John August

Transcribed

A Screenwriter’s Guide to Directors

Episode - 696

Go to Archive

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

In this compendium episode, John and Craig set their focus on directors — and how to work with them as a screenwriter. They look at the inner-workings of the writer-director relationship, etiquette on set, how to communicate notes from pre-production through post, and outline the qualities of the “perfect” director.

We also offer advice to a first time director, looking at how to prep a project, how to run a set, working with actors, and how to inspire a crew to make the best movie possible.

In our bonus segment for premium members, Drew joins John back in 2025 for advice about casting, and what to do when actors pass on your project.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 8-6-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Advice to a Young Film Student (with Scott Frank)

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig welcome back Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit, Dept. Q) to offer their best advice to film students and the people who teach them. They look at ways to improve how we educate writers, and offer advice to an aspiring development executive.

We also look at the intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivations of characters in Scott’s new series, Dept. Q, follow up on the decline of sex in movies, and ask, what genres of movies should people see at least one of?

In our bonus segment for premium members, John, Craig and Scott take a broader view of education in America to see what they’ve learned and what they would change.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 7-30-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Reviving the Spoof Movie

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John welcomes back Dan Gregor and Doug Mand (Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers, Pretty Smart) to ask, how do you revive a dead genre? Using their upcoming movie The Naked Gun, they look at why the spoof genre fell apart, the challenges of introducing it to a new generation, and why turning genre tropes into jokes will always resonate with an audience.

We also look at other genres they don’t make anymore, follow up on Dogma 25, and answer listener questions on complicated rewrites and whether or not to hire a publicist.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John, Doug and Dan look at the movies that Gen Z hasn’t seen (and whether they even need to).

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 7-29-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Crafting the Perfect Villain

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

In this craft compendium, John and Craig take a look at everything you need to make your bad guys compelling, memorable, and the perfect antagonist for your story. Using some favorite villains as examples, they look at the importance of understanding their motivations and offer seven tips for making a villain unforgettable.

We also take a look at lackeys, henchmen and making sure your evil organizations are believable.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig shift their focus to monsters, and why even though those scary creatures are dangerous, they’re not always the villain.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 7-16-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.