Whatever happened to bit parts — the roles in which a character shows up only for one memorable scene? John and Craig discuss why these roles seem to have vanished, particularly in live action, and make a case for bringing them back.

They also cover listener questions, such as when to name your minor character, how to pitch with talent in the room, and what to do when you find out someone has already made your movie… and maybe done it better.

In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, we analyze the current political landscape but with a narrative spin. As midterms come to an end, it seems we're in for a very different storyline this season. John and Craig make predictions for what's to come.

Links:

• Bit Part Video by Shane Anderson
• My Short Film Flopped So Yours Won't Have To by Drew Marquardt

Download the episode here!

Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters.

Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our coordinator is Lauren Loesberg.

Outro by Brian Keffer (send us yours!)

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

John welcomes Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs to talk about the emotional and logistical process of closing out their five-season series, Hacks.

Paul and Lucia also step up as guest readers for the Three Page Challenge, a segment where we look at the first three pages of a listener-submitted script and give honest feedback.

In our bonus segment for premium subscribers, John, Lucia and Paul talk about cameos. How do they happen? What's the real deal behind the scenes?

Scripts:

• Dying to Love You
• You're Dead to Me
• Monster Law

Links:

• You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall
• State and Local Election Alliance
• @luciaaniellosetfits
• @paulwdowns
• Cherlato Gelato

Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters.

Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our Coordinator is Lauren Loesberg.
Outro by Nick Moore (send us yours!).

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

How do you answer the question, "What is your project about?"

Recorded live at the Austin Film Festival, John is joined by Scriptnotes all-stars Pamela Ribon and Phil Hay to talk about loglines, framing, and communicating the deeper message behind your project.

They also discuss working outside of the traditional studio system, including ways to find money for your film. Plus, we play a game with the audience.

Links:

• One Act Film
• WhatCable
• Paradiso App

Download the episode here!

Get your copy of The Scriptnotes Book and become a Scriptnotes Premium member today! For more content on the craft of writing check out Inneresting our weekly-ish newsletter about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters.

Scriptnotes is produced by Meredith Stedman and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Our coordinator is Lauren Loesberg.

Intro & Outro by Matthew Chilelli (send us yours!)

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com