Scriptnotes Podcast

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 guys offer advice on cutting scenes, introducing charact...

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 staggered success in a relationship. In our bonus segment for premium members, we t...

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 can catalyze a story in a round of How Would Thi...

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 self care, the importance of staying curious, and how to cultivate a workplace when you’r...

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 segment for premium members John asks Mike about w...

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 major life event. Follow up this...

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 how-to guide on firing reps, relationship advice on unsupportive partner...

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 debate the ethics and issues surrounding NFTs. Lin...

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 consider: what is the screenwriting eq...

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, bad outlines, and unsupportive partners. In our bonus segment for...

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 premium members, we talk about transitioning out of conversations in person a...

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 illness and the responsibility of authorship. We wrap up by takin...

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 assignments, and a checklist of what writers need to know before pursui...

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, the phrase ‘fake it till you make i...

John and Craig celebrate the holidays by releasing a special premium episode on the 1988 Christmas classic: DIE HARD. Die Hard created a new template for action movies, heroes, and villains, establishing tropes still seen in theaters. They discuss both structure and story to examine what screenwriters can take away from this film and why many have failed to replicate its success. In our super-size...

John invites some favorite guests on to answer a single question about their current projects. Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay explain how they moved the second season of The Mysterious Benedict Society from Canada to California. Aline Brosh McKenna talks about the challenges of directing a feature versus running a TV series. Data scientist Stephen Follows makes his best pitch for film school (and coll...

John and Craig invite investigative reporter Zeke Faux (Bloomberg) for a new round of How Would This Be A Movie. They cover stories ranging from the secret history of sushi to fake Scottish rappers. Zeke shares what it’s like to option an article to Hollywood and tricks for getting noticed by producers. In follow-up, we get a romantic update from Oops and answer a listener question on whether it’s...

John and Craig coach writers through the final laps of a screenplay. They revisit conversations on how to plan for a successful conclusion, navigate the second half of Act Two (joined by Aline!), and cross the finish line with the perfect final moment. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Megana talk about writing endings and ending writing sessions. Links: Scriptnotes Episode 44: En...

John and Craig offer guidance on how to navigate an industry built on embellishment, vamping, and saving face. Did you really love that movie? Have you even started that rewrite? In many cases, the truth matters less than your confident delivery. We also answer listener questions on story consultants, how to describe a puffin call, and the experience of seeing our scenes on screen. In our bonus se...

John and Craig check character blindspots, looking at how ‘over-security’ drives characters to humor and heartbreak. We also discuss natural structure: how certain events (weddings, sports, school) can create narrative scaffolding. The death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust has the industry talking about safety. Craig explains the protocols for guns on sets, while John urges d...

John and Craig talk action! They examine iconic scenes in classic movies to illustrate the relationship between intensity and density on the page. We also host a Three Page Challenge: Spooky Edition, our segment that invites listeners to submit writing samples for critique. This week we’re specifically looking at thrilling and chilling scenes. We follow up on the IATSE vote and negotiations. In ou...

John and Craig discuss how the screenplay guides production — not just in what happens, but how it feels. They look at how the words on the page steer and inspire other departments, starting with the very first hires. We also cover getting in over your head and what it’s like to have no visual imagination. In our bonus segment for premium members, we wade into the Bad Art Friend discourse. Links:...

John and Craig discuss the art of planning and forgetting. How do you stay present in a scene when you know where the story is going? The guys offer tips for making sure your characters are driving the story — but on roads you built. We answer listener questions on setting the mood, manager requests, and insurance struggles for writing partners. We also follow up on the IATSE strike, the CAA-ICM a...

John and Craig brainstorm How Would This Be A Movie, looking at articles featuring kangaroo feuds in Australia, squatters in the Hamptons, and ghost historians in Palestine. Plus a romance between the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. We also cover the potential IATSE strike, Tudum Day, and managing money. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Megana defend sweater weather as Craig decri...

This week, we revisit some of our favorite conversations with TV writers, including Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project), Alison McDonald (American Dad!), Ryan Knighton (In the Dark), Aline Brosh McKenna and Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). They share their philosophies and practical advice for writing television. We talk about getting staffed, the first day in a writers room, when to speak, develo...