John and Craig investigate backstabs and double-crosses onscreen and share how writers can set up plot twists on the page. We answer listener questions on imposter syndrome, negative feedback, and hear about John’s journey to find the right ergonomic keyboard. We also follow up on meet-cutes, charismatic aspiring writers, and angry costume designers. In our […]
John and Craig breakdown the ideal attributes of the “screenwriter” character. Looking at the ratio of craft to charm, they debate which combinations lead to success in Hollywood. We also host a round of the Three Page Challenge. Samples this week range from stories on earthquakes to community theatre, but all feature surprising reveals. The […]
John and Craig bump into/trip over/spill coffee on the ‘Meet-Cute.’ They look at the history and mechanics of that moment when two lead characters meet each other in a romantic comedy, with advice to writers on how to keep it fresh. We answer listener questions on packing for set, branding yourself as a writer, and […]
John welcomes writer/director Leigh Whannell (Saw, Upgrade, Invisible Man) and astrophysicist/science consultant Dr. Erin Macdonald (Star Trek) to explore the science of sci-fi. They follow the evolution of an idea through the brainstorm to edit phase, advising how to titrate the proper amount of fact to fiction along the way. We look at how science […]
John and Craig discuss the craft of leading a creative life: What counts as practice? How do you make friends? When is it okay to take a break? A Scriptnotes listener suggested a lifestyle compendium episode, so we reach back through the archives to explore the artist’s soft skills. We touch on the dangers of […]
John invites writer/creator Michael Schur (The Office, Parks and Recreation, The Good Place) to discuss the history of comedy, specifically the evolution of the half hour sitcom. We also cover moral philosophy, working with experts, and coming up with new projects. Mike explains why ‘inside-out’ ideas tend to be more successful shows. In our bonus […]
John and Craig talk about adapting in Hollywood: the process of reimagining existing properties for the screen and career transitions. They cover why some adaptations don’t work, revisiting source material, and developing projects with public domain intellectual property. We offer advice to writers on adapting to a changing industry and returning to writing after a […]
John and Craig discuss the Main Character Energy meme. What does it mean for writers when real life people cast themselves in the leading role? We break down main characters vs. protagonists and the danger of life imitating art. We answer listener questions on do-not-read lists and verb tenses. Follow up this week includes: a […]
John and Craig look at midpoints, the murky middle of the movie, and why writers shouldn’t overthink them. We follow up on script formatting, firing your reps, screenplay “rules,” and how Sisyphus can achieve happiness. We answer listener questions on omitted scenes and imaginative children. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig […]
John and Craig rant about prohibitive screenwriting advice and declare their allegiance to the “we see/we hear” convention. They analyze scripts from this year’s awards season to argue good story trumps all else. We also answer questions on screenplay fundamentals from parantheticals, action lines to script length. In our bonus segment for premium members, we […]
John and Craig consider the choices writers and characters make based on fear, flattery, or FOMO. They offer guidance on how to make authentic choices and discern between want vs. being wanted. We also look at reshoots, both what they mean for production and the final story. We tackle listener questions on agents attending meetings, […]
John and Craig welcome the new year by discussing the art of transitions. They go beyond screenplay-specific terms to examine the psychology of moving through story beats. We cover the history of screenplays, the different ways to think about a scene, and how to create a punchline for each scene. In our bonus segment for […]
John and Craig revisit ghosts of Christmas past in our Holiday Live Show 2018. They’re joined by Pamela Ribon (Ralph Breaks the Internet, Smurfs: The Lost Village), Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Into the Spiderverse, The Lego Movie), Zoanne Clack (Grey’s Anatomy) and Cherry Chevapravatdumrong (Family Guy, The Orville) to discuss writing animated features, breaking […]
John and Craig welcome writer/producer/playwright Jack Thorne (The Aeronauts, Wonder, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) to take a look at making television in the UK and what writers on both sides of the pond can learn from one another. We discuss disability on and behind screen and tackle listener questions on writing with chronic […]
John and Craig examine how writers balance the needs of each scene while keeping the entire story in mind. Then it’s another a round of the Three Page Challenge, where we look at scenes submitted by our listeners. We offer advice for gimmicky reveals, honest character reactions, and consistent POV. Also this week: open writing […]
John and Craig define and discuss important terms for writers: backends, profits, scales, floors, ceilings, and minimums. They trace the flow of money from WGA contracts to residuals and the downstream impact on animation writers. They also take a look at characters ‘finding themselves’ and harsh writing advice. Follow up includes Korean grammar, holiday movies, […]