John and Craig answer four listener questions, on topics ranging from scene headers to ticket sales. And which is better for an aspiring screenwriter: a low-level job at a major agency, or a steady 9-to-5 job that allows time to write?
Screenwriters are often not the healthiest folk. We do our work at computers, surrounded by snacks, so it’s no surprise many of us get fat. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
John and Craig talk critics, and how trying to anticipate their reviews can cause paralysis. It’s funny how the screenwriter only seems to get mentioned in negative reviews. Well, not funny, actually. Frustrating. And possibly statistically verifiable, so listen in if you’re looking for a research project.
Craig and John look at the results of the WGA screenwriter survey, which found widespread reports of bake-offs, prewriting and other shenanigans.
Craig and John tackle a question screenwriters ask themselves at every stage in their careers: of all things I *could* write, which thing *should* I write?
Craig and John skip Comic-Con so they can discuss annoying and unproductive habits of development executives, along with advice for working with screenwriters.
It’s two parts craft and one part business as Craig and John discuss the alarming earnings report coming out of the WGA, plus a deeper look at setting and POV.
John and Craig look at how to write satisfying third acts. That doesn’t necessarily mean a happy ending, but rather one that feels earned.
This week, John is a bit under the weather, so Craig takes over moderator duties as they tackle four listener questions.
This week’s episode finds Craig and John answering questions about agent etiquette, business cards and those troubling rewrites that unravel everything.
On the 41st Scriptnotes, John and Craig discuss screenwriting software, knowing when to start, and the Game of Thrones finale. But before moving on to new business, they update us on two topics of podcasts past.
Craig and John talk about Craig’s decision to abandon his once-bustling blog, while John weighs the pros and cons of comments and community.
Craig and John take a look at the difference between plot and story with some help from the Littlest Pet Shop and Game of Thrones.
John and Craig open the listener mailbag and sprint through twenty questions in just under an hour.
Screenwriters can learn story and structure, but the ability to create real, tangible characters is more elusive — and ultimately more important.
John and Craig open the 36th Scriptnotes with a brief discussion about contracts, and then face writer’s block head on.
John and Craig discuss the small, currently leaderless world of Walt Disney Studios, along with its challenges and opportunities.
Craig and John take a brief look at the misguided Girls backlash and complaints about nepotism in Hollywood, before segueing to a bigger discussion of spec scripts and positioning.
Craig and John just have to talk about the double-barrel craziness of the Joe Eszterhas/Mel Gibson spat. How often do you have screenwriters lobbing incendiary accusations at movie stars?
Craig and John answer questions about specificity, television and what to do when your great idea sounds too much like a movie that’s already been made.