The best screenwriting podcast in the biz!

Please reunite and interview the writers that replaced David Lynch for season 2 of Twin Peaks. We must know how it all went down.

So grateful John and Craig saved me all that money on film school!

The hosts of the show display a strong left-wing perspective, which reflects a broader trend in hollywood writing rooms and the overall industry. This approach may not align with everyone’s views and could be indicative of current challenges in hollywood’s diversity of thought and representation.

I can't understand John August’s voice. It's fast and has some kind of weird accent. Or maybe it's a lisp? Which is rough and I'm sorry if that's insulting but I cannot understand it. So if the content seems interesting I just go read the transcript and not even listen to the podcast.

John and Craig share very practical advice about screenwriting in such an entertaining way that even non-screenwriters (like me) can enjoy it. Thanks, gents!

The episode with Craig Mazin explaining his theory of how to write a movie + the ongoing coverage of the WGA strike = pure gold

Scriptnotes co-host John August invests in, has advised, and “hyped” a GPT-3 powered AI tech called Sudowrite, which is used to write fiction. The tech claims to generate early drafts. This is the kind of thing that could reduce a writers room of six or ten down to one or two. Meanwhile, powerful, established writers like him likely wouldn’t be effected. August didn’t just invest in the tech in 2021, he advised how to make it better.

Thanks for your hard work here and at the WGA; as a new writer (preWGA) I greatly appreciate.

I have been listening to this podcast off and on for 10 years. I was watching John August’s YouTube videos before the podcast. Where else are you going to learn the ins and outs of the industry from two titan screenwriters? They are generously giving their time to break down the industry and craft which has never been done publicly before. Thank you for the entertainment and insights for over a decade. And that should be enough, but they tackle the culture of the industry and the unsettling working conditions that have long been seen or rather not seen with great insight, making real change. You are both mensches, making this world a better place.

I love that the information presented is so easy to hear and understand. The lack of chit chat is appreciated! Super podcast for all writers.

This group delivers upper tier content, each episode. John’s staccato delivery takes a moment to adjust to… but he and Craig are an excellent team. Megana (spell) provides wonderful hero support… I’d enjoy hearing from her more often. A must-listen podcast.

There are a number of podcasts out there for writers, but this one is special. John and Craig have amazing podcasting chemistry that makes me feel like I’m listening to my friends talk about my favorite topic every week. Their knowledge and experience is unparalleled, and the way they present it is relatable and interesting. Megana is a great addition also. I have loved this podcast for ten years and hope it continues for many more.

Cannot tell you how much I appreciate the 3-page challenge feedback m. Thank you for all you do!

These non-entities think you care about their misguided political positions. Just talk about screenwriting, door knobs

Such an insightful podcast. Always learn something new. And the hosts are generous sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience. My favorite episodes are 20 questions with Craig and John. Please make this a recurring episode!

First off, the episode main character energy, they start off by convincing people not to use Spotify,You have to be very weak minded person to try and cancel someone IMO. Secondly, there have a super progressive approach to reviewing movies by dissecting everything about the movie that is not politically correct, even if it’s a pre-90s movie. You’re better off listening to another podcast to learn about screenwriting, and one that’ll give you more than 10 minutes of tips and skills like they do after rambling. Yours truly, a liberal that hates how “those people” are changing the movie/TV industry.

On screenwriting, this is an exceptional podcast, but when the conversation gets to politics, that’s when you lose me.

I’ve listen to several great screenwriting podcast. But listening to these guys like taking a masters class

If you are interested in screenwriting or just like movies, this is a must listen

This is the best podcast for screenwriting from people that do it very well! Super helpful & interesting!

I’ve learned a lot here. However, JOHN can you slow down , please? You’re mumbling and rapid speaking creates confusion and frustration. Thank you!

I’ve been listening to this podcast for about 5 years now and it continues to be consistently informative and enriching! John and Craig collaborate very well, it never feels like they are just rambling or talking to be heard— whatever is expressed feels worthwhile. It’s wonderful how they combine the craft elements of writing with the business. I’m also a fan of how accessible they are as human beings. They are both accomplished and seasoned writers, yet they continue to join the listener on the path to learning. They don’t shy away from sharing about their own trials and errors. Most of all, they are truly advocates for the writer. They care about those breaking in and the journey that follows. There are a lot of screenwriting podcasts out there, but this is the only one that I personally feel regards the writers journey with earnest and empathy.

Great podcast, it’s basically a free education. Both have great insights into almost every aspect of the business.

I just subscribed to premium and am LOVING THIS SHOW!!! John and Craig have a ton of wisdom to share. Episode 403 is a game changer. Get over politics, I’m a conservative and it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. There is WAYYY too much screenwriting genius here to make a fuss over the occasional jab at Trump -- get over yourselves.

Love you guys

I listened to this show for years before I got interested in screenwriting because the segments helped with the other type of writing I was doing. Also, maybe their editor is a genius, but I had never heard an unscripted show flow so well, so it is so easy to get into.

If you want to write features for Hollywood, then you need to be listening to this. It really is that simple. You will learn. You will laugh. I guess if you want neither of those in your life, then move along. But if you want to be a better screenwriter, you should subscribe and listen to John and Craig. And their guests. Then start plowing through the back catalog of episodes. So much info in them!

