John August

Transcribed

Writing a Script in (insert number) Days

Episode - 504

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News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss what comes after you land a movie deal–writing the script by a certain date. They offer tips, strategies, and calculations for budgeting time to deliver a draft.

We also consider the statute of limitations on spoiler warnings and follow up on child prodigies, movie theaters and free will. Our listener questions this week include POV in a two hander and how to get out of a nightmare development trap.

Finally, in our bonus segment for premium members John and Craig share their views on UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Spoiler: it’s all a simulation.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 6-11-21 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Patterns of Success

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig reflect on the traits they’ve noticed in successful writing careers. Should you write everyday? Do you have to be good in a room? Is it more important to be original or flexible?

We also follow up on genres, typos and address a listener question on harassment.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we discuss our preferences in books from paper to bindings to jackets. No shock: we have opinions.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-23-21 The transcript for this episode can be found here.

The Quincenterary

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig celebrate the 500th episode of Scriptnotes by welcoming back former Scriptnotes producers Stuart Friedel (Clifford the Big Red Dog, Vampirina), Godwin Jabangwe (Tunga), Megan McDonnell (WandaVision), and longtime editor Matthew Chilelli (Escape the Dark). The guys ask the producers questions about development, feedback, and writers rooms, uncovering Scriptnotes secrets along the way.

We also share a special announcement! Then we invite two superfans to play a game of trivia–do you know which guest was asked never to return?

Finally in our bonus segment for premium members, the producers flip the script and ask John and Craig questions about the past 500+ hours of Scriptnotes.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-20-21 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Live and In Person

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John welcomes Craig back into the studio to chat face to face for the latest How Would This Be A Movie, looking at trapped Russian pop stars, relationship saboteurs and an abandoned Cinderella city.

We also answer listener questions on writing schedules and supporting characters, including a deep dive on Sebastian the crab’s personal life.

In our bonus segment for premium members, Craig shares how he’s been getting ready for production in Calgary.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-9-21 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.