• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

John August

  • Arlo Finch
  • Scriptnotes
  • Library
  • Store
  • About

Software

My history with AI

May 19, 2023 Software, WGA

As part of the WGA’s negotiating committee, I’ve done a lot of work (and press) on behalf of the Guild’s proposal regarding AI, which seeks to regulate the use of AI on MBA-covered projects.

Specifically, the proposal would ensure that AI-generated material is not considered “literary material” or “source material” — two terms with specific and important meaning in our contract. Getting this language in our contract protects writers from having AI write or rewrite us, and ensures that the things we write isn’t fed into the algorithm to generate “new” versions of our work. ((We sometimes call this the “Nora Ephron Problem,” the idea that you could feed Nora Ephron’s screenplays into a system and generate a “new” script in her voice.))

Amid the list of other urgent concerns about compensation and working conditions, the Guild’s AI proposal might seem like an outlier. Indeed, when it was first proposed as an addition to our pattern of demands back in November, some members of the committee wondered if it was too early. ChatGPT had only just been announced, and very few people had experimented with it.

But I’d had an early preview of similar technologies, and a sense that we needed to be thinking about AI issues now.

In addition to my day job writing movies, I run a tiny software company. We make [Weekend Read](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/weekendread/) and [Highland](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/highland-2/index.php), which is maybe the third most popular screenwriting app. One cool thing about working in software is that you meet other people in tech. In August 2021, a friend introduced me to Amit Gupta, who was starting a company called Sudowrite. He described as “Photoshop for text.” That’s a cool pitch.

## A tool or a weapon?

I met with Amit and saw a demo. The app was just a web page with a text box. You could click buttons and have it rewrite the text you provided, or expand upon it. It was primitive, but it felt like magic. This was more than a year before ChatGPT, but it provided the similar level of “wait, is this actually possible?” intrigue. And right after that, a corollary feeling of “wait, this could be really bad if used for evil.”

How do you make sure this is a tool used *by* writers, like spellcheck and Wikipedia, and not a tool used to *replace* writers?

I wasn’t ensorcelled; I recognized that if Sudowrite could do this, other companies could as well, including companies with no qualms about replacing writers. (Indeed, most of the early competitors focused on writing ad copy and SEO-optimized websites.)

My company made a small investment in Amit’s company and started talking about ways actual writers might use this technology. They were focused on prose fiction, which made sense. Screenwriting is weird. As a person who sells an app that formats it, it’s a small and specialized market. The world is full of folks who write fiction, especially fan fiction. They would be a better fit for the tool as it stood.

I’m listed as an advisor to Sudowrite, but that overstates my involvement. I haven’t hyped it up or used it beyond those initial few weeks. As far as I know, none of my books or scripts have been used in any of its training. Neither I nor my company ever made a cent from our investment in Sudowrite, and never incorporated any of their stuff into the apps we sell.

My interactions with Sudowrite gave me an early preview of what was compelling and troubling about the intersection of AI and writing, which helped put it on the Guild’s radar.

## GPT-2-point-something

I wasn’t the only person who was intrigued by these AI writing tools. [Stephen Follows](https://stephenfollows.com), a data scientist I’d worked with on figuring out the truth behind the “one page per minute” rule and other screenwriting esoterica, reached out in June 2022 to say that he and a friend were working on a project to write a screenplay using AI.

He invited me to come on their podcast to discuss it. They shared their screen to show how they were using an early version of OpenAI’s GPT tool to generate screenplay scenes. Bad scenes, it must be noted. Like, not even first year of film school scenes. But it was the first time I saw people using this kind of tool to do the kind of work we are hired to do in film and TV. And when they said they were working with a guild-signatory producer, that set off alarm bells.

How do you determine credit? Who is the writer of record? Would a script created this way even be copyrightable?

I raised these concerns in the podcast, but then reached out to the Guild to put this on their radar. In early July, I had my first phone calls and conversations with Guild staff about how situation like this could handled under existing rules and definitions.

This was all before ChatGPT, which debuted in November 2022.

The WGA West assembled a board committee to study the issue, ultimately recommending the proposal which was included in our pattern of demands. It was quirk of the calendar that our three-year contract was coming up before the use of these AI system had become widespread. As ChatGPT 3 evolved to the much more capable ChatGPT 4, it became clear that waiting another three years to address the issue was not an option.

## Studio silence

As noted on the two-page summary of where our issues stand as the WGA went out on strike, the studios rejected our proposal and refused to make a counter. In the room, they said that the technology is new and they are not inclined to limit their ability to use this new technology in the future.

That’s ominous and unacceptable. I believe we have to address this issue in our contract now. We can’t spend three years stalling with committees.

Along with our other urgent needs for compensation and working conditions, I believe we’ll ultimately win these necessary gains in regulating AI. As evidenced by the 2007 strike over the internet, our members understand how important it is to grapple with new technology before it becomes entrenched.

But even when we win this battle, the issues surrounding material generated by AI won’t be over.

