John August

Transcribed

Books and VFX

Episode - 560

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Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig look at visual effects from both a creative and budgetary perspective. From set extensions to blue screens, the guys discuss the hidden costs and tricks of post-production.

We also cover the options screenwriters have when optioning books. We cover formal (and less-formal) arrangements, loose adaptations and answer a listener question on making shorts.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we share our experiences with nightmares and the secret behind Craig’s anti-monster spray.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 8-15-22 The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Dating Your Writing Partner

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig weigh in on writing partner romances, voice-y scripts, character chemistry and end-of-draft treats in this week’s listener questions.

We also host a round of How Would This Be A Movie, featuring stories on treasure hunts, jailed activists, and a sports scam. We look at how these news articles would translate to film/television and most importantly, whether they should be adapted at all.

In our bonus segment the guys share hacks for remembering new people and make a pitch for name tags on set.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 8-9-22 The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Magnetic Characters

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig are back together! They discuss the magnetism that draws viewers into a story, pulls characters together and pushes them through the narrative.

We follow up on adulting, gun violence and remote writers rooms. We also look at the new animation writer contract and the CW sale.

For our premium members, check out our bonus episode with the creator of Wordle and the author of 50 Years of Text Games about ways to use words for fun and profit.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 7-25-22 The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Flashbacks

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig take a look at flashbacks: reasons to incorporate them, how to manage nonlinear storylines, and when it’s too late include one.

We cover ‘Side Character Summer’ and three words that ruin a screenwriter’s day. We also answer listener questions on writing partner break-ups, managers, and remote rooms.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we look at the markers of adulthood.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 8-6-22 The transcript for this episode can be found here.