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Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters
Not yet published
Expected 2 Dec 25The ultimate guide to writing a great screenplay and building a screenwriting career—from the creators of the "highly influential" (Vulture) hit podcast Scriptnotes
With decades of Hollywood experience, John August and Craig Mazin know what it takes to write a successful script for the screen. And over the past ten years, they've analyzed generation-defining movies and shared their wisdom on their popular podcast Scriptnotes, inviting experts in the craft, including Mike Schur, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Seth Rogen, and many others to discuss everything that makes a script shine.
Now, in their first book, August and Mazin draw on more than 550 hours of Scriptnotes conversations, as well as their own storied careers, to help readers begin, refine, and sell their own scripts. Part writing class, part informational interview with the best creators in the business, this essential book shares tips
The Basics—including the rules of screenwriting, and when to break themThe Craft—including how to create a compelling story with captivating protagonists, worthy antagonists, and a sound structureThe Business—including how to pitch a script and the do's (and don’ts) of working collaboratively on a project
Perfect for screenwriters, film buffs, and anyone who enjoys behind-the-scenes stories of popular movies like Die Hard and Clueless, this one-of-a-kind resource provides exclusive access to the screenwriting process—and will inspire anyone ready to pen their own successful screenplay.
With decades of Hollywood experience, John August and Craig Mazin know what it takes to write a successful script for the screen. And over the past ten years, they've analyzed generation-defining movies and shared their wisdom on their popular podcast Scriptnotes, inviting experts in the craft, including Mike Schur, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Seth Rogen, and many others to discuss everything that makes a script shine.
Now, in their first book, August and Mazin draw on more than 550 hours of Scriptnotes conversations, as well as their own storied careers, to help readers begin, refine, and sell their own scripts. Part writing class, part informational interview with the best creators in the business, this essential book shares tips
The Basics—including the rules of screenwriting, and when to break themThe Craft—including how to create a compelling story with captivating protagonists, worthy antagonists, and a sound structureThe Business—including how to pitch a script and the do's (and don’ts) of working collaboratively on a project
Perfect for screenwriters, film buffs, and anyone who enjoys behind-the-scenes stories of popular movies like Die Hard and Clueless, this one-of-a-kind resource provides exclusive access to the screenwriting process—and will inspire anyone ready to pen their own successful screenplay.
- GenresWriting
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2025
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 27, 2025
Pre-ordered, not yet read. The Scriptnotes podcast, with THE keepers of the Script — Clarity John and Umbrage Craig hovering above my shoulders — is my constant companion on walks through Switzerland with my dog, Gandalf. Craig’s session, “How Craig Mazin Writes a Movie,” is teaching me to break my character’s soul, and I cannot wait to read this book threadbare.
Displaying 1 of 1 review