Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And" Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”
Jan 1, 2026
John August, screenwriter of Big Fish and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and co-host of Scriptnotes, chats about storytelling craft and podcast intimacy. They cover giving and receiving notes, applying screenwriting to business, world-building, stakes and conflict, improv principles, and how comedy and industry practices are evolving.
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Ask How Writers Want Notes
- Ask writers how they prefer to receive notes (timing and format) and tailor delivery.
- Match note delivery to the writer's capacity to hear and implement feedback.
Audience Testings Reveal Truths
- Test screenings reveal which jokes and energies land because they simulate real audience reaction.
- Screenwriters benefit from seeing a cut with fresh eyes and audience feedback to shape edits.
Rules Are Tools Not Law
- Screenwriting 'rules' are often outdated tropes rather than truths that improve scripts.
- Treat rules as tools, not shackles, and write to serve your story's needs.
