663 - Live in Austin 2024
Scriptnotes Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks decide to take on the adaptation of 'Shogun'?
They were approached by FX and initially hesitant due to the book's length, but Rachel picked it up and found it to be a riveting and culturally significant page-turner.
How did Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks approach the structure of 'Shogun' for a 10-episode miniseries?
They knew it was going to be 10 episodes but didn't initially know how to break down the 1,200-page book. They decided to focus on creating a cohesive narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end, aiming for moments of surprise and inevitability.
What was the process of writing together like for Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks?
They divided scenes and wrote separately, with Justin later assembling the scenes. They occasionally disagreed on punctuation, such as the use of semicolons versus em dashes, but found a way to collaborate effectively despite their different writing styles.
How did Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks handle the translation of Japanese dialogue in 'Shogun'?
They wrote the script in English, which was then translated into rough Japanese. A Japanese playwright refined the dialogue to make it performable and culturally accurate. The subtitles were later adjusted to match the refined Japanese dialogue, ensuring a more authentic experience.
What challenges did Megan Amram face while working on 'Bumper in Berlin'?
Megan had to create the show in a very short timeframe, flying to Berlin alone as the only writer and producer on set. She lacked a script supervisor, which led to challenges like managing continuity and eye lines during filming.
How did Susan Soon He Stanton describe the writing process on 'Succession'?
Susan mentioned that the 'Succession' writers' room was highly collaborative, with multiple writers on set at all times. They frequently wrote alternative lines and kept a close eye on the production to ensure the show's quality and timing were maintained.
What advice does Megan Amram have for assembling a writing staff?
Megan emphasized the importance of diversity in a writing room, looking for people with different strengths and perspectives. She also suggested considering non-traditional samples, such as one-act plays, to find unique voices.
How does Susan Soon He Stanton approach balancing comedy and drama in her writing?
Susan believes in blending comedy and drama, likening it to having both white and black keys on a piano. She feels that life isn't purely serious or funny, and a good story should reflect that balance.
What is John August's one cool thing recommendation?
John recommends an episode of 'Decoder Ring' that explores a mistake in the movie 'Charlie's Angels,' where a bird's species and song were incorrectly depicted. The podcast delves into how and why the mistake occurred.
What is Justin Marks' one cool thing recommendation?
Justin recommends 'The Brick,' a device that helps reduce cell phone usage by locking certain apps when the phone is placed on it. It allows users to maintain functionality while reducing distractions.
Shownotes Transcript