2025-11-08
Engaging and informative
One of my four must-listen-weekly shows
Updating
+6
#90 in Top Podcasts > TV & Film
Description
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.
Apple Podcasts: Customer Reviews
2024-08-08
Great learning
As an aspiring screenwriter this is a must listen. So informative and entertaining
2022-04-30
A must-listen for all aspiring (or experienced) screenwriters
John and Craig are outstanding hosts, teachers and storytelling ambassadors. The topics are always compelling, relevant and accessible. Highly recommended for anyone working - or aspiring to work - as a screenwriter.
2020-10-12
Such a great podcast.
Fascinating, informative and inspiring. Sets a high standard for all other podcasts to aim for.
2020-07-17
I really tried
1. The discussions on craft are too short. Expected more from these two experienced writers.
2. The structure of the show is frustrating. You have to listen to listeners’ letters before you get to the topic of the episode.
3. Too much politics. Leave it out, guys.
2018-05-18
Fascinating, Informative & Inspiring
Scriptnotes is an education for anybody interested in writing and things interesting to writers. But it is also compelling for its insight into modern Movie, TV and streaming show creation. Plus listener questions are answered regularly. I never miss a new episode
2017-10-20
Engaging podcast
Inspiring advise from talented people. I tune in when I need motivation or when I'm stuck in a rut! It keeps my dream alive.
2017-10-13
And things that are interesting to not-screenwriters
Im not a writer and I still love this podcast- it's fabulously interesting and insightful.
Thanks John and Craig for all the insider movie production/creative chat without any hint of icky Hollywood gossip. Love your work.
2017-04-14
Go lads
Love your work Craig and John.
2016-10-05
Best screenwriting podcast
Perfect podcast for up and coming screenwriters, with a mix of superior craft advice and behind the scenes industry insight. They're both great hosts with a wealth of writerly wisdom! Craig plays the witty, sometimes-cynical bad cop to 'segue' John's optimistic good cop. THANKS so much guys all the way from Australia (Austraya) !!!
2016-08-06
Best source of information for screenwriters
Despite the focus on Hollywood, for an Australian screenwriter, this is the best podcast on the business of screenwriting. You won't find better characters than John and Craig. Conflict abounds, the same as in any great screenplay.
2016-07-14
Always informative and fun
Love this podcast. Always learn something which I try to use in my writing. Thanks John and Craig.
2016-05-11
Great tips
Awesome podcast for movie nards!
2016-04-16
Great and entertaining podcast
I'm not in the industry (I'm a programmer by trade) but I love this podcast. I like knowing how the sausage is made and it helps me appreciate good writing when I see it.
2016-03-07
Love it!
Fun, enlightening and clever chatter from a couple of Hollywood pros. Love how candid John and Craig are and how generous they are with industry insights.
2016-03-01
Amazing resource for writers
An amazing resource for scriptwriters. Educational, insightful and entertaining. Listening to this podcast is like getting personally mentored by 2 incredibly generous masters of their craft.
2016-02-01
My Screenwriting Lifeline!
I'm working on a sci fi feature screenplay for my final project at university, and listening to John and Craig share everything they know about the craft has been my absolute favourite resource. Their topics of discussion and guests are always so fascinating, and after every episode I feel a little more pushed to make my own script the best it can be! Thank you guys, love love love your show! :)
2016-01-26
It’s about screenwriters
What I love about John and Craig - more so than most other screenwriting podcasts - is that here are two professionals at the top of their game committing to helping others up. How? By trying to show us how to be great people before being great screenwriters.
2015-11-01
Best screenwriting podcast I’ve heard
Highly recommended download, give it a shot.
If only more screenwriters heard this!
I’ve learnt more about screenwriting on these podcasts than I’ve learnt at my years at university.
2015-06-18
It is indeed a podcast
This is a podcast. It adheres to the podcast format and has no visuals. Both John August and Craig Mazin talk and use audio to get information across. Both interact with audience through other social media platforms. Has a general theme similar to most podcasts.
Joking aside, this is one of the best podcasts out there for screenwriting.
2015-04-18
This podcast helped me to land a job
I have recommended this podcast to so many people taking those early steps in screenwriting. Not only is it full of hints and tips about the craft of screenwriting, but Craig and John also share many valuable insights into the world of filmmaking from the perspective of the screenwriter. As a relatively inexperienced screenwriter, these insights helped me recently to navigate some opportunities with professionalism and impress a director enough to land a junior role in script development on a feature film. Thanks guys. You helped someone on the other side of the planet to crack the industry.
2015-04-08
One of the best resources for filmmakers on the net.
John and Craig are a delight to listen to, it helps that they’re also very insightful.
