, covering how to keep your audience engaged, build tension, and earn interesting characters. Plus, follow up on the WGA and recent Bones ruling.

Thank you to our Three Page Challenge participants, and special thanks to Megan McDonnell for all of your work on Scriptnotes!

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 3-8-19: The transcript of this episode can be found here.