John and Craig propose a challenge for every screenwriter: only write interesting scenes. They discuss why following this precept is so important and offer tips for implementing it proactively. We also answer listener questions about set pieces, virtual rooms, and juggling multiple projects. In our bonus segment for premium members, we consider whether Covid-19 has […]
John hosts a discussion with writer/director Sam Esmail as a part of the Showrunner Sessions at the WGA. Sam describes his aversion to writing, where his inspiration comes from, and how he learned to run a room. We also dig into craft, talking about parentheticals and mastering the tension between creating mystery versus confusing your […]
John and Craig welcome screenwriter Mike Makowsky to discuss the process of turning a story from the news into a movie and how he drew on real life experiences to create his upcoming film, Bad Education. We also follow up on writing with neurological trauma, trailblazing female screenwriters, and answer listener questions on speaking theme […]
John and Craig host another Scriptnotes Livestream Show with special guest Dana Fox (Isn’t It Romantic, Couples Retreat). They discuss her new show, Home Before Dark, and her thoughts on why creating a feeling is so important to developing television shows. Then we hold a Three Page Challenge and we invite each of our four […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
John and Craig debunk the ‘rule’ that one page of screenplay equals one minute of film. They advise screenwriters on what this could mean for the industry and look forward to a future that moves beyond pages. We also follow up on our discussion of professional readers (00:02:02) and suggestions for giving your friends feedback. […]
John and Craig talk about readers — both the friends you’d ask to look at your draft and the folks who professionally analyze scripts. They cover unions, state laws, and why companies should value good coverage. We also follow up on how to credit improv in scripts, share #PayUpHollywood feedback, and explain if/come deals. Stay […]
John moderates a panel discussion on the criminal justice system, incarceration and how to write about them. What’s real, what’s myth, and what stories need to be told? Guests include incarceration policy experts Aly Tamboura and Lovisa Stannow, writer Zach Calig of For Life, and documentarian Dan Birman (Me Facing Life). Then in our bonus […]
John and Craig talk about how to grow old as a writer, specifically how your relationship with your art and craft can evolve with time. Then we discuss tips for general meetings (00:26:13), and answer listener questions about character quirks and improv. Finally, in our bonus segment for Premium Members, Craig discusses his acting debut […]
John and Craig talk dialogue. How characters speak is an optimized version of real speech — but if you optimize too much you risk making your characters feel artificial. We listen to clips of real conversations to pick out patterns and tendencies you can incorporate to help improve written dialogue. Then we dive into the […]
John and Craig discuss the other stuff screenwriters write, from beat sheets to scriptments and everything in between. The differences are sometimes subtle, but each can have value — in the right circumstance. After that, they dip into the mailbag (24:23) for questions on TV bibles, writing while traveling, and using “I” in titles. Premium […]
John and Craig welcome back Liz Hannah to talk about her upcoming Netflix movie, All the Bright Places, and Hollywood’s often-frustrating reliance on IP. Particularly with non-fiction stories, has Hollywood warped journalistic ambitions? All of which serves as setup for another round of How Would This Be a Movie? (00:41:54), where we look at the […]
John talks with writer-director Noah Baumbach about his film Marriage Story. With script in hand, we discuss his writing process, handling overlapping dialogue, and how to find balance in a two-hander. We also answer a listener question about LA vs. New York apartments (01:05:16), and the challenge of making boring things interesting. In our bonus […]
John and Craig discuss the difference between ambition and anxiety, and how writers can find a balance. We also follow up on agency developments and a new study that shows the live-action Aladdin is good for your health. Then we host another round of the Three Page Challenge, this time focusing on establishing the setting. […]
John and Greta Gerwig (writer/director of Little Women and Lady Bird) discuss adaptation, ambition and authorship. With the screenplay in front of them, they look at specific scenes in Little Women and explore how its non-linear timeline changed how the movie works. We also answer listener questions on writing for the page and starting a […]
John and Craig discuss what screenwriters can learn from watching movies. They cover techniques for making the most of the movies they watch and the questions you should be asking afterward. We also share more advice from listeners about moving to LA and lots of answers FOR listeners who’ve written in with questions. And for […]
In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, John hosts a Q&A with Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns to discuss their new film 1917. They discuss writing a war film without exposition, turning psychology into behavior, and portraying emotional processing in real-time. They also answer audience questions on having a separate technical script and the challenges […]