Podcast · 53 episodes
Scriptnotes Podcast, page 2
by John August and Craig Mazin · English
Screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin discuss screenwriting and related topics in the film and television industry, everything from getting stuff written to the vagaries of copyright and work-for-hire law.
All episodes, page 2
731 - Avoidance and Other Anti-QuestsCharacters’ avoidance as a driver of story (reframing “what they want” into “what they’re trying to avoid”), grounded in fear/love and the pivot from avoidance to a positive quest.14 Apr 2026 · 52 min · 25 chapters
SC39 - Sidecast: The 2026 MBAWGA’s 2026 Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) negotiations with the AMPTP—what changed, what was won, and how members vote.10 Apr 2026 · 18 min · 14 chapters
89 - Writing effective transitions (Encore)Script Notes episode 89 (Encore) revisits how to write effective scene transitions, plus discusses screenwriting industry news and visual clichés.7 Apr 2026 · 59 min · 33 chapters
730 - A Frank Conversation About ScreenwritingA “frank conversation” with producer John August (Script Notes) drawn from a Northwest Screenwriters Guild Q&A, focused on screenwriting craft and the business: why “rules” are often myths, how to…31 Mar 2026 · 49 min · 24 chapters
729 - Endings Compendium, Part IIIn this episode of the Scriptnotes Podcast, hosts John August and Craig Mazin return to a crucial topic in screenwriting: crafting satisfying and emotional endings.24 Mar 2026 · 1 h 4 min · 29 chapters
728 - Beats to Scenes with Drew GoddardIn this episode of the Scriptnotes Podcast, hosts John August and Craig Mazin welcome screenwriter Drew Goddard to discuss the transformation of story beats into full scenes, using his script for…17 Mar 2026 · 59 min · 33 chapters
197 - How do bad movies get made? (Encore)Exploration of "bad movies"—how they are conceived, produced, and ultimately fail.10 Mar 2026 · 1 h 5 min · 30 chapters
727 - Free WorkIn this episode, John August and Craig Mazin tackle the prevalent issue of "free work" in the screenwriting industry, offering insights and strategies to navigate it.3 Mar 2026 · 57 min · 20 chapters
726 - So you've been nominated for an OscarIn this episode of the Scriptnotes podcast, hosts John August and Craig Mazin welcome writer-director duo Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh, whose short film *Two People Exchanging Saliva* has…24 Feb 2026 · 1 h 5 min · 32 chapters
725 - Torn from the pages of Squash MagazineIn this episode of the Scriptnotes Podcast, hosts John August and Craig Mazin explore how various news stories could be adapted into films.17 Feb 2026 · 56 min · 22 chapters
724 - Introductions with Joachim TrierIn this episode, John August welcomes writer and director Joachim Trier, known for *Sentimental Value* and *The Worst Person in the World*.10 Feb 2026 · 51 min · 23 chapters
723 - Blank Meets BlankIn this episode of the Scriptnotes podcast, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin discuss the use of comparisons, or "comps," in screenwriting.3 Feb 2026 · 1 h 4 min · 38 chapters
722 - Orality, or Writing to be SpokenIn this episode, hosts John August and Craig Mazin explore the unique characteristics of screenwriting, particularly its orality compared to other literary forms.27 Jan 2026 · 54 min · 26 chapters
721 - Preparing to Direct (with Eva Victor)In this episode of the Scriptnotes Podcast, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin welcome actress-writer-director Eva Victor, who recently directed the acclaimed indie film *Sorry, Baby*.20 Jan 2026 · 59 min · 25 chapters
720 - Watch Your ToneIn this episode, John August welcomes back guests Susanna Fogel and David Iserson to discuss their new series, *PONIES*.13 Jan 2026 · 1 h 4 min · 24 chapters
719 - When Good Enough Isn't EnoughIn this episode, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin delve into the nuances of writing, focusing on the dilemma of when to pursue perfection in one’s work and when it’s acceptable to settle for…6 Jan 2026 · 1 h 10 min · 27 chapters
718 - No Worries if NotScreenwriters John August and Craig Mazin explore Hollywood euphemisms and stock phrases, aiming to clarify the industry's complex language.30 Dec 2025 · 1 h 6 min · 27 chapters
717 - The Screenwriting Life: The Craft Lessons That Matter MostIn this special Christmas crossover episode, John and Craig join Meg and Lorien on *The Screenwriting Life* podcast to discuss key lessons in screenwriting and the craft of writing in general.23 Dec 2025 · 54 min
716 - Personality TypologiesIn this episode of the Scriptnotes Podcast, hosts John August and Craig Mazin are joined by screenwriter Mike Makowsky to discuss various aspects of screenwriting, historical dramatization,…16 Dec 2025 · 1 h 7 min
715 - The Book Launch, Live!In this episode of the Scriptnotes Podcast, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin celebrate the launch of their new book, "Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting…9 Dec 2025 · 1 h 8 min
714 - Three Page Challenge Live in Austin 2025In this live episode of the Scriptnotes Podcast, hosted by screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin, the duo conducts a "Three Page Challenge" with a group of listeners at St.2 Dec 2025 · 54 min
713 - Your First Produced FilmCo-host (not present in this episode)25 Nov 2025 · 1 h 4 min
712 - Something Wicked This Way ComesDana Fox (writer and showrunner known for *Wicked*, *The Lost City*, *Cruella*)18 Nov 2025 · 1 h 8 min
711 - The State of PitchingIn this episode, John welcomes back Aline Brosh McKenna to discuss the current landscape of pitching in the film and television industry.11 Nov 2025 · 58 min