John and Craig revisit a favorite episode focused on a single topic: bad movies and how they happen. Using first-hand experience, they look at how bad ideas make it to the screen, how good ideas go wrong, and the range of patterns that end in terrible movies.

We also make a list of our then-dream guests for the podcast (many of whom have now been on the show). And fast-forwarding to 2026, we announce an exciting new feature for Highland Pro.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Drew ditch the texts and emails and to pick up the phone and make a call.

Links:

Highland Fling has arrived! See it in action here
CW Picks Up 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' As Hourlong Series by Nellie Andreeva for Deadline
Scriptnotes, Ep 179: The Conflict Episode
John's Screencasts on Entering a scene, Writing better action, and Writing better scene description
First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy
Rob Schneider Is A Carrot
Copyright, Exceptions, and Fair Use: Crash Course Intellectual Property
Fallout 4
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John August on Bluesky and Instagram
Outro by Rajesh Naroth (send us yours!)
This episode was originally produced by Stuart Friedel. Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli.

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

The transcript of this episode can be found here.

197 - How do bad movies get made? (Encore)

Scriptnotes Podcast

197 - How do bad movies get made? (Encore)