John August

Transcribed

Toldja! The Nikki Finke Movie

Episode - 587

Play

HWTBAM, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss a doppelgänger murder, the true life of a Hollywood rebel, an unexpected roadtrip, and more in this week’s installment of How Would This Be A Movie, where we analyze how stories in the news would translate onscreen.

We also follow up on Chat GPT, Celebrity Jeopardy, and writing in other people’s voices. We then answer an embarrassed listener’s question on unfavorable movie reviews.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we discuss overpowered characters in D&D and how character strengths factor into our own writing.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 3-16-23 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Do Muppets Bleed?

News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig take a look at ‘writer fingerprints.’ They break down how idiosyncratic choices make up an individual’s style on-the-page and offer advice on how to mimic someone else’s voice.

Follow up includes pet rock, a defense of script consultants, the preface page in Tár, and the anti-“actually” mindset.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we offer advice to a producer who needs help working with a writer who can’t seem to finish — or deliver — a script.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 2-28-23 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Adapting Your Own Novel

Author, Books, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

Taffy Brodesser-Akner joins us to discuss her journey adapting her bestselling novel “Fleishman Is in Trouble” into an acclaimed limited series. We chat about drawing inspiration from the familiar, learning how manage others, and presenting multiple sides to a story.

We also answer listener questions about naming characters, decorative dialogue, and the renaissance of the television half-hour.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we dig into the art and structure of the celebrity profile, a genre in which Taffy is herself an expert.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 2-21-23 The transcript for this episode can be found here.

The One with Sarah Polley

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig invite writer/director Sarah Polley to discuss her critically acclaimed feature “Women Talking.” They cover twice-removed adaptations, crafting fable-like settings, protecting your audience, and the power of narration.

We also look at “Run Towards the Danger” — the title of Sarah’s book as well as her personal philosophy. We answer a listener question on development and Sarah explains why clarity is kindness.

In our bonus segment, we talk about child actors. Sarah shares her perspective as a former child actor and what it’s like to have her own kids on set.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 2-12-23 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.