John and Craig analyze what lessons writers can learn from acting techniques (such as staying present) and working with actors (like staying open).

We also discuss writer retirement, how Craig’s “central dramatic argument” applies to TV, and the skill of cutting a character to save a scene.

In our bonus segment for premium members, we discuss The Future and what we owe it.

Links:

• Writer Emergency Pack XL is funded! Support here on Kickstarter!
• Green Burial Council and Is California ready for ‘human composting’ as an alternative to casket burial, cremation? by Anabel Sosa for the LA Times
• John’s Blogpost on Fake Tears
• Scriptnotes Episode 76: How screenwriters find their voice
• Scriptnotes Episode 403: How to Write A Movie
• Patton Oswalt on King of Queens
• Cut A Character Save A Scene on John’s Blog
• Ants Outnumber Everything by Dino Grandoni for the Washington Post
• Why Question Words Start with Wh on Reddit
• Bo Shim’s LA Food Guide: Western Doma Noodles hole-in-the-wall treasure, MDK Noodles in K-town, Zzamong for Jjjangmyun, KyoChon for fried chicken–especially the honey wings, Aliya Lavaland for (lava) mooncakes, Mandarin Noodle House in Monterey Park
• What We Owe the Future by William Macaskill
• Candy Corn Infused Vodka
• Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt!
• Check out the Inneresting Newsletter
• Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription or treat yourself to a premium subscription!
• Craig Mazin on Twitter
• John August on Twitter
• John on Instagram
• Outro by Nico Mansy (send us yours!)
• Scriptnotes is produced by Megana Rao and edited by Matthew Chilelli.

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.