The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast Titelbild

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

Von: Geoffrey D. Calhoun
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 Welcome to The Successful Screenwriter Podcast your go-to source for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and captivating interviews in the world of screenwriting. Hosted by seasoned screenwriter Geoffrey D. Calhoun, this podcast is a valuable resource for both novice and experienced screenwriters, offering a wealth of insights and guidance.

About the Podcast:
Dive deep into the art and craft of screenwriting with our engaging episodes that cover a spectrum of topics – from mastering the screenplay format to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry. Each episode is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain, providing valuable takeaways for writers at every stage of their journey.

Host:
Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriting instructor and best selling author with a passion for storytelling. With a proven track record in the film industry, Geoffrey has not only honed his craft as a successful screenwriter but also shares his wealth of knowledge as an instructor. His unique journey in the world of screenwriting has equipped him with a unique perspective, making him an essential guide for screenwriters of all levels.

Key Features:
  • Expert Interviews: Gain insights from renowned screenwriters, filmmakers, and industry professionals who share their experiences, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories.
  • Screenwriting Tips: Unlock the secrets of successful screenwriting with actionable tips, tricks, and techniques discussed in every episode.
  • Film Analysis: Explore in-depth film analyses, breaking down the storytelling techniques that make movies memorable and impactful.
  • Exclusive Industry Insights: Access exclusive industry secrets and stay updated on the latest trends. Get insider knowledge to navigate the world of screenwriting with confidence.
Connect with Us:
  • Subscribe to the podcast on Spreaker for regular updates.
  • Engage with us on Instagram @screenwriterpod for the latest news, discussions, and community interactions.
  • Visit our official website thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com for additional resources such as: Screenwriting Gigs, Screenplay Library, Seminars and other exclusive content.
Embark on your screenwriting journey with The Successful Screebwriter Podcast. Let's transform your storytelling aspirations into compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Subscribe to our screenwriting podcast now and join our vibrant community of storytellers!

Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network (www.ifhpodcastnetwork.com)The Successful Screenwriter Kunst
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  • Ep 307 - Is Story Dead? What Five Nights at Freddy’s Says About Hollywood

    Ep 307 - Is Story Dead? What Five Nights at Freddy’s Says About Hollywood
    Jan 26 2026
    In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is joined by co-host Kristy Leigh to unpack what Five Nights at Freddy’s 1 & 2 reveal about the current state of Hollywood storytelling. What happens when IP, fan service, and box office data matter more than narrative coherence? Is this the future of studio filmmaking, and if so, where does that leave screenwriters who still care about story? The conversation expands into the larger industry landscape, including Netflix’s dominance, data-driven decision making, the Stranger Things finale controversy, and what writers should realistically prepare for moving forward.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 abandons traditional storytelling in favor of fan service
    • How studios are prioritizing IP and data over narrative cohesion
    • The difference between box office success and storytelling success
    • Why the Stranger Things finale struggled and what writers can learn from it
    • Practical advice for new writers developing loglines and short stories
    • Where story-driven filmmakers still fit in today’s industry
    Key Moments
    • 00:25 – Geoffrey watches Five Nights at Freddy’s and immediately senses something is off
    • 03:00 – Kristy explains how fan service overtook story in the sequel
    • 07:00 – Geoffrey breaks down why the sequel has no clear plot or rules
    • 09:45 – Is Hollywood splitting into data-driven content vs story-driven films?
    • 15:00 – Why the Stranger Things finale failed structurally
    • 17:40 – Advice for writers handwriting drafts vs typing
    • 19:00 – How to turn loglines and short stories into real screenplays
    About the Guest
    Kristy Leigh Lussier is a producer, filmmaker, and longtime co-host of The Successful Screenwriter. She brings a grounded, industry-aware perspective to conversations about storytelling, IP adaptations, and the shifting realities of modern filmmaking.

    About the Host
    With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.

