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.

First episode I had to skip. Could not listen to the phlegm rattling around in Noah’s throat.

Otherwise, great podcast.

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!

I just discovered Scriptnotes and have been barreling through the backlog ever since. They have such useful knowledge and make me think about things in a completely different way. I can only imagine how many writers out there have dramitcally improved their skills based off the things they've heard from John and Craig.

Thanks so much for creating such a invaluable learning space or your community!

What angels these men are to provide us with free lectures on screenwriting and the industry once a week. And it’s fascinating to me that they weren’t best friends before they started doing this podcast together. They’re the perfect complement to each other. The bombastic umbrage of Craig. The even-handed objectivity of John. Thanks for doing this, guys!

John and Craig are always empathetic, insightful and engaging. It’s a great podcast for anyone with creative passions.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BY FAR the best screenwriting podcast. Everything else is average. This one is fantastic

This podcast is fantastic - so fantastic I had to buy all the past episodes. Insightful. Funny. Honest.

I’d recommend this to anyone interested in movies - not just screenwriters... But especially helpful for people interested in screenwriting and developing a career in screenwriting.

For the writers reading this, subscribe to the podcast and please don’t focus on my bad grammar.

Every episode, at least one time during the recording, my eyes widen and I furiously grab for my notebook to make notes. Thank you for such an education podcast that is fun to listen to!

Wonderful talented writers breaking it down for you in an entertaining and informative way. Their guests are some of the most prominent people in the business. You will laugh. You probably won’t cry.

Apparently those who can, teach.

There are a ton of blogs, books, and podcasts out there about screenwriting, but John August really approaches the topic with authority. I feel like he's being honest about the industry rather than saying what aspiring writers want to hear just to sell a class or book. I wish there was more consistency to episode length - there's a lot of good content but it's hard to carve out time in my day to listen when I don't know if it'll be 40 minutes or close to 2 hours.

I’ve listened to a bunch of screenwriting podcasts over the last year and this is the only one I still listen to weekly. The advice is straightforward and the discussion is always relevant. Keep up the great work guys!

Just listening to one episode I’m completely rethinking how I’ve been approaching my current script. Great content.

These fellas are two smart, accomplished screenwriters who just get to the crux of the matter all the time. They know whereof they speak and we are richer for it.

1) By now they're not really in need of another positive review but they're getting it anyways. For the dreamers this podcast is indispensable. If you're anything like me you don't really have friends you can talk to about screenwriting and these podcast feels like you're sitting around with some buddies. And it's good for your psyche to feel like you’re in the circle. 2) There is no book on screenwritting that can take the place of this podcast. And the people they have on thier show are incredible. John and Craig could charge you your first born and it would be a steal! But that's the best part - it's free!

If you’re an active screenwriter, an aspiring screenwriter, a storyteller, a director, an editor, a copywriter, a freelance anything, and/or just a fan of movies/filmmaking/story, stop reading this and start listening to Scriptnotes.

Oh. You’re still here. Why are you still reading this? Are you digging for a little more info before you commit to listening to an ad-free podcast?

OK. Here’s the deal.

When I look back on my life at this point, I see squandered opportunity after squandered opportunity with regards to screenwriting. I had people going out of their way to help me, nurture me, guide me… and I blew it. And along the way, I blew through tons of money and, most importantly, TIME. I can only wonder what it would be like if everything I’ve learned from John & Craig over the past five years of listening I knew about 10-12 years ago. If so, I wouldn’t have made every single awful decision I made at that time. And the mistakes you make early… they can cripple and derail you for life.

So, if you really want to give your dreams their best chance of success (or just be a smarter about film, story, and life), don’t repeat my mistakes. And if you really listen and pay attention to John & Craig (and their guests), you won’t.

So, again, please, stop reading… and start listening to Scriptnotes.

I’m a long time Scriptnotes listener who recently branched out to other screenwriting podcasts. John and Craig are easily lapping every single screenwriting podcast out there, except for one.

In a world filled with podcasts hosts of questionable creative authority and intentions, Scriptnotes is as authentic and as valuable as it gets.

I've been listening to this poscast for years. It's probably the best podcast about working in the film business out there. I recommend it to everyone I know who wants to pursue working in entertainment.

I listen to them alllll the time while driving, and not only do they provide great insight into the life of a screenwriter, they’re genuinely fun to listen to. Also Craig loves ventriloquism.

Craig and John are really great and awesome!! I got a chance to see them live and they did not disappoint, if you are a screenwriter or really just like movies, you should absolutely listen. Would recommend this podcast to everyone