John August

Transcribed

On Being A Screenwriter

Episode - 538

Go to Archive

News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss the craft of leading a creative life: What counts as practice? How do you make friends? When is it okay to take a break?

A Scriptnotes listener suggested a lifestyle compendium episode, so we reach back through the archives to explore the artist’s soft skills. We touch on the dangers of self care, the importance of staying curious, and how to cultivate a workplace when you’re working alone.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we invite listener Jake Kelley on to explain why he chose these clips and how Scriptnotes has influenced his visual art practice.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 3-22-23 The transcript for this episode can be found here.

The One with Mike Schur

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John invites writer/creator Michael Schur (The Office, Parks and Recreation, The Good Place) to discuss the history of comedy, specifically the evolution of the half hour sitcom.

We also cover moral philosophy, working with experts, and coming up with new projects. Mike explains why ‘inside-out’ ideas tend to be more successful shows.

In our bonus segment for premium members John asks Mike about writers room jargon.

Links:

* [Michael Schur](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1321658/) on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/KenTremendous)
* [How to be Perfect by Michael Schur](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-to-Be-Perfect/Michael-Schur/9781982159313)
* [Todd May](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_May), academic papers [here](https://philpeople.org/profiles/todd-g-may), books [here](https://bookshop.org/contributors/todd-may)
* [The Poscast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-few-more-words/id757346885) by Joe Posnanski and Mike Schur
* [TV Writers Room Terms](https://thescriptlab.com/features/screenwriting-101/8890-13-tv-writers-room-terms-you-should-know/)
* [Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt!](https://cottonbureau.com/people/scriptnotes-podcast)
* [Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription](https://scriptnotes.supportingcast.fm/gifts) or [treat yourself to a premium subscription!](https://scriptnotes.supportingcast.fm/)
* [Craig Mazin](https://twitter.com/clmazin) on Twitter
* [John August](https://twitter.com/johnaugust) on Twitter
* [John on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/johnaugust/?hl=en)
* [Outro](http://johnaugust.com/2013/scriptnotes-the-outros) by Nico Mansy ([send us yours!](http://johnaugust.com/2014/outros-needed))
* Scriptnotes is produced by [Megana Rao](https://twitter.com/MeganaRao) and edited by [Matthew Chilelli](https://twitter.com/machelli).

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode [here](http://traffic.libsyn.com/scriptnotes/537standard.mp3).

**UPDATE 8-1-22** The transcript can now be found [here](https://johnaugust.com/2022/scriptnotes-episode-537-the-one-with-mike-schur-transcript).

Adaptation and Transition

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig talk about adapting in Hollywood: the process of reimagining existing properties for the screen and career transitions. They cover why some adaptations don’t work, revisiting source material, and developing projects with public domain intellectual property.

We offer advice to writers on adapting to a changing industry and returning to writing after a major life event. Follow up this week includes the first Scriptnotes TikTok, relationship advice, and the perils of main character energy.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we appeal to our grammar nerds as we discuss writing with “to be,” the generic you, and indefinite pronouns.

Links:

* [Movie Pass is Back!](https://www.indiewire.com/2021/11/moviepass-coming-back-plan-1234678929/)
* [Script Speaker](https://scriptspeaker.com/)
* Check out our first (and only) [Scriptnotes TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@scriptnotespodcast) — thank you to Drew Rosas for editing the audio!
* [Fleabag Season 2](https://www.amazon.com/Fleabag-Season-2/dp/B0875W9DJ2), check out our episode with Phoebe Waller Bridge [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRV5O0ZSNc0)!
* [First Time Screenwriters Contest](https://www.firsttimescreenwriters.com/)
* [Your Ears are Plugged by the Oatmeal](https://theoatmeal.com/comics/creativity_ears)
* [Australian Survivor Season 6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Survivor_(season_6))
* [The Last Campfire](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-last-campfire/id973039644)
* [Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt!](https://cottonbureau.com/people/scriptnotes-podcast)
* [Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription](https://scriptnotes.supportingcast.fm/gifts) or [treat yourself to a premium subscription!](https://scriptnotes.supportingcast.fm/)
* [Craig Mazin](https://twitter.com/clmazin) on Twitter
* [John August](https://twitter.com/johnaugust) on Twitter
* [John on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/johnaugust/?hl=en)
* [Outro](http://johnaugust.com/2013/scriptnotes-the-outros) by Owen Danoff ([send us yours!](http://johnaugust.com/2014/outros-needed))
* Scriptnotes is produced by [Megana Rao](https://twitter.com/MeganaRao) and edited by [Matthew Chilelli](https://twitter.com/machelli).

