John August

Transcribed

Problem Solving

Episode - 686

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Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig look at how writers and their characters handle the obstacles they encounter. They outline proven techniques for solving problems both in life and on the page, why it’s important to see characters solving problems in a story, and how taking big swings can open up exciting possibilities.

We also follow up on episodes that focus on a single character, long takes, making your phone less interesting, words we don’t have in English, present the definitive guide to the lunch run, and look into this stupid movie tariff thing.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John is back from Egypt and Jordan, and ready to answer all of our questions about tombs and travel in the Middle East.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-14-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Page and Stage with Leslye Headland

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John welcomes writer, director and playwright Leslye Headland (The Acolyte, Russian Doll) to ask, why are stage plays so challenging for screenwriters? Using her recent Broadway play Cult of Love, they look at different approaches to scene description, heightened and simultaneous dialogue, and strategies for adapting stage plays to film.

We also chart Leslye’s career from theater kid to auteur filmmaker, her approach to time loops (because how could we not?), and answer listener questions about music cues and long scripts.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Leslye compare notes on how to keep up with what’s on stage, and what to do if you missed a production.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-14-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Landing a Series with Eric Kripke

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John welcomes writer and showrunner Eric Kripke (The Boys, Supernatural) to look at planning out a multi-season series. They chart Eric’s early career from shorts to showrunner, how he developed Supernatural, his process for structuring seasons of The Boys, and how great TV shows stick the landing.

We also answer listener questions on lone character episodes and emulating comic panels on screen.

In our bonus segment for premium members, Eric spills on everything blood, guts and gore.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-12-25: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Idea Management (Encore)

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig welcome back Aline Brosh McKenna to tackle the issue of idea management. What do you do with all those half-formed ideas and how do you decide which ones to pursue? They share best practices and their approach to middle-of-the-night inspiration.

We also discuss how screenwriters’ quotes are determined and answer some listener questions on alternatives to D&D, crediting improv and rain in the second act.

In our bonus segment for premium members, DVDs hang in the balance as John and Drew sit down back in 2025 to ask, should Drew get rid of his physical media?

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

The transcript for the original episode can be found here.