Scriptnotes is a podcast about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters, hosted by John August and Craig Mazin. It is one of the most popular podcasts on iTunes, and is approaching its 250th episode.[1][2]
Recurring Segments
Three-page challenge
Aspiring screenwriters are encouraged to send in three pages of their screenplay (almost always the first three) to be critiqued. The scripts vary widely in tone, style and genre. Links to the chosen screenplays for any given show (typically three are tackled in sequence) in the show notes so listeners can read them and then listen to their comments. Those that have had their screenplays subjected to John and Craig's critical eyes have typically thanked them from the feedback, which has ranged from congratulatory to despairing. The three-page challenge is a particularly useful segment for screenwriters as it provides sharp insights into unproduced screenplays, lessons easily applied to your own project.
One Cool Thing
One Cool Thing is a weekly segment that occurs at the end of each episode. John, Craig, and their guests will each give a plug to someone or something they deem cool. The cool things vary greatly. The segment dates back to May 2012, when John officially started it at the end of episode 35.[3] Since then he has been a faithful participant. Craig's participation was suspect for a time, most notably during a six-week stretch that began in August 2012, but since then he has overcome his umbrage-tinted glasses and regularly found something in the world worth praising every week.
Three Page Challenge
During the Three Page Challenge, John and Craig provide constructive criticism on listener-submitted writing. Brave listeners submit three pages (typically the first three) of their screenplay or teleplay and Stuart selects a few for John and Craig to analyze in each segment. Copies of the pertinent submissions are available on each episode's page so listeners can follow along at home. After a brief summary of the pages John and Craig deliver their honest critiques on the writing. The criticism is never sugar coated, but likewise it is never mean spirited. The segment was first announced with a call for submissions in episode 45[4] and the first critiques debuted the next week in episode 46.[5]