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode [here](http://traffic.libsyn.com/scriptnotes/536standard.mp3).

Main Character Energy

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss the Main Character Energy meme. What does it mean for writers when real life people cast themselves in the leading role? We break down main characters vs. protagonists and the danger of life imitating art.

We answer listener questions on do-not-read lists and verb tenses. Follow up this week includes: a how-to guide on firing reps, relationship advice on unsupportive partners, and liberation of the screenplay format.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig discuss population, specifically how we went from worrying about overpopulation to underpopulation in a span of decades.

Links:

* [Fans Are Suing Universal Pictures Because a 2019 Movie Didn’t Include Ana de Armas](https://www.ign.com/articles/ana-de-armas-universal-lawsuit-yesterday-cut-scenes?utm_source=twitter)
* [How Sweet Fresh Meat](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2I897TyglY) clip on YouTube
* [Ashley Ward’s original Main Character TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/foryou?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=6831269918864870661#/@ashlaward/video/6831269918864870661)
* [Main Character Energy: Interiority in a world of screens](https://reallifemag.com/main-character-energy/) by Coco Klockner for Real Life Mag
* [We All Have “Main-Character Energy” Now](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/we-all-have-main-character-energy-now) by Kyle Chayka for the New Yorker
* [Rediscovering ‘The Truman Show’ in the age of Main Character Syndrome](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/rediscovering-the-truman-show-in-the-age-of-main-character-syndrome/) by Mischa Anouk Smith for Far Out Magazine
* Gary Gulman’s [The Great Depresh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1L08I5gjQI) Kidnapping Hoax
* [Main Character Energy and Narcissism – Inneresting Newsletter](https://mailchi.mp/johnaugust/inneresting-2556884?e=5f1449ed84) by Chris Csont
* [The Afterparty](https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-afterparty/umc.cmc.5wg8cnigwrkfzbdruaufzb6b0) on Apple TV from Lord Miller, [First Ep](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P07_FHcRNEU) on YouTube
* Puzzle pals [David Kwong](https://www.davidkwongmagic.com/) and [Dave Shukan](https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/people/dave-shukan/)
* [Malthusianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malthusianism)
* [Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt!](https://cottonbureau.com/people/scriptnotes-podcast)
* [Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription](https://scriptnotes.supportingcast.fm/gifts) or [treat yourself to a premium subscription!](https://scriptnotes.supportingcast.fm/)
* [Craig Mazin](https://twitter.com/clmazin) on Twitter
* [John August](https://twitter.com/johnaugust) on Twitter
* [John on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/johnaugust/?hl=en)
* [Outro](http://johnaugust.com/2013/scriptnotes-the-outros) by Julia Hostetler ([send us yours!](http://johnaugust.com/2014/outros-needed))
* Scriptnotes is produced by [Megana Rao](https://twitter.com/MeganaRao) and edited by [Matthew Chilelli](https://twitter.com/machelli).

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode [here](http://traffic.libsyn.com/scriptnotes/535standard.mp3).

**UPDATE 2-12-22** The transcript for this episode can now be found [here](https://johnaugust.com/2022/scriptnotes-episode-535-main-character-energy-transcript).