The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

• Ep 288 - Subtext, & Protecting Writers from Scammy “Producers”

  Geoffrey and Kristy kick off with the 80s classic Monster Squad, then break down a great subtext moment from the new F1 film. They unpack “on-the-nose” dialogue vs character voice, when to cut redundancy, and how to spot predatory “producer” offers. Listener Q&A covers why watching movies improves your craft and whether short action lines beat long descriptive blocks.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How to spot and write effective subtext in quiet scenes• A quick gut-check to avoid on-the-nose dialogue• When longer action lines help vs hurt• Red flags for scammy “producers” and safer platforms to consider• A simple note-taking method to level up how you watch filmsKey Moments00:23 Welcome with Kristy01:04 Why Monster Squad still lands03:46 F1 takeaways and a subtext masterclass07:31 On-the-nose dialogue and finding voice12:53 The 50 percent “producer” red flag15:47 Vetting platforms and why Geoffrey trusts InkTip20:19 Q&A Watching movies to get better24:14 Q&A Short vs long action lines29:04 Wins of the week and encouragementAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and producer with a background in development and story evaluation. She champions character-driven genre projects and mentors emerging writers.About the HostWith 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• The Monster Squad 1987• The Lost Boys 1987• Shane Black scripts for voice study• F1 film as a subtext case study• InkTip• Coverfly mention and why vetting matters• The Guide for Every ScreenwriterConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram @screenwriterpodYouTube The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed the show? Share with a writer friend, and drop questions for our next live Q&A.#Screenwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #AmWriting #FilmCommunity #IndieFilm #ScriptNotes #WritingTips #Dialogue #Subtext #Storytelling #WritersLife #MonsterSquad #ShaneBlack #LostBoys #MovieChat #FilmDiscussion #WritingCommunity #ScriptAdvice #OnTheNoseDialogue #ProtectYourWorkExplore Free Resources & Membership👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.Connect with Geoffrey📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod▶️ YouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

  --------  

  30:59

  --------

  30:59
• Ep 287 - Weapons Was Wild, But 28 Years Later Split the Room

  Geoffrey is joined by Kristy Leigh for a special live taping of Episode 287. They dive into the unique narrative style of Weapons, compare it with Barbarian, break down the shocking twists of 28 Years Later, and share some truly questionable “screenwriting advice” floating around the industry. Plus: a discussion on the new concept of the thumbnail pitchWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow shifting POV can change the audience’s entire experience (Weapons)Why themes of grief, tragedy, and perspective make stories resonateThe shocking ending of 28 Years Later and what it sets up nextWhy “don’t write kids or animals” is terrible advice for screenwritersHow many drafts (or passes) pros go through before submitting scriptsWhat a “thumbnail pitch” is and why it matters for writers todayKey Moments00:00 – Live intro with Geoffrey & Kristy00:40 – Breaking down Weapons and its Rashomon-style POV shifts06:58 – The creepy aunt character and her layered origins11:59 – Reviewing 28 Years Later and its shocking final minutes16:15 – Thematic takeaways: humanity, death, and survival17:58 – Trash screenwriting tip: “Don’t write kids or animals”22:03 – Writing with (or without) passion vs. writing to sell23:29 – Industry chat: the rise of the “thumbnail pitch”26:43 – How many drafts is enough? Geoffrey & Kristy share numbers29:12 – Geoffrey’s red carpet story and calling out a one-draft film30:26 – Live Q&A wrap-upAbout the Guest:Kristy Leigh is a filmmaker and recurring guest of The Successful Screenwriter. She brings a producer’s eye to storytelling, offering practical insight on how scripts translate into production and what writers should consider when developing their stories.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 EpisodeWeapons (dir. Zach Cregger)Barbarian28 Years LaterConnect with usTheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed this live episode? Don’t miss the next one—subscribe, rate, and share The Successful Screenwriter.Drop your screenwriting questions in the comments or DM Geoffrey for a chance to be featured in a future Q&A!  #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #WeaponsMovie #28YearsLater #ScreenwritingTips #FilmIndustry #LivePodcastExplore Free Resources & Membership👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.Connect with Geoffrey📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod▶️ YouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

