John August

Transcribed

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Episode - 536

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Scriptnotes, Transcribed

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 week includes the first Scriptnotes TikTok, relationship advice, and the perils of main character energy.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we appeal to our grammar nerds as we discuss writing with “to be,” the generic you, and indefinite pronouns.

Links:

Email us at ask@dev.johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

Main Character Energy

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

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 partners, and liberation of the screenplay format.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig discuss population, specifically how we went from worrying about overpopulation to underpopulation in a span of decades.

Links:

Email us at ask@dev.johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 2-12-22 The transcript for this episode can now be found here.

Halfway There

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

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.

Links:

Email us at ask@dev.johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 3-1-22 You can find the transcript for this episode here.

We See and We Hear

Scriptnotes, Transcribed

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 equivalent of boot camp?

Links:

Email us at ask@dev.johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 2-2-2022 The transcript for this episode can be found here.