Even though I have no hope of ever having any success as a screenwriter in spite of squandering my entire life pursuing it, I still enjoy listening to this show while I kill time waiting to die.

The hosts are like your unlikable professor who imparted wisdom nevertheless. Craig, in particular, is abrasive and condescending. The newer episodes focus a lot on “Guild Stuff” than the craft but, again, there’s a lesson in there if you’re listening. Can’t teach someone as old as these fellas to be pleasant so just take the good with the bad and let their knowledge improve you. Like it or not, they are successful and have something to say.

Just listen to Episode 179. It’s the single most valuable lesson for a screenwriter. Period. I enjoy listening to these two smart, kind people talk even when they are mostly bs-ing in so many episodes. But every once in a while they hit on a valuable topic and break it down with such supreme insight that I feel that I’ve stumbled on a lost treasure chest. Thank you for The Conflict Episode guys.

I was, but it was a righteous command.

Started listening before I began film school. Some episodes were really, really helpful. But as of late, the show has gone way downhill. The topics aren’t reached until the midpoint, at the earliest and even then, it’s discussed for less than 10 minutes or so. Too much time talking about negotiating and guild stuff. Not as helpful for non-union or professional writers anymore.

The host, John and Craig, are pros in the industry and offer their unique insights into the business and craft of screenwriting. I have never paid for a premium content before for s podcast but I signed up for this one.

I really love the segments where they actually talk about the "craft" of screenwriting. Unfortunately, a lot of the good stuff is buried under chatter about life in Los Angeles, WGA union bylaws, ... and politics. Oh so much politics. And the hosts aren't shy about sharing their opinions about everything. PLEASE, GUYS! More about screenwriting, and less of the other stuff!

Love this show, to the point I pay for the premium access, and I’m not one to regularly do that. Would recommend to any screen writer willing to take their work/hobby seriously.

John and Craig give me hope for the entertainment industry. Love them. Excellent advice. Funny as hell.

Please show down I want to hear what you have to say

Thank you for these informative and sharing eps. Really appreciate the wisdom and practical teaching here.

Man why do they talk so fast

Love the podcast but what’s the constant tapping sound?

Love this informative podcast. John, can you please speak slower? You have so much to say I want to hear, but you speak so fast and often slur your words. Thanks!

My hour-plus with John and Craig is one of the best parts of my week. I love this show and all the great resources it offers for screenwriters.

These guys have a broad audience, from pros to people who just like to write for fun. I know they have to cover ground for everyone but lately, the show isn't as much about craft. There are a lot of interviews and live shows and talk about money and guilds and lifestyle stuff. All that is important for some people but I just want to be a better writer. I still like the show but I skip ahead a lot.

I'm in a yearlong comedy-focused film school at the moment and I expect my cohortmates have a bingo game about me that has "Scriptnotes", "John August" and "Craig Mazin" as squares. I reference Scriptnotes constantly. It's unbeatable for its thoughtful, potent, realistic advice from two super-smart guys (and their guests!) who truly want to help new talent earn a way in. Thank you for making this, John & Craig!

I not only love this podcast, I actually talk about it often. Usually to other people.

I happily followed John August’s website for years for top notch screenwriting advice. And one day he physically streamlined his website (no shade just facts), which led to a head-on collision with the archives of this BRILLIANT podcast! And I’ve never looked back! As someone who’s paid for screenwriting classes over years, I can say firsthand that this is all you need! Seriously. And that’s why it’s my fav podcast hands down. It’s easy to listen to while you’re doing chores or driving or doing anything you dislike bc it’s always entertaining and keeps you engaged and happy and if you have a soul, inspired. I have even gotten an insane amount of writer & creative friends I know to also start listening to this weekly, just by recommending ONE episode. And I say that ONLU bc it proves that it’s a legit info-palooza so good that once you start you likely won’t wanna stop listening. It also gives you up to the minute advice for an ever changing industry. John & Craig are so different they genuinely balance each other out in a very Oscar & Felix way, lol. Even the bulk of their individual career experiences for the most part cover different sides of the screenwriting industry. Their connections also bring AMAZING guests, and super thoughtful, inclusive conversations about writing and the entertainment industry at large. This includes a bunch of topic specific live shows that address larger ideas about writing and being a writer. Everything from how to write responsibly about mental health, to what networks & creative execs should consider to make the most out of working with writers. And say like with your kids that you prefer one more than the others even though you’ll never admit it, lol, they have a number of shows where it’s sometimes just one of them (bc of scheduling). Though I will say in all honesty that they are at their best when they’re one-on-one with each other. They also balance each other out when it comes to interviewing guests. Plus their convos with guests are so natural that it feels like they’re letting you hanging out with them, instead of lecturing to you. Plus Scriptnotes has a very interactive online community if being engaged & trying to be a working writer is your thing! Basically I feel like there is something for every writer & creative somewhere in the world that Craig & John have created. I hope you enjoy it!

Although I have never gotten to an executed contract, I hope to some day. Excellent information and attention to details. A must listen to podcast for writers of every platform.

Zzzzzzzzzz...

“...it’s your BDSM superstore...”. Hilarious!