2015-02-24
Great insights
Great insider knowledge and down to earth realistic advice for screenwriters. They speak from a place of experience and expertise, they are true working professional writers.
2015-01-16
Film School for your Ears
Informative and fun, John and Craig give real insight from their industry experiences and never fail to bring new topics to the table. A must for any would-be screenwriter or storyteller.
2015-01-14
Inspiring and Informative with a Dash of Umbrage
Scriptnotes is the best screenwriting podcast I've discovered. It's the one podcast I make sure I listen to every week. John & Craig both share excellent advice, experience and knowledge of the craft. They are an invaluable asset for any screenwriter and for anyone interested in the film industry. Plus Craig's umbrage is always appreciated - it's well thought out and intelligent.
Thank you for such a great podcast and education in screenwriting.
2015-01-11
Excellent
Great screenwriting podcast
2014-12-16
Too Good
John and Craig nail it week after week. The three page challenge is fantastic, but their weekly advice is priceless.
2014-07-27
addicted
my daily dose. my happy moment. my metaphorical beard-stroke. my comfort zone and thought provocation, my personal legitimization and common air of frustration. this podcast has become many wonderful things for me. and i am so so grateful.
2013-11-18
Great screenwriting material
Thanks John and Craig for putting this on every week. Excellent material for a newbie. Part craft, part biz always entertaining.
2013-11-07
Brilliant podcast
These guys and this podcast have made me stop dreaming of being a screenwriter and start actually writing.
2013-09-17
Awesomeness
Love the podcast boys. All the way from New Zealand, you guys are awesome ! Thanks for making a product that rocks! Love your work.
2013-09-06
Knowledge on weekly bases
I listen to this podcast since the beginning and think it's more than a simple podcast. You learn so much about screenwriting and about life itself. Not to mention that Craig's umbrage attacks are my clear favourite. Keep up the good work guys.
2013-05-23
A Happy Pill
Funny, interesting and all that jazz. This podcast happies me.
2013-05-10
Scriptnotes: The Odd Couple Reinvented
A tasteful reworking of the classic odd couple plot: a neat, fastidious screenwriter (played by the self-confessed "good boy" John August) teams up with a homeless wordsmith (played by tough New Yorker Craig Mazin - at least I think he's homeless - in any event the soundtrack is "Greyhound bus station"). Join them as they navigate the real world of working Hollywood screenwriters. Pleasantly restrained use of air ducts, bathroom mirrors and "2-months earlier" flashbacks. Caution: Rated U for frequent umbrage.
2013-04-27
A healthy realism
I listen to a few different podcasts, including several other screenwriting podcasts (because I do a lot of chores), but I get the most out of this one. Partly, it's because John and Craig are in about the best position to give advice - very successful screenwriters, but not Aaron Sorkin/Charlie Kauffman-esque screenwriting singularities. Mostly, it's because they work like a pair of encouraging fathers, encouraging high ambition, high realism and high caution together. 'Why are you working on a screenplay if you don't want to be a professional screenwriter? Come on!' Plenty of genuine concern for the industry, for screenwriters in particular, and for vulnerable screenwriters most of all. Thanks so much!
2013-04-26
Always entertaining
The best podcast currently on iTunes. As a new writer breaking into the business, it covers subjects not just about the art of writing, but all facets of the writing industry.
Simply awesome.
2013-02-20
INT. WRITER'S HOME OFFICE
A WRITER, dishevelled and bleary eyed, smiles and puts down his iPhone. On the screen is:
SCRTIPTNOTES
He removes his earbuds, placing them carefully on the desk. Staring intently at a new blank window on his computer screen, he begins to type furiously.
2012-11-09
Best. Podcast. Ever!
Craig and John are both awesome, and this podcast is great! It's so wonderful to have access to advice on screenwriting and the industry as a whole from people who ACTUALLY work in the industry, and have made films you've heard of. Cannot recommend it enough for anyone interested in screenwriting. I feel so much more prepared and informed, and after listening to this podcast (still listening) it actually seems possible to write a screenplay and possibly even one that's not a gigantic piece of c**p! If you ever read this Craig and John, thank you so much for taking the time to do this wonderful podcast!
2012-09-26
Very informative
Great insight into the work and interests of working Hollywood screenwriters. Very informative on the craft as well as the industry. Plus bonus 'cool things' each week.
Often very hilarious and very off topic.
2011-12-22
Fantastic podcast!
Each podcast John August and Craig Mazin answer questions from screenwriters on a whole range of topics. I've probably learnt more about the screenwriting industry from these podcasts than from all of the books I've read on the subject.
Keep them coming!