John August

Transcribed

The State of Pitching

Episode - 711

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John welcomes back Aline Brosh McKenna (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Devil Wears Prada) to ask, what do executives expect from a pitch these days? They look at the typical structure of a pitch deck, how that differs from lookbooks, how pitches have evolved over the years, and best practices for pitching on Zoom.

Also, what happened to single-lady sitcoms? If you remember Monday nights in the 90’s, you know what we’re talking about. We reflect on what they did for the culture and how social media and reality TV may be taking their place.

In our bonus segment for premium members, Aline tells us what it was like being back on the set for The Devil Wears Prada 2. Gird your loins, people!

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 11-14-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

What Happened To Weird?

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig look at all the pleasant, normal people around them and ask, what happened to the weirdos? They root out the causes of cultural stagnation, offer potential solutions, and explore the entertainment that still finds a way to be weird.

We also look at the tipping point between “wanting to write” and “actually writing,” follow up on printer prices and billboard queens, and answer listener questions on soundtracks, adapting a podcast and feeling ownership over your ideas.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we try to remember how we construct our personal narratives, and the pros and cons of remembering our past.

Our LIVE book release show will be at Dynasty Typewriter in LA on November 30th — get your tickets now!

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 11-13-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Live at the Austin Film Festival 2025

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig return to Texas for their 11th show at the Austin Film Festival. They welcome writer Pamela Ribon (Nimona, My Year of Dicks) and showrunner Anthony Sparks (Queen Sugar, Bel-Air) to look at what makes character relationships compelling, and how to build a writing career later in life.

We also answer lister questions on getting un-stuck in a script, how podcasting has made us better writers, the limits of exposition, using AI for sizzle reels, and where we get the cajones selling a screenwriting book after slagging-off screenwriting books for fourteen years.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we invite two Scriptnotes super-fans up to the stage to compete for the ultimate prize: an early, signed copy of the Scriptnotes book.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 11-12-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Ambition Meets Fabrication

HWTBAM, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig look at three tales of lies, betrayal and deceit and ask, How Would This be a Movie? Stories include a flamboyant show-business grifter, a sibling rivalry between two LA billboard queens, and American students tricked into attending a fake Oxford college.

We also follow up on audio dramas, last looks, and answer listener questions on a suspicious AI story and what do do with producers that are too keen.

In our bonus segment for premium members, how do you watch TV when you’re away from home, particularly overseas? We share the joys and frustrations of tuning in while you’re on the road.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 11-5-25: The transcript for this epsiode can be found here.