John August

Transcribed

The Empire Strikes Back with Lawrence Kasdan

Episode - 452

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Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig welcome back Lawrence Kasdan for a deep dive on The Empire Strikes Back to celebrate this iconic film’s 40th anniversary.

We talk about the inspiration behind Yoda, keeping the Skywalker/Darth Vader connection a secret, and balancing competing storylines. We also take a look at Kasdan’s original handwritten script, accompanied by table reads from John and Craig!

And in our bonus segment for premium members, we answer audience questions with Lawrence Kasdan.

This special live show was produced in partnership with the Writers Guild Foundation.

Links:

* Find Lawrence Kasdan’s Handwritten Script [here](https://johnaugust.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/empire-handwritten-pages.pdf).
* [Scriptnotes 247, The One with Lawrence Kasdan](https://johnaugust.com/2016/the-one-with-lawrence-kasdan)
* Thank you to the [Writer’s Guild Foundation](https://www.wgfoundation.org/events/all/2020/5/5/online-conversation-revisiting-the-empire-strikes-back-with-lawrence-kasdan) for hosting us!
* [John August](https://twitter.com/johnaugust) on Twitter
* [Craig Mazin](https://twitter.com/clmazin) on Twitter
* [John on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/johnaugust/?hl=en)
* [Outro](http://johnaugust.com/2013/scriptnotes-the-outros) by Matthew Chilelli ([send us yours!](http://johnaugust.com/2014/outros-needed))
* Scriptnotes is produced by Megana Rao and edited by Matthew Chilelli.

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode [here](http://traffic.libsyn.com/scriptnotes/452standard.mp3).

 

**UPDATE 5-26-20** The transcript for this episode can now be found [here](https://johnaugust.com/2020/scriptnotes-ep-452-the-empire-strikes-back-with-lawrence-kasdan-transcript).

There Are No Slow Claps

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig offer guidance on how to “flip the script” on tropes without landing on your face.

We also answer listener questions about phone numbers, sluglines and short films.

Finally, in our bonus segment for premium members, we discuss our personal video game histories and the possibility that John was raised in a cult.

Links:

* Join us Thursday, May 14th for a live talk with Lawrence Kasdan 4pm PT on Zoom here: [Online Conversation: Revisiting The Empire Strikes Back with Lawrence Kasdan](https://www.wgfoundation.org/events/all/2020/5/5/online-conversation-revisiting-the-empire-strikes-back-with-lawrence-kasdan)
* Submit to the [Three Page Challenge](https://johnaugust.com/threepage)
* [Jordan Mechner’s: The Making of Prince of Persia, 1985-1993](https://jordanmechner.com/store/the-making-of-prince-of-persia/) and Bookshop.org
* [Maria Bamford: Weakness is the Brand](https://comedydynamics.com/catalog/maria-bamford-weakness-is-the-brand/)
* [John August](https://twitter.com/johnaugust) on Twitter
* [Craig Mazin](https://twitter.com/clmazin) on Twitter
* [John on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/johnaugust/?hl=en)
* [Outro](http://johnaugust.com/2013/scriptnotes-the-outros) by James Llonch ([send us yours!](http://johnaugust.com/2014/outros-needed))
* Scriptnotes is produced by Megana Rao and edited by Matthew Chilelli.

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode [here](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/scriptnotes/451standard.mp3).

**UPDATE 5-19-2020** The transcript for this episode can now be found [here](https://johnaugust.com/2020/scriptnotes-ep-451-there-are-no-slow-claps-transcript).

Only the Interesting Scenes

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig propose a challenge for every screenwriter: only write interesting scenes. They discuss why following this precept is so important and offer tips for implementing it proactively.

We also answer listener questions about set pieces, virtual rooms, and juggling multiple projects.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we consider whether Covid-19 has changed the landscape about whether writers still need to live in Los Angeles.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

**UPDATE 5-12-2020** The transcript for this episode can now be found [here](https://johnaugust.com/2020/scriptnotes-ep-450-only-the-interesting-scenes-transcript).

The One with Sam Esmail

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John hosts a discussion with writer/director Sam Esmail as a part of the Showrunner Sessions at the WGA. Sam describes his aversion to writing, where his inspiration comes from, and how he learned to run a room.

We also dig into craft, talking about parentheticals and mastering the tension between creating mystery versus confusing your audience.

Then, for our premium members on our bonus segment we air the audience Q&A from the Showrunner Panel. John and Sam cover the alchemy of surprising music in a scene and the importance of saying something with each character.

Links:

* [Angelyne Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAxDUptdXLE)
* [Watch Homecoming](https://www.amazon.com/Homecoming-Season-1/dp/B07FNZ35DV)
* [Mr. Robot](https://www.usanetwork.com/mrrobot)
* Three Page Challenge participants — please share your updates and stories! We’d love to hear what happened to your story or career after the segment.
* Please reach out with your experiences working in a virtual writer’s room during Covid-19, email ask@johnaugust.com.
* [AboveTek iPad Stand](https://amzn.to/353ZVSW)
* [Just Watch](https://www.justwatch.com/)
* Sign up for Scriptnotes Premium [here](https://scriptnotes.supportingcast.fm/).
* [Sam Esmail](https://twitter.com/samesmail) on Twitter
* [John August](https://twitter.com/johnaugust) on Twitter
* [Craig Mazin](https://twitter.com/clmazin) on Twitter
* [John on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/johnaugust/?hl=en)
* [Outro](http://johnaugust.com/2013/scriptnotes-the-outros) by Matthew Chilelli ([send us yours!](http://johnaugust.com/2014/outros-needed))
* Scriptnotes is produced by Megana Rao and edited by Matthew Chilelli.

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode [here](http://traffic.libsyn.com/scriptnotes/449standard.mp3).

**UPDATE 5-1-2020** The transcript for this episode can now be found [here](https://johnaugust.com/2020/scriptnotes-episode-449-the-one-with-sam-esmail-transcript).