John August

Transcribed

The Wizard of Splash

Episode - 612

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Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig test out a dreamy thesis: that all fish out of water stories are either The Wizard of Oz or Splash. What are the differences? Are Splash movies funnier? And what are the hidden pitfalls of placing our characters in unfamiliar worlds?

We also look at how Rotten Tomatoes works (and how it’s manipulated). But first, we follow up on physical media and lining up in size order before answering a listener question on writing gibberish.

In our bonus segment for premium members, Craig shares a personal diagnosis in an effort to help other adults with diabetes.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 10-16-23: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Basic Instincts

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig investigate our primal instincts and how they motivate our characters. Often referred to as the four F’s, these are the impulses hardwired into every animal in order to survive. But how do these base impulses guide a character’s behavior? And how can they be harnessed to make sure you don’t overcomplicate your character’s want?

We also look at impermanence in our digital world and the ways people are trying to preserve lost media. But first we answer listener questions on comics, digital de-aging, and closed captions.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we ask: why are we better swimmers as kids than we are as adults?

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 10-10-2023: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

The Premise

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig examine the foundation of every story: the premise. What is your story really about? What questions is it trying to answer? How does that differ from your logline? And what should writers do to make sure those things match up?

We also follow up on AI copyright, physical media, Esperanto and lingua franca. We then answer listener questions on the usefulness of “Fade in,” what studios actually do, and whether or not to put spec scripts on your website.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig reminisce about the highs and lows of going back to school.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 9-18-22: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Dialogue and Character Voice

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig look at how well-written dialogue is used to give characters a unique voice. Using clips from previous episodes they present a history of dialogue and its evolution, how it informs your actors, and how communicating an idea sometimes comes down to the smallest words our characters say.

How can writers use dialogue to make their characters feel distinct and alive? What are tests for character voice? What can memorizing dialogue can teach us about writing it? And how do you keep all your characters active (and your actors happy) in group scenes?

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig stay on-topic to look at the pros and cons of dual dialogue.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 09-06-23: The transcript for this episode can be found here.