Scriptnotes

A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters

By: John August, Craig Mazin

The 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 listeners 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 on:

• The Basics—including the rules of screenwriting, and when to break them
• The Craft—including how to create a compelling story with captivating protagonists, worthy antagonists, and a sound structure
• The 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.

©2025 John August and Craig Mazin (P)2025 Random House Audio