John August

Random Advice

We Had the Same Idea

Episode - 331

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Citizenship, Film Industry, Follow Up, How-To, Producers, Random Advice, Rights and Copyright, Scriptnotes, Television, Transcribed

John and Craig offer advice to those who suspect their work has been stolen, providing a checklist to help determine if a claim has merit and suggestions for how to best proceed if it does.

We also answer listener questions about taxes on agent commission, being a conservative voice in a writers’ room, and using real celebrities as characters.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 1-2-18: The transcript of this episode can be found here

Five-Star Podnerships

Adaptation, Film Industry, News, QandA, Random Advice, Scriptnotes, Television, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss showrunning, remaking existing IP, staffing, and fan behavior with Julie Plec (Vampire Diaries, The Originals), Michael Green (Bladerunner 2049, American Gods, Murder on the Orient Express, Logan), and Justin Marks (Jungle Book, Counterpart).

In light of the big Fox/Disney merger, we contemplate which other podcasts we should consider teaming with to preserve our market share and bottom line. We also take a look at some questionable five-star reviews.

Recorded with a live audience at LA Film School as a benefit for the Writers Guild Foundation. Huge thanks to everyone who came and supported the show.

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 12-18-17: The transcript of this episode can be found here

The Post-Weinstein Era

Citizenship, Film Industry, News, Random Advice, Scriptnotes, Television, Transcribed, WGA

John and Craig welcome Daley Haggar and Dara Resnik to examine the potential impacts of the Harvey Weinstein revelations on Hollywood.

What should have been done? And what should happen next to foster a safer, saner and more inclusive industry culture?

We also explore gender dynamics in a television writers room, discuss ways to address power imbalances and learn what it means to dial something in on the “Penis Phone.”

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 10-31-17: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

Should You Give Up?

Directors, Film Industry, Follow Up, Formatting, Psych 101, Random Advice, Scriptnotes, Transcribed, Writing Process

John and Craig attempt to answer the question that many aspiring screenwriters dare not ask aloud: when — if ever — is the right time to give up on the dream of becoming a working screenwriter?

Relatedly, is it okay to omit “aspiring” when describing oneself as a screenwriter? How do you ask friends for career help without burning bridges? Is that criminal record a problem?

We also address listener questions about why the Paramount Decree isn’t an issue for streaming services, plus working with auteurs, and formatting car chases.

Thanks for sending us examples of Exposition News!

Links:

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 10-16-17: The transcript of this episode can be found here.