John August

QandA

How to Introduce Characters

Episode - 249

Go to Archive

Film Industry, How-To, QandA, Scriptnotes, Television, Transcribed, Words on the page, Writing Process

John talks with Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna, co-creators of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, about how they pitched and wrote their critically-acclaimed show.

We focus on the ways they introduced recurring characters in the pilot, and how casting influenced the series. Given recent controversy over casting of Asian roles, our discussion of the Josh Chan character feels particularly relevant.

This episode was recorded live as part of WGFestival 2016 Craft Day. Our thanks to the Writers Guild Foundation and The Academy for hosting us.

John deeply regrets passing up the opportunity to sing the West Covina reprise.

(The script for the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend pilot is available in Weekend Read.)

Links:

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-13-16: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

Pitching an Open Writing Assignment

Film Industry, Follow Up, Pitches, Scriptnotes, Transcribed

John and Craig discuss open writing assignments, and how to best pitch to producers and studios looking to hire a writer for a specific property. Most of the work happens before you set foot in the room, so proper planning is essential.

Then we take a look at the controversy over white actors playing roles that could have gone to Asian actors, and how screenwriters can (and can’t) improve the situation.

Links:

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 5-6-16: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

The One with Lawrence Kasdan

Film Industry, QandA, Scriptnotes, Story and Plot

John and Craig sit down with screenwriting legend Lawrence Kasdan to discuss Star Wars, Raiders, The Bodyguard and how he’s shaped some of the most iconic big-screen stories and characters of our lifetime.

This 90-minute interview comes as part of WGFestival 2016 Craft Day, and features audience questions as well. Our thanks to the Writers Guild Foundation and the Academy for hosting us.

Links:

You can download the episode here.

UPDATE 4-29-16: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

The One with the Idiot Teamster

Directors, Film Industry, Follow Up, News, Scriptnotes, Story and Plot, Transcribed

John and Craig welcome writer-director Lorene Scafaria to talk about her new movie The Meddler and some of the unique challenges faced by female directors.

She joins us as we play a new round of How Would This Be a Movie, tackling global hums, killer grannies and airport conspiracies. We also discuss movies that are often used as shorthand in Hollywood, from Raiders to Die Hard to Midnight Run. (But never The ‘Burbs.)

Next week we’ll be making minor server changes. If for some reason the next episode doesn’t automatically appear in your podcast app next Tuesday, you may need to resubscribe. Sorry, but it will be worth it to listen to special guest Lawrence Kasdan.

Links:

You can download the episode here: AAC | mp3.

UPDATE 4-22-16: The transcript of this episode can be found here.