As writers and a society, we have to grapple with the implications of this technology. How do we ensure the material used to train these models is provided with consent, credit and compensation? How do we deal with the bias? How do we treat the material output by these systems in terms of copyright? There are myriad concerns that go well beyond our contract, and will require developing both ethical and legal frameworks. I discussed some of those at this week’s [listening session](https://johnaugust.com/2023/ai-and-copyright) with the U.S. Copyright Office.

My early look at Sudowrite and related systems gave me a brief preview of a few of these issues, but none of the answers. We’re going to be grappling with the implications of these technologies for years.

The Free Stuff

August 11, 2022 Apps, Bronson, Highland, Meta, News, Software, Tools, Weekend Read, Writer Emergency Pack

My friend Nima recently pointed out that most of the stuff our company makes is free.

That’s probably not a great business model, but it’s always been our culture. We only charge for those things that have significant ongoing costs — like upkeep and hosting — or a per-unit cost to produce.

If you’re a writer, here are the things we offer at absolutely no cost. As in free.

### [johnaugust.com](https://johnaugust.com)
This blog has been running since 2003. Nearly all of its 1,500 posts are screenwriting advice. The Explore tab on the right is a good way to get started looking through the archives. For example, you might start with the [129 articles on formatting](https://johnaugust.com/qanda/formatting).

### [Scriptnotes](https://johnaugust.com/scriptnotes)
Craig Mazin and I have been recording this [weekly screenwriting podcast](https://johnaugust.com/scriptnotes) for over ten years. It’s always been free, with no ads whatsoever. The most recent 20 episodes are available in every podcast player. Back episodes are available to [Scriptnotes Premium](http://scriptnotes.net) members, or can be purchased in 50-episode “seasons.”

### [Inneresting](https://inneresting.substack.com)
Chris Csont edits this [weekly newsletter](https://inneresting.substack.com), which serves as a good companion to Scriptnotes. Every Friday, it has links to things about writing, centering on a given theme. It’s a Substack, but completely free.

### [Highland 2](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/highland-2/)
For years, I’ve written all my scripts and novels in this terrific app our company makes. It’s a free download on the [Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/highland-2/id1171820258?mt=12). The Standard edition is fully functional, with no time limits. Students can receive the enhanced Pro edition through our [student license program](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/highland-2/students.php).

### [Courier Prime](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/courierprime)
English-language screenplays are written in Courier, but not all Couriers are alike. Many are too thin, and the italics are ugly. So we commissioned a new typeface called [Courier Prime](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/courierprime). It’s Courier, but better. Since it’s free and open licensed, you can use it through Google Fonts and similar services.

### [Weekend Read](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/weekendread)
Reading a screenplay on an iPhone is a pain in the ass — unless you use [Weekend Read](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/weekendread). It melts down screenplay PDFs so they format properly on smaller screens. Weekend Read also has an extensive library of older scripts, including many award nominees. It’s free on the App Store.

### [The Library](http://johnaugust.com)
The [Library](http://johnaugust.com) has most of the scripts I’ve written, and hosts a few other writers’ work as well. For several projects, I’ve included treatments, pitches, outlines and additional material.

### [Screenwriting.io](screenwriting.io)
While johnaugust.com offers detailed articles on various topics, screenwriting.io answers [really basic questions about film and TV writing](screenwriting.io). If you’re Googling, “how many acts does a TV show have?” we want to [give you the answer](https://screenwriting.io/how-many-acts-does-a-tv-show-have/) with no cruft or bullshit.

### [100 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Screenwriting](https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2b0232538adf13e5b3e55b12f/files/100_FAQ_About_Screenwriting.v1.2.pdf)
We gathered the 100 most frequently searched-for entries on screenwriting.io in this handy [85-page PDF](https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2b0232538adf13e5b3e55b12f/files/100_FAQ_About_Screenwriting.v1.2.pdf).

### [Launch](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/launch/id1319436103)
I recorded this seven-episode podcast series about the pitch, sale, writing and production of my first Arlo Finch book. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, you’ll want to check it out. Free [wherever you listen to podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/launch/id1319436103).

# The Paid Stuff

Given all the free stuff we put out, how does our company make money? We sell things.

### [Highland 2 Pro](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/highland-2/)
Highland 2 Standard Edition is free, but most users choose to upgrade to Pro for its added features: revision mode, priority email support, extra templates, custom themes, and watermark-free PDFs. It’s an in-app purchase, $39 USD. ((Prices may change. Also note that Apple sets international pricing, so some apps cost a little more or a little less in some countries.))

### [Writer Emergency Pack](http://writeremergency.com)
Writer Emergency Pack began its life as a Kickstarter, and is now one of the most popular gifts for writers of all ages. Available through [our store](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/weekendread) and [Amazon](https://amzn.to/3Afgahb).

### [Bronson Watermarker PDF](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/bronson/)
Bronson is the app I needed when watermarking scripts for a Broadway reading. Now it’s become the default watermarking app in Hollywood. It’s $20 on the [Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bronson-watermarker-pdf/id881629098?mt=12).

