John August

Transcribed

Unions and Guilds

Episode - 485

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News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig explain Hollywood’s guilds and unions. They cover the history, the challenges, and their hopes for the future.

We also look at character alignments and whether it’s helpful for writers to chart out their character’s traits. We follow up on eight sequence structure and mockable IP. Throughout the episode, Craig tries to solve the mystery of John’s sweet fingers.

Finally, in our bonus segment for premium members, we talk about the screenwriting guru turned Qanon leader.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 2-1-21 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Philosophy for Screenwriters

News, Pitches, Scriptnotes, So-Called Experts, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss their personal philosophies and how writers can approach philosophical questions in terms of theme (central dramatic question) and character (moral codes and motivation).

Then we cover virtual pitches and listener questions on eight-sequence structure and how to read a script. We also follow up on the agency campaign, failed insurrections, and bad IP.

Finally in our bonus segment for premium members, we revisit our disagreement in episode 481 about whether it’s okay to lie.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 1-15-21 The transcripts for this episode can now be found here.

Random Advice 2020

News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig welcome back writer/producer Nichelle Tramble (Truth Be Told, The Good Wife) to share wisdom on listener questions that are interesting but unrelated to screenwriting.

We discuss how to know if you’re marrying the right person, open relationships, and how to deal with being the ‘starter’ girlfriend. We also cover jealousy, laughter, the ethics of lying to the Red Cross, and disappointing Secret Santas.

Finally, in our bonus segment for premium members we discuss that Martin Shkreli article and how it would be a movie.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 1-7-21 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

The Wedding Episode

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

Craig and John talk movie weddings with special guest Aline Brosh McKenna. We look at the tropes, the challenges and the unique opportunities wedding scenes provide.

We also look at the agreement between the WGA and CAA, and answer listener questions about writing the weather and bombing a pitch.

And in our bonus segment for premium members, we discuss our post-vaccination hopes and plans.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 12-29-2020 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.