John and Craig talk to an audience of development executives about the experience of getting notes as a writer. They cover the do’s and don’ts of giving notes, ways to motivate writers towards a creative vision, and why these conversations kick in a writer’s fight or flight response.

We take questions from the audience and discuss ‘the bad pitch,’ likable characters, and how to stay friends with a writer after a breakup.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John offers his notes on Drew’s film school thesis as they discuss getting your first movie made.

Links:

• Episode 399, Notes on Notes
• Episode 99, Psychotheraphy for Screenwriters
• Episode 394, Broken but Sympathetic with Mari Heller
• Scriptnotes Listeners’ Guide
• Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt!
• Check out the Inneresting Newsletter
• Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription or treat yourself to a premium subscription!
• Craig Mazin on Instagram
• John August on Twitter
• John on Instagram
• John on Mastodon
• Outro by Mackey Landry (send us yours!)
• Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt (this episode was originally produced by Megana Rao), and edited by Matthew Chilelli.

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.