502 - Free Will (Or, It's Okay to Not Be a Screenwriter)

<p>John and Craig discuss the concept of free will, specifically how it relates to fictional characters. They outline the tightrope screenwriters walk balancing characters with agency against obstacles that feel true.</p> <p>We also talk about decisions screenwriters face in their careers and why it’s okay (and difficult) to change paths. We answer listener questions about optioned scripts and child screenwriting prodigies.</p> <p>Finally, in our bonus segment for premium members we discuss AP exams. Warning: Craig has umbrage.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://johnaugust.com/scriptnotes-index" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Scriptnotes Index</a></li> <li><a href="https://johnaugust.com/scriptnotes-guest-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scriptnotes Guest List</a></li> <li>Help us update the <a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scriptnotes" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Scriptnotes Wikipedia page</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.insider.com/why-seth-rogen-and-wife-do-not-want-children-2021-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Seth Rogan on Productivity</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/oliverburkeman" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The clockwork universe: is free will an illusion?</a> by Oliver Burkeman</li> <li><a href= "https://play.hbomax.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GYIBToQrPdotpNQEAAAEa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hacks with Jean Smart</a> on HBO Max</li> <li><a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/girls5eva" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Girls 5eva</a> on Peacock</li> <li><a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYZOlwsMGFA&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Horses are pretty because horses are pretty</a> sketch on child-director prodigy</li> <li><a href="https://www.deepl.com/translator" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Deepl Translator</a></li> <li><a href="https://cottonbureau.com/people/scriptnotes-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get