John August

John August (b. August 4, 1970) is an American screenwriter, novelist, and director best known for his collaborations with filmmaker Tim Burton and his work on the Broadway musical Big Fish. Born in Boulder, Colorado, and raised in the nearby town of Fort Collins, August developed an early interest in storytelling and film. He went on to study journalism at Drake University, later earning a Master of Fine Arts in film production from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.

August’s career gained momentum in the late 1990s when he wrote the screenplay for Go (1999), a nonlinear crime comedy directed by Doug Liman that became a cult hit. His ability to blend sharp dialogue with inventive narrative structures led to a series of high-profile assignments. He soon became known as one of Hollywood’s most versatile screenwriters, adept at crafting both original scripts and adaptations.

One of August’s most notable creative partnerships has been with director Tim Burton. He wrote the screenplays for Big Fish(2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), and Frankenweenie (2012), works that highlight his talent for combining fantastical elements with emotional depth. His screenplay for Big Fish in particular showcased his flair for blending magical realism with heartfelt family drama, a hallmark that later carried into his Broadway work.

In 2013, August adapted his Big Fish screenplay into the book for the stage musical, working alongside composer and lyricist Andrew Lippa. The musical premiered on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre, bringing his storytelling full circle from novel to film to stage. Beyond Big Fish, August has also contributed to other media projects, including interactive storytelling apps and his popular podcast Scriptnotes, which provides advice and insights for screenwriters and aspiring creatives.

In addition to his screen and stage work, August is an accomplished novelist. His Arlo Finch trilogy (2018–2020), a middle-grade fantasy series, was well received for its imaginative storytelling and engaging characters. Known for his clear voice, generosity toward other writers, and commitment to exploring the craft of storytelling, John August continues to be a multifaceted figure in American film, theatre, and literature.