Sep 29, 2015
John and Craig discuss the WGA election results, and take a look at the issues that dominated the campaigns. What is a paper team? Do screenwriters really retire? And why does it take us so long to get paid?
We also dive into the mailbag and take questions on visiting Los Angeles, backend and residuals, and what an...
Sep 28, 2015
In this bonus episode for Scriptnotes premium subscribers, John sits down with BLACK MASS screenwriter Mark Mallouk to discuss the film’s long journey from book to screen, including how the sudden reappearance of Whitey Bulger in 2011 changed both the script and the production.
This Q&A was recorded following the...
Sep 22, 2015
Craig and John take an extensive look at best practices when coming in to rewrite an existing script. How do you take the reins when you weren’t the first screenwriter? Whether you’re starting over at page one or executing some surgical fixes, we discuss the psychology and reality of being the subsequent...
Sep 15, 2015
John and Craig discuss the PG–13 rating, its effects and what screenwriters have to keep in mind when dealing with it. Then it’s a conversation about healthy and unhealthy relationships between writers and their representatives.
Also: are your odds greater of being a professional screenwriter or a professional...
Sep 8, 2015
Craig and John tackle another installment of “How would this be a movie?” with a look at the Kentucky clerk, the French train bros, Uber and Deflategate. Who are the heroes and villains, and would there be enough plot to support the running time?
We also explore the happy-sad feeling of finishing...