    Resources Mentioned in the Episode
    • Five Nights at Freddy’s (Film Franchise)
    • Netflix industry data and subscriber growth
    • Stranger Things behind-the-scenes documentary
    • A24 and Neon as story-first distributors
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #Screenwriting #FilmIndustry #HollywoodTrends #StoryStructure #ScreenwritersLife #PodcastForWriters

    🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!
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    23 Min.
  • Ep 306 - Why Rewriting Too Early Kills Your Script

    Ep 306 - Why Rewriting Too Early Kills Your Script
    Jan 19 2026
    In Episode 306, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier kick things off with a passionate recommendation for the absurd, whimsical thriller-comedy Dust Bunny, then pivot into what writers are feeling right now in the marketplace. They talk about how distributors are shifting toward data-driven “checkbox” content, why star power is not the safety net it used to be, and what that means for screenwriters trying to break in consistently. Then they get into some industry tea, including the rumors swirling around Stranger Things Season 5 and AI, and zoom out into a practical craft debate: is a “vomit draft” (or as a listener calls it, “Draft Zero”) actually the best path to finishing scripts and getting to the rewrite where the real work happens. The episode wraps with audience questions about getting a manager and what to do if you can see scenes in your head but struggle to get them onto the page.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why finishing a rough first draft is often the fastest path to a strong script
    • What distributors and streamers want right now, and why it is increasingly data-driven
    • How to think about concept clarity and producibility without losing your voice
    • Practical ways to network with managers that do not feel transactional
    • A simple mindset shift that keeps you from rewriting the first 20 pages forever
    Key Moments
    • 00:18 Dust Bunny: why Geoffrey calls it a rare “whimsical absurd” gem
    • 02:00 Visual subtext and symbolism in Dust Bunny, plus the “unreliable narrator” question
    • 05:13 AFM market shift: why actor names are not carrying films like they used to
    • 10:01 Stranger Things Season 5 AI rumors and the spectrum of AI use in writing
    • 15:45 “Bad advice” spotlight: why the vomit draft (Draft Zero) still matters
    About the Cohost
    Kristy Leigh Lussier is Geoffrey’s longtime co-host and a sharp voice on screenwriting craft, industry trends, and the reality of building a writing career one draft at a time.

    About the Host
    With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.

    Resources Mentioned in the Episode
    • Dust Bunny (rented on Amazon Prime)
    • Brian Fuller (discussion of his work including Pushing Daisies and Hannibal)
    • Big Eyes (referenced as an example tied to credit and authorship)
    • Draft Zero (listener Gary Thomas’s preferred term for the “vomit draft”)
    • Geoffrey’s book: The Guide for Every Screenwriter
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram:@kantoka127
    • Vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website:thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #screenwriting #screenwriter #writingcommunity #screenwritingtips #screenwritinglife #filmmaking #filmindustry #writingprocess #firstdraft #rewrite Tags







    🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!
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    25 Min.
  • Ep 305 - Should You Take Writing Jobs You Don’t Care About?

    Ep 305 - Should You Take Writing Jobs You Don’t Care About?
    Jan 12 2026
    In Episode 305 Geoffrey D. Calhoun is joined by Kristy Leigh Lussier for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, tone, franchise arcs, and industry realities, and taking a gig you don't love. From horror movies about rabid chimpanzees to why darker sequels often resonate more deeply, this episode blends craft analysis, industry news, and practical screenwriting advice straight from the trenches.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why tonal shifts in sequels can strengthen a franchise
    • What Wicked: Part Two gets right that surprises non-musical fans
    • The storytelling mistake that doomed the 2011 Conan the Barbarian remake
    • How long-form character arcs deepen emotional investment
    • Practical answers to audience screenwriting questions about dialogue, pitching, and career choices
    Key Moments
    • 00:00–03:30 – Reviewing Wicked: Part Two and the power of darker second acts
    • 05:00–07:30 – Franchise arcs and why Harry Potter matures with its audience
    • 08:20–10:30 – The original vs. remake debate: Conan the Barbarian vs. the 2011 reboot
    • 10:45–12:30 – Industry Snapshot: MTV officially exits the music-video era
    • 14:20–18:20 – Listener Q&A: multilingual dialogue and writing outside your favorite genre
    • 19:30–22:40 – What actually happens after a successful pitch and why lawyers matter
    About the Guest
    Kristy Leigh Lussier is a producer, writer, and script consultant known for her sharp story instincts and deep understanding of character-driven storytelling. She brings thoughtful insight into franchise structure, tonal control, and navigating the industry with clarity.

    About the Host
    With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.

    Resources Mentioned in the Episode
    • The Successful Screenwriter Membership (TV pilot course)
    • Entertainment lawyers and contract basics for writers
    • Franchise case studies: Harry Potter, Wicked, Conan the Barbarian
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #FilmIndustry #StoryStructure #TVWriting #ScreenwriterLife #FilmAnalysis


    🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    25 Min.
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