John August

Transcribed

Back to Basics

Episode - 446

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News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig take a step back to discuss what screenwriting actually is and explore its evolution. They cover the history of screenwriting, the construction of a scene, and what new and old writers need to keep in mind about the craft.

We also cover how to approach ‘No Writing Left Behind’ during the time of socially distancing and answer listener questions on how the pandemic will impact writers’ creative and career decisions.

And in our bonus segment for premium members, we discuss charities looking at both the challenges of running a charitable organization and knowing where to donate your money.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 4-21-2020 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

The One with Phoebe and Ryan

News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig enlist Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool, The Nines) to break the fourth wall on our first-ever live video Scriptnotes. We discuss when to address the camera, why Deadpool 2 is the saddest movie to watch on a flight, and how to take notes as an actor/writer.

Then we welcome a premium member to play a round of Bad Screenwriting Advice, where we compare internet advice to bogus advice made up by John. We also take listener questions from the Youtube livestream chat on writing with personal experiences and places to find inspiration.

Finally, in our bonus segment John and Craig pull the curtain back to do a post-mortem on the live-show, explaining how we did it and what we learned. Plus the trapped-in-Maldives story that will probably be a movie, and what’s likely going on in Russia.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 4-9-2020 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Clueless

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig analyze the iconic 1995 comedy Clueless.

A contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma set in Beverly Hills, Clueless follows protagonist Cher as she tries to do ‘good’ through make-over montages and match-making attempts. We discuss how the movie sets up the characters in the first ten minutes, why Cher’s voiceover works so well, and how Clueless ushered in a new era of teen movies.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig share their own experiences learning to drive and how they’re preparing to teach their teenage daughters driving.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 4-11-20 The transcript can be found here.

What We’re Up To

News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig share their tips for working from home, from writing sprints to taking walks.

We also talk about how the recent shutdowns have affected Pay Up Hollywood, support staff, and what we’re doing about it.

Finally, we hear from Scriptnotes guests and friends about how they are managing this challenging time. Longtime listeners, buckle up.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 3-30-20 The transcript for this episode can be found here.