John August

Drew Marquardt

Time Lords

Episode - 484

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Scriptnotes

John and Craig look at how writers manipulate time on macro and micro levels, and the impact of these choices on narrative. We then share our strategies for compressing, twisting, and trimming time in scripts.

We also discuss continuous dialogue, subtext and which kinds of stories are best suited for animation.

Finally in our bonus segment for premium members, we explore which moments in time we’d choose to visit if time travel were an option.

Links:

Email us at ask@dev.johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 1-24-21 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Philosophy for Screenwriters

News, Pitches, Scriptnotes, So-Called Experts, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss their personal philosophies and how writers can approach philosophical questions in terms of theme (central dramatic question) and character (moral codes and motivation).

Then we cover virtual pitches and listener questions on eight-sequence structure and how to read a script. We also follow up on the agency campaign, failed insurrections, and bad IP.

Finally in our bonus segment for premium members, we revisit our disagreement in episode 481 about whether it’s okay to lie.

Links:

Email us at ask@dev.johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 1-15-21 The transcripts for this episode can now be found here.

Batman and Beowulf

Scriptnotes

John and Craig explore Batman’s strange and unique position as a fantasy of American frontier justice and how filmmakers have approached this IP. Then they invite author Maria Dahvana Headley to discuss the original Dark Knight — Beowulf — and why these odd heroes continue to resonate with modern audiences.

We also answer listener questions on using pen names, whether the coolest plot can save a weak character, and John’s Eagle Scout project.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John tells Craig about the Batman trailer he wrote 20 years ago and they discuss what heroes they’d like to write.

Links:

Email us at ask@dev.johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 1-28-21 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Random Advice 2020

News, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig welcome back writer/producer Nichelle Tramble (Truth Be Told, The Good Wife) to share wisdom on listener questions that are interesting but unrelated to screenwriting.

We discuss how to know if you’re marrying the right person, open relationships, and how to deal with being the ‘starter’ girlfriend. We also cover jealousy, laughter, the ethics of lying to the Red Cross, and disappointing Secret Santas.

Finally, in our bonus segment for premium members we discuss that Martin Shkreli article and how it would be a movie.

Links:

Email us at ask@dev.johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 1-7-21 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.