Podcast · Film & TV

Scriptnotes Podcast

by John August and Craig Mazin · English · Film & TV

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.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr
Latest: 6 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 28 minNew

755 - Directing Your Writing

What changes when you take off your writer hat and put on your director hat? In this compendium episode, John, Craig, and Scriptnotes coordinator Lauren Loesberg review directing advice previously given on the podcast. John and Craig offer Lauren pointers on directing her next project. They also answer a listener question about directing actors "on the page." In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, we discuss film festivals. Why would writers go? And what can you expect to get out of the experience? Links: Three Page Challenge Fruit Fly by Josh Silver Mailbox Toluca Lake Forgotten…

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Earlier episodes 19 most recent

S16 · E754 · 29 Sep 2026 · 54 min

754 - East of Eden with Zoe Kazan

John welcomes writer and actress Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks, The Big Sick, She Said) to talk about her sweeping and thorough reimagining of East of Eden, releasing on Netflix on October 1st. They discuss her approach to period piece dialogue, the process of adapting such an expansive novel, and the family history behind this particular project. Rich with biblical parallels, East of Eden is a perfect story for a discussion of archetypes. John invites Zoe to pull cards from the upcoming Character Creator Kit in a conversation about the iconic East of Eden antagonist, Cathy. In our bonus segment…
S16 · E753 · 22 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 7 min

753 - The One with Aaron Sorkin

Today, we welcome longtime fantasy guest, Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The West Wing, The Social Network) to talk through his writing process and tease his upcoming film, The Social Reckoning. Does Aaron Sorkin use outlines? Where does he begin? And does he have any more ideas? All these questions and more will be answered. John also presents a couple of Sorkin's own scenes as a case study on writing conflict. In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, we discuss Sorkin's projects that never got produced. Now you see it… now you don't. Links: The West Wing – Donna & Josh Conversation The…
S16 · E752 · 15 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

752 - General Meetings

Think of this as a crash course in general meetings. In this compendium, John, Craig and Scriptnotes intern, Lauren, mine previous episodes for advice on the bewildering "general." They aim to answer every question you've had about general meetings, over the years: What are they? What's discussed? And how do you get one? In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John and Craig swap stories about their best, worst, and first general meetings. 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…
S16 · E751 · 8 Sep 2026 · 1 hr

751 - Assembling a Career with Erin Gibson

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…
S15 · E750 · 1 Sep 2026 · 45 min

750 - Quinceañera

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…
S15 · E749 · 25 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 4 min

749 - Famous People with Taffy Brodesser-Akner

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…
S15 · E748 · 18 Aug 2026 · 1 hr

748 - One Room Movies

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…
S15 · E747 · 11 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 16 min

747 - Wrapping It Up with Hacks

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…
S15 · E746 · 4 Aug 2026 · 58 min

746 - How Would This Be a Crime?

In today's edition of "How Would This Be a Movie?" John and Craig convert felonies into films. Together, they take a few crime-related news stories and decide how they might be adapted for the screen. They also discuss paracosms and the importance of daydreaming for budding screenwriters. In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John and Craig discuss prediction markets. Bet you can guess how that goes. Episode Links: Paracosm Jerome Singer's research on Daydreaming Bob Ross Freud's 1908 essay " Creative Writers and Day-Dreaming " Michele Root-Bernstein's study on childhood worldplay…
S15 · E745 · 28 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

745 - Road Trip

Buckle up! John and Craig discuss the elements that make up a classic road movie. They cover the quintessential scenes, common pitfalls, and the economic quandaries you'll find in the genre. They also answer listener questions about editing novels (versus screenplays) and the aesthetics of outlines and breakdowns. In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John and Craig talk about their own memorable road trips. Links: Wolf's Belly Bronson Watermarker Pro Carl Rinsch Kathy Bates Scene from Rat Race John's Wondery Podcast, " Launch " It's 10pm Do You Know Where Your Children Are? Prop…
S15 · E744 · 21 Jul 2026 · 56 min

744 - The Invite with Rashida Jones and Will McCormack

John and Craig invite over Rashida Jones and Will McCormack to chat about their new film The Invite, out in theaters now. Rashida and Will divulge the origin story and dynamics of their own writing partnership, as well as discuss the process of adapting an adaptation and writing to the truth of relationships. In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, the four swap stories about saying goodbye to creative projects that never came to pass. Links: The People Upstairs (Sentimental) by Cesc Gay (Original Spanish version) Esther Perel Report from Out Making Games Simpsley The Friday Afternoon…
S15 · E676 · 14 Jul 2026 · 50 min

676 - Writing while the World is on Fire (Encore)