### [T-shirts and hoodies](https://cottonbureau.com/people/john-august-1)
We used to print and ship our own t-shirts, but we now sell them through Cotton Bureau. We put out a new [Scriptnotes shirt](https://cottonbureau.com/search?query=scriptnotes) every year. It’s definitely not a profit center, but it’s fun seeing merch out in the wild.

### [Weekend Read Unlocked](https://quoteunquoteapps.com/weekendread)
Users can unlock their expanded library for $10 USD.

### [Scriptnotes Premium](http://scriptnotes.net)
The Scriptnotes podcast runs out of a separate LLC from our software business. Premium subscriptions pay for the salaries of our producer, editor and transcriptionist, along with hosting and management fees. Craig and I don’t make a cent off it.

A DM’s guide to Roll20

September 5, 2020 Geek Alert, Software, Tools

Since the start of the pandemic, our regular D&D game — which has always been in person — has shifted to online. We use Zoom to chat, and [Roll20](https://roll20.net) to simulate the tabletop.

I’m comfortable using Roll20 as a player, but when it came time to begin planning my own campaign as a DM, I was stumped. The interface is wildly confusing, and the built-in tutorials aren’t up to the task.

Craig offered to walk me through the process of setting up and running a game. We recorded the whole thing, which is [now available as five videos](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa3qqbMuNy-r-ZvH7UiX_OyW03ymY6axK).

If you’re considering DMing a game in Roll20, I strongly suggest you start here. Craig’s a good teacher.

Let’s make a Fountain block for WordPress

August 27, 2020 Geek Alert, Projects, Scrippets, Software

Way back in 2008, I [announced a plugin for WordPress](https://johnaugust.com/2008/scrippets-are-go) that made it easy to insert short bits of screenplay-like material into a blog post.

EXT. HOUSE -- DAY

Max is checking his mail when he spots neighbor FRANK crossing the street, heading his way.

Shaking his head...

MAX

I thought we talked about this, Frank.

FRANK

(drunk)

I was born naked and I’m not changing now.

I called these chunks “scrippets.” This plain-text format ultimately became [Fountain](http://fountain.io), which in turn became the basis of [Highland](http://highland2.com) and other screenwriting apps. ((One of the coders who put together the WordPress plugin was Nima Yousefi, who has now coded nearly everything we’ve made.))

The Scrippets plugin still works — you can [install it today](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-scrippets/) — but WordPress has moved on to the concept of “blocks.” These are discrete elements of a post that can do specific things. You can find blocks for [code syntax](https://wordpress.com/support/wordpress-editor/blocks/code-block/), [tables](https://wordpress.org/support/article/table-block/), and even [poetry verse](https://wpcompendium.org/create-posts/verse-block/).

There should be one for Fountain.

If you’re a WordPress coder who’d like to tackle this project, here are some thoughts to get you started.

1. Visit [Fountain.io/developer](https://fountain.io/developers) and the [GitHub](https://github.com/nyousefi/Fountain) for implementations of the parser.
2. While I’d love to support the whole Fountain spec, I’m not convinced title pages and headers/footers make sense for this use case.
3. Notes and synopses are super useful. We’ll want to style them so they’re visually distinct.
4. Forced elements are very important. Blog posts often center on weird edge cases, and international users may need to force character names like @黄.
5. Ultimately, it’ll be best if there’s one “official” Fountain block plugin, but if multiple people decide to tackle it, my team and I can help coordinate.
6. This would be presumably be GPL licensed. This is for the good of the internet, not any one company or person.

So if you feel like giving it a shot, go for it! You certainly don’t need our permission.

If you have something you’d like us to see, or a question we can answer, write ask@johnaugust.com

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Newsletter

Inneresting Logo A Quote-Unquote Newsletter about Writing
Read Now

Explore

Projects

  • Aladdin (1)
  • Arlo Finch (27)
  • Big Fish (88)
  • Charlie (39)
  • Charlie's Angels (16)
  • Chosen (2)
  • Corpse Bride (9)
  • Dead Projects (18)
  • Frankenweenie (10)
  • Go (30)
  • Karateka (4)
  • Monsterpocalypse (3)
  • One Hit Kill (6)
  • Ops (6)
  • Preacher (2)
  • Prince of Persia (13)
  • Shazam (6)
  • Snake People (6)
  • Tarzan (5)
  • The Nines (118)
  • The Remnants (12)
  • The Variant (22)

Apps

  • Bronson (14)
  • FDX Reader (11)
  • Fountain (32)
  • Highland (73)
  • Less IMDb (4)
  • Weekend Read (64)

Recommended Reading

  • First Person (88)
  • Geek Alert (151)
  • WGA (162)
  • Workspace (19)

Screenwriting Q&A

  • Adaptation (66)
  • Directors (90)
  • Education (49)
  • Film Industry (491)
  • Formatting (129)
  • Genres (90)
  • Glossary (6)
  • Pitches (29)
  • Producers (59)
  • Psych 101 (119)
  • Rights and Copyright (96)
  • So-Called Experts (47)
  • Story and Plot (170)
  • Television (164)
  • Treatments (21)
  • Words on the page (237)
  • Writing Process (178)

More screenwriting Q&A at screenwriting.io

© 2025 John August — All Rights Reserved.