John welcomes journalist/screenwriter Max Read to look at the emerging sub-genre “halogencore” – stories of corporate malfeasance that are less about uncovering corruption as they are about characters learning to ignore it. They look at the evolution of the sub-genre, how these movies function, and why it’s important to define genres at all.

We also explore the current state of independent journalism and freelance writing, and follow up on Hallmark movies and playwrights turned screenwriters.

The new Highland (including support for iOS) is now in beta — Sign up in the link below!

In our bonus segment for premium members, does it feel like time has sped up this summer? Like, even more than usual? John and Max slow it down and find the silver linings of an accelerated world.

Links:

Beta test the new Highland – sign up here!
Max Read’s newsletter READ MAX
Shiva Baby and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
How many Hallmark Christmas movies are there?! by Stephen Follows
The Read Max ‘Halogencore’ Guide
Max Read’s Halogencore list on Letterboxd
Where Are You Now? by Sara Schaefer
Billy Strings – Dust in a Baggie
In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt!
Check out the Inneresting Newsletter
Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription or treat yourself to a premium subscription!
Craig Mazin on Threads and Instagram
John August on Threads, Instagram, Twitter and Mastodon
Outro by Tim Brown (send us yours!)
Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli.

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

656 - Halogencore 55:56 Share

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656 - Halogencore