Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Nov 30, 2021

John and Craig celebrate the holidays by releasing a special premium episode on the 1988 Christmas classic: DIE HARD.

Die Hard created a new template for action movies, heroes, and villains, establishing tropes still seen in theaters. They discuss both structure and story to examine what screenwriters can take away from...


Nov 23, 2021

John invites some favorite guests on to answer a single question about their current projects. Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay explain how they moved the second season of The Mysterious Benedict Society from Canada to California. Aline Brosh McKenna talks about the challenges of directing a feature versus running a TV...


Nov 16, 2021

John and Craig invite investigative reporter Zeke Faux (Bloomberg) for a new round of How Would This Be A Movie. They cover stories ranging from the secret history of sushi to fake Scottish rappers. Zeke shares what it’s like to option an article to Hollywood and tricks for getting noticed by producers.

In follow-up,...


Nov 9, 2021

John and Craig coach writers through the final laps of a screenplay. They revisit conversations on how to plan for a successful conclusion, navigate the second half of Act Two (joined by Aline!), and cross the finish line with the perfect final moment.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Megana talk about...


Nov 2, 2021

John and Craig offer guidance on how to navigate an industry built on embellishment, vamping, and saving face. Did you really love that movie? Have you even started that rewrite? In many cases, the truth matters less than your confident delivery.

We also answer listener questions on story consultants, how to describe a...