  --------  

  31:07

  --------

  31:07
• Ep 286 - The Conjuring, Red Sonja & Logline Tips

  Horror craft, sequel wins, and loglines that work. Geoffrey and Kristy pull takeaways from The Conjuring, Nobody 2, and the Red Sonja remake. You’ll hear how influence can feel fresh, how a sequel stays fun when tone shifts, and what breaks when character motivation is thin. They wrap with a one-sentence logline formula you can use today. Next week: the Naked Gun reboot and Weapons. Share your worst logline “tips” or a love-it or hate-it watch on Instagram @screenwriterpod and tag us.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow The Conjuring mixes classic influences without feeling datedWhy Nobody 2 works even with a tonal shiftWhere Red Sonja stumbles on motivation and consistencyA simple, reliable logline formula and the Die Hard testEasy ways to invite audience feedbackKey Moments00:00 Welcome and why The Conjuring still hits00:23 Spotting influences: Amityville open, Exorcist close, Hitchcock nod04:00 Nobody 2: expectations, character carryover, fun factor06:43 to 15:45 Red Sonja remake: motivation, tone, and CGI choices16:14 to 19:58 Bad logline advice debunked and the Die Hard test21:17 Next week’s watch list: Naked Gun reboot and Weapons20:46 to 22:28 Call for listener storiesAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a writer and filmmaker who brings sharp story sense and a love for genre cinema.About the HostWith 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 MentionedThe ConjuringThe Conjuring 2Nobody and Nobody 2Red Sonja (remake)John WickLogline examples: Die Hard, JawsConnect with us and Join the convo on Instagram via @screenwriterpod and tag Kristy @kantoka127 with your takes. Website: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterDrop your worst logline advice finds or a recent love-it or hate-it watch in the comments on @screenwriterpod.Hashtags #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #TheConjuring #Nobody2 #RedSonja #Loglines #WritingTips #PodcastExplore Free Resources & Membership👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.Connect with Geoffrey📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod▶️ YouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

  --------  

  22:09

  --------

  22:09
• EP 285 - Horror Binge, The Film Industry, and Bad Writing Advice

  Geoffrey welcomes writer and filmmaker Kristy Leigh Lussier back for a brand-new hangoute episode. They dive into a horror binge of The Conjuring films, swap takes on wild fairy-tale reimaginings like The Ugly Stepsister, and share some of the worst (and most damaging) screenwriting advice floating around online. Plus, they break down the state of today’s industry and how Kristy rallied a 30-person crew to shoot a vertical micro-drama in Idaho.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeA simple Conjuring watch order to start your bingeWhy the first Conjuring still holds up as one of the best modern horror filmsHow bold fairy-tale twists like The Ugly Stepsister can inspire fresh writingWhy “don’t write from your life” is terrible adviceHow to find (or build) your own creative film communityKey Moments00:00 Welcome and new format with Kristy01:27 Why The Conjuring inspires and how it builds tension with heart03:20 The Warrens and casting that anchors the franchise03:56 Where to start with the Conjuring watch order07:10 Geoffrey’s take on The Ugly Stepsister (and a quick content warning)09:20 Public-domain horror trend: Pooh, Bambi, Popeye, Steamboat Willie12:21 Bad advice of the week: “Do not write from your life”16:05 State of the industry and why self-starting matters18:55 Kristy’s vertical micro-drama and how a 30-person crew came together22:33 Final encouragement and plans to continue the seriesAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and filmmaker based in Boise. A horror fan with credits that include The Death of Snow White, she creates character-driven genre stories and recently directed a vertical micro-drama with a local crew.About the HostWith 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 EpisodeThe Conjuring and The Conjuring 2Insidious, SawJaws 50th anniversary IMAX releaseThe Ugly Stepsister (Amazon Prime)Public-domain horror examples: Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, Bambi reimagining, Steamboat Willie horrorVertical micro-dramas and short-form seriesConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed this format? Leave a comment with your favorite Conjuring-style watch order or a fairy-tale twist you’d love to see on screen. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a writer friend.#screenwriting #podcast #horror #Conjuring #filmmaking #indiefilm #writingadvice #storytelling #publicdomainhorrorExplore Free Resources & Membership👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.Connect with Geoffrey📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod▶️ YouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

  --------  

  22:55

  --------

  22:55
• Ep. 284 – Making a Good Script Great with Linda Seger

  In this lost episode from the archives, I sit down with the legendary screenwriting guru Linda Seger, author of Making a Good Script Great and a true pioneer of the script consulting profession. We dive deep into her decades of experience shaping stories, her approach to theme, structure, subplots, and images, and why great screenwriters are seekers of the human condition. Linda also shares insights on her new book How to Write Great Dialogue and what continues to inspire her after consulting on thousands of scripts.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Linda Seger created the career of script consulting in HollywoodThe importance of images and visual thinking in screenwritingWhy subplots give your story dimension and depthHow to approach rewrites with purpose and focusTips for mastering dialogue and emotional shifts in scenesKey Moments:(00:23) Linda’s groundbreaking journey into script consulting(03:16) The power of images in storytelling(06:39) Scene sequences vs. random scenes(08:44) Why theme and central questions matter(15:26) Breaking down the value of subplotsAbout the Guest:Linda Seger is one of the world’s foremost script consultants, credited with creating the profession itself. She has consulted on over 2,000 scripts, worked with A-list directors like Ron Howard, and written numerous influential books on screenwriting, including Making a Good Script Great and How to Write Great Dialogue.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:Making a Good Script Great by Linda SegerHow to Write Great Dialogue by Linda Seger & John Winston RaineySeger Notes (film breakdown articles)Connect with Linda Seger:Website: lindaseger.comConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodYouTubeIf you enjoyed this lost episode with Linda Seger, please like, share, and review the show. Don’t forget to subscribe for more industry insights and inspiration. #Screenwriting #LindaSeger #ScriptConsulting #WritingTips #TheSuccessfulScreenwriterExplore Free Resources & Membership👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.Connect with Geoffrey📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod▶️ YouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

  --------  

  45:27

  --------

  45:27

Meer TV & film podcasts

Trending TV & film -podcasts

Over The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast