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Nov 29, 2016

Craig and John look at how writers, and screenwriters in particular, impact the way people think about things in the real world. From crime scenes to courtrooms to CPR, we simplify things for storytelling and leave audiences with skewed expectations.

In follow up, Craig invited Final Draft into his life (and office),...


Nov 22, 2016

Writer-director Chris Sparling joins John and Craig to discuss his new film Mercy, and what it’s like to make a movie for Netflix. Then it’s another round of How Would This Be a Movie, with stories including ex-girlfriends, fake news, and permafrost ivory.

Plus we answer listener questions on cosplay, criticism...


Nov 15, 2016

In this very special episode from 2014, Craig and John welcome special guests Aline Brosh McKenna, Rachel Bloom, B.J. Novak, Jane Espenson and Derek Haas to talk about writing books, movies and especially television.

Aline and Rachel just finished shooting a pilot called Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. We discuss the genesis of...


Nov 7, 2016

John and Craig look at how movies and TV shape the English language, and how writers should think about their role in all of this. We also examine the uncomfortable overlap between rom-com characters and stalkers.

We are coming to you one day earlier than usual because Tuesday, as you may have heard, is an election in...


Nov 1, 2016

Craig and John listen to the winner of the Austin Film Festival’s pitch competition and discuss what makes it work so well – and why you would never give this form of a pitch in an actual meeting.

Then it’s another round of the Three Page Challenge, with three special guest readers, one of whom Craig likes far too...