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 readers 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

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

Genres: Writing

352 pages, Hardcover

First published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not done with this book yet and if my opinion changes I’ll update my rating (doubtful). But so far, this book is the best one I’ve read about screenwriting. I have read maybe a dozen books on the subject, listened to four or five other podcasts (none can hold a candle to scriptnotes) and I studied screenwriting heavily in college. I’ve had several screenwriting coaches and now I’m producing my first film. I’ve waded through the fear mongering and control that most amateur writers play in daily and can tell you to stop listening to others who are trying to make it and only listen to those who have done it. This book is a warm cup of tea on a dark night, encouraging you to feel safe to learn and be yourself as a writer.

[Charlie Herndon]

Sam Esmail edited porn for a living in the San Fernando Valley before his big break. Lulu Wang got fired from being a PA off Pineapple Express. Justin Simien had to crowdfund the entire beginning of his career because nobody wanted to fund a “talk-y” movie. Lorene Scafaria says to write a spec first instead of pitching your idea.Greta Gerwig got the idea for Little Women when moving out of her apartment, and finding a copy of the book in storage.

Mike Schur quit SNL, studied metaphysics and philosophy to write The Good Place, an idea that sprung solely from the interest of exploring what’s “good” and what’s “bad”. Rian Johnson says to just pick up a camera, and practice shooting and editing. Harmony Korine says so too, even though he’s definitely not featured in this book.

There are also screenwriters in this book who have careers impossible to emulate at this point in the history of the industry: Christopher Nolan, Lawrence Kasdan, Eric Roth, David Koepp, and Christopher McQuarrie.

But across the board, whether a modern or screenwriter of yore, all of them say something to the effect of — just do, make something, and focus on the making and doing.

At the end of the day, it’s not screenwriting books, or formulas that made the creative outputs of Hollywood interesting, it was well, creativity. It’s not algorithms, rules. This book knows very well that there are no rules, and starts off saying as much.

What makes movies interesting are constellations of really weird personalities, an unregulated, unfair industry, tons of collaboration, years of wild excess that now seems to be slipping away… and lots and lots of cocaine seems to have helped, though I’m sure they all take adderall now.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-ordered, not yet read. The Scriptnotes podcast, with THE keepers of the Script — Clarity John and Umbrage Craig hovering above my shoulders — is my constant companion on walks through Switzerland with my dog, Gandalf. Craig’s session, “How Craig Mazin Writes a Movie,” is teaching me to break my character’s soul, and I cannot wait to read this book threadbare.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! If you want to learn how to write, this is a good place to start!