Scriptnotes Podcast

What if you zigged when you thought you should have zagged? As an actress, a writer, a showrunner, and a host, Erin Gibson's career has been unpredictable. But look closer and you see it's driven by consistent values, smart timing, and the universal currency of comedy. John seeks her insight on going with the flow.
John and Erin answer listener questions about connecting with reps, sorting through your idea bank, and managing your emotions while writing. They also encourage listeners to praise colleagues and strangers. Just send the email!
In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John talks to Erin about moving out of LA "before it was cool."
Links:
Attitudes! Podcast
Gay of Thrones
Feminasty
Zach Cregger's "Elf Draft" Concept (11:43)
Tuffy's Tug-O-War Dog Toy
Agnes Pelton
The Wax Child by Olga Ravn
Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters.
Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our coordinator is Lauren Loesberg.
Outro by Matt Gillespie (send us yours!).
Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

The year was 2011. We had Occupy Wall Street, Hangover II, 50 Shades of Grey… and a podcast named Scriptnotes. On this episode, John and Craig celebrate their podcast Quinceañera, marking fifteen years together on mic.
They reflect on their very first episode, the content and cultural moments that marked 2011, and everything that's changed since.
In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John and Craig look forward fifteen years to make predictions on the year 2041.
Links:
Walgreens with Mom Playlist by Danny Carney
First Blossom in the Orchard by John Stokes
Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters.
Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our coordinator is Lauren Loesberg.
Outro by Matthew Chilelli (send us yours!).
Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

John and Taffy sit down for a candid conversation surrounding fame, interacting with famous people, and the depiction of fame on screen.
They also answer a listener question about cold email etiquette and the delicate art of asking for favors.
In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, Taffy discusses the subject of her most recent "celebrity" profile: the controversial AI actress, Tilly Norwood.
Links:
Why on Earth Have I Seen the Same Broadway Show 13 Times? An Investigation. by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Joe Allen
I Profile Celebrities for a Living. Nothing Prepared Me for Tilly Norwood. by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters.
Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our coordinator is Lauren Loesberg.
Outro by Timothy Lenko (send us yours!).
Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

John and Craig lock in on one-room movies. How does confinement change character behavior? What opportunities can a single location give you?
Plus, they consider how much dithering a character should indulge. They also answer listener questions about "hyperlink cinema" and writing phone calls.
In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John and Craig discuss outgrowing their own tastes.
Links:
Reddit thread about faster kettles
Police Stalkers
Ben Affleck/Matt Damon FIFA Project based on Houses of Deceit
United Passions (FIFA movie)
Dithering
WhatIsIt Reddit
Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters.
Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our coordinator is Lauren Loesberg.
Outro by Nick Moore (send us yours!).
Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

John welcomes Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs to talk about the emotional and logistical process of closing out their five-season series, Hacks.
Paul and Lucia also step up as guest readers for the Three Page Challenge, a segment where we look at the first three pages of a listener-submitted script and give honest feedback.
In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John, Lucia and Paul talk about cameos. How do they happen? What's the real deal behind the scenes?
Scripts:
Dying to Love You
You're Dead to Me
Monster Law
Links:
You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall
State and Local Election Alliance
@luciaaniellosetfits
@paulwdowns
Cherlato Gelato
Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters.
Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our Coordinator is Lauren Loesberg.
Outro by Nick Moore (send us yours!).
Email us at ask@johnaugust.com