How do you keep doing creative work when the world is falling apart around you? To sift through the despair and doubt, John welcomes back legendary Scriptnotes guest, writer-turned-psychotherapist Dennis Palumbo. They discuss the many feelings that catastrophic events can bring up in artists, the personal narratives that often inform those feelings, and how to keep moving forward when you feel like the band on the Titanic. We also follow up on AI, and answer listener questions on competing with brain trusts and how to support a friend embroiled in controversy. In our bonus segment for…
S15 · E743 · 7 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 9 min

743 - Thinking on Your Feet with Ryan Condal

John and Craig sit down with Ryan Condal, showrunner of House of the Dragon , just as its third season airs. They dive into Ryan's late start in Hollywood, spec scripts, the anatomy of a writers room, and thinking as a product of movement. They also answer a listener question about the mechanics of writing a sequel. In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John, Craig and Ryan discuss perhaps the most popular fictional creatures ever: dragons! Links: I Solved My Mystery Fatigue with AI by Amy Deng Myst by Cyan, Rand Miller & Robyn Miller Dimhaven by Zadbox Entertainment NordVPN yU+co –…
S15 · E742 · 30 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 6 min

742 - Obsession with Curry Barker

John and Craig welcome Curry Barker, the writer-director behind this summer's surprise blockbuster, Obsession. It's a rom-com, a horror film and a great example of trusting your audience. We discuss Curry's roots, his writing process, learning from YouTube, as well as the pressure to follow up a hit. In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John and Craig pose the #1 most important question for all filmmakers to consider: What will the popcorn bucket be? Links: Aaron Sorkin Masterclass The Chair by Curry Barker Milk & Serial by Curry Barker Humans Veer Left by Rachel Nuwer (NY Times)…
S15 · E741 · 23 Jun 2026 · 49 min

741 – Craig Takes Questions

This week, Craig answers listener questions about rewriting on set, AI coverage, when and how to kill off characters, sizing up producers, and more. There's also an extra-special guest appearance for this week's One Cool Thing. In the bonus segment for premium subscribers, Craig discusses how to be wrong—something he feels he knows all too well. Links: "Widow's Bay" Games: Daddy's Home & Teeth "L.A. Law" Elevator Scene Ed Wood (1994) Get your copy of the Scriptnotes book! Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Become a Scriptnotes Premium member , or gift a…
S15 · E740 · 16 Jun 2026 · 59 min

740 - On Competence

Why is it so satisfying to watch a highly-skilled character complete their goals? And why can it be equally hilarious to watch an incompetent character bumble through a slew of screw-ups? In this episode, John and Craig discuss how to play with competence in your characters. We also say goodbye to our producer Drew Marquardt with a thoroughly embarrassing exit interview, and reveal our new producer. However, it's not really goodbye, because Drew will be staying on to work with John on an upcoming project (TBA). In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Craig deliberate on the…
S15 · E739 · 9 Jun 2026 · 57 min

739 - The One with David E. Kelley

John and Craig welcome writer and showrunner David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, Ally McBeal) to look at his process for adapting books to TV, particularly with his latest series Margo's Got Money Troubles. They explore where to find your act breaks, crafting complicated tones, and when to trust the writer of the book. We also look at how TV has changed over David's storied career, how he runs a writers room, creating story engines, the difference between writing for broadcast TV and streaming, and the one thing a TV show should never be. In our bonus segment for premium members, David coaches…
S15 · E738 · 2 Jun 2026 · 58 min

738 - Building Your Audience with Courtney Kemp

John welcomes writer and showrunner Courtney Kemp (Power, Nemesis) to ask, how do you find an audience and build momentum on television? They look at how writers can match their voice to an underserved audience, the pitfalls of being boxed in by a niche, and what new writers can do to get people excited about their work. We also chart how Courtney built her career from magazine writer to creating the television franchise Power, look at the exciting success of Obsession and Backrooms, and answer listener questions on talking to your reps about financial struggles, and how to find your…
S15 · E737 · 26 May 2026 · 1 hr

737 - Studio-Adjacent

John welcomes back Phil Hay (Destroyer, The Invitation) to ask, how do you get a movie made with independent financing? They look at how indie movies get made, where you get the money, deciding when to go indie, and whether streamers complicate the picture. We also follow up on testing movies with focus groups and answer listener questions on how to navigate the editing room, daily routines, and what to do when your story has too many themes. In our bonus segment for premium members, we look back on what Phil learned about D&D from his documentary The Dungeon Masters. Links: Phil Hay…

About Scriptnotes Podcast

Scriptnotes Podcast is a English film & tv podcast from John August and Craig Mazin. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: John August and Craig Mazin
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr
Latest episode: 6 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id462495496

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