John August

Transcribed

Diary of a First-Time Director

Episode - 212

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Directors, Film Industry, Follow Up, Scriptnotes, Story and Plot, Sundance, Transcribed, Writing Process

John and Craig sit down with Marielle Heller, the writer and director of the acclaimed feature The Diary of a Teenage Girl, to talk about the journey of getting her movie made, from optioning the novel to the Sundance Labs through production.

We discuss sex scenes and ’70s wallpaper, anamorphic lenses and leaving subplots on the cutting room floor. Plus there’s a lot of MacGruber.

Heller’s film is in US theaters now, and expanding week-by-week. Don’t miss it.

Links:

You can download the episode here: AAC | mp3.

UPDATE 8-28-15: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

The International Episode

Adaptation, Film Industry, Follow Up, International, News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed, Travel, WGA

Craig and John look at how movies are translated, including an interview with a guy who does subtitles for a living. Plus, how Pixar and other companies are localizing movies for international audiences, and what happens when China becomes the largest film market.

The USB drives are back in the store, and we’re close to announcing our picks for the next Scriptnotes t-shirt. (You can see some of the entries on our Facebook page.)

Links:

You can download the episode here: AAC | mp3.

UPDATE 8-21-15: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

One-Handed Movie Heroes

Scriptnotes, Story and Plot, Three Page Challenge, Transcribed, Words on the page, Writing Process

John and Craig discuss why movie heroes — unlike those in novels or musicals — generally don’t profess internally conflicting views. In reality, our feelings on a topic are likely shades of gray. On the big screen, characters tend to articulate a single point firmly.

We also discuss the last few things we do when getting ready to submit a script.

Then it’s time for three new entries in the Three Page Challenge, with Nazis, nukes and noir.

You can download the episode here: AAC | mp3.

UPDATE 8-13-15: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

How to Not Be a Jerk

Film Industry, Follow Up, QandA, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

Craig and John look at best practices for screenwriters promoting their films, both in traditional media and online. We’re not subtweeting anyone, and neither should you.

Also this week: more on reshoots, Stretch Armstrong and selective editing of quotes in movie reviews.

Links:

You can download the episode here: AAC | mp3.

UPDATE 8-10-15: The transcript of this episode can be found here.