The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down why some movies fail despite strong marketing, using Supergirl as a case study to explore how theme, character, and a worthy antagonist determine whether a story truly resonates with audiences. They also discuss the current state of Hollywood, the rise of independent filmmaking, and why audiences may be returning to theaters for the right films.

Plus:Why a story without a clear theme feels hollow
What makes an antagonist compelling
The truth behind "Hollywood is back"
Terrible screenwriting advice: "Just add a montage"
Geoffrey shares one of the worst screenplay query emails he's ever received—and the surprising response after he tried to mentor the writer
AI-generated outreach emails and why human editing still matters
Fourth of July movie recommendations and a few classic film memories
Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, filmmaker, or movie lover, this episode dives into the storytelling principles that separate memorable films from forgettable ones.If you're serious about writing better screenplays, subscribe for weekly conversations on screenwriting, directing, filmmaking, and breaking down the myths of the entertainment industry.📚

Geoffrey's Book: The Guide for Every Screenwriter🎬 

#Screenwriting #Filmmaking #Supergirl #WritingAdvice #Screenwriter #Storytelling #Movies #FilmAnalysis #Hollywood #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

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What if the voice keeping you alive couldn't be trusted?

In this special episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Assistant Director Kristy Leigh Lussier and interviewer Jess Paul to pull back the curtain on Elsy, a cinematic post-apocalyptic vertical series premiering this July. For over a decade, Elsy existed in different forms a web series, a feature film, a television project before finally finding its perfect home in the exploding world of vertical storytelling.

Now, Geoffrey makes his directorial debut with a psychological thriller that blends mystery, survival, loneliness, and hope into a mobile-first cinematic experience unlike anything currently available in the vertical space.

In this episode, you'll discover:
How vertical storytelling is transforming the entertainment industry
The challenge of creating a cinematic experience in a vertical format
The process of casting Karly Coffee, Rochelle Nicole, and Eric Roman
Behind-the-scenes stories from shooting 21 episodes in just 5 days
Why loneliness is the emotional core of Elsy
The future of vertical series and why Geoffrey believes this is where storytelling is headed
Elsy follows a young woman trapped inside a bunker after a mysterious catastrophe leaves the world buried beneath ash. Alone, isolated, and running out of supplies, she discovers a voice on a CB radio. But as hope grows, so do the questions. Can she trust the person on the other end? And what happens when survival depends on believing a lie?

If you're a filmmaker, screenwriter, content creator, or simply fascinated by where entertainment is headed next, this episode offers an inside look at the future of storytelling.

Topics Covered
Vertical Series Production
Post-Apocalyptic Storytelling
Psychological Thrillers
Writing for Mobile Audiences
Film Production on a Budget
The Future of Streaming Content
Behind the Scenes of Elsy
About ELSY
Elsy is a cinematic vertical thriller following a young woman surviving alone in a bunker after the collapse of civilization. As she forms a connection with a mysterious voice over a CB radio, she begins questioning everything she thought she knew about her world.

Written and Directed by Geoffrey D. Calhoun.

Coming July 2026.

🚨 Watch the ELSY Trailer: Instagram: @screenwriterpod

Watch the trailer, follow the journey, and share your theories before the series premieres.

#Elsy #VerticalSeries #PostApocalyptic #PsychologicalThriller #IndieFilm #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #VerticalDrama #DirectorDebut #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #SurvivalThriller #MysterySeries #MobileStorytelling #FilmmakerPodcast

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Hollywood is in the middle of a major shift, and many writers may not realize how quickly the rules are changing. In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy explore the success of creator-driven projects like Backrooms, the growing influence of online audiences. They discuss what today's moviegoers are actually paying to see, how YouTube creators and independent filmmakers are bringing audiences back to theaters, and what these changes mean for screenwriters trying to build careers in an evolving industry. 

What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why creator-driven films are disrupting Hollywood
What the success of Backrooms reveals about modern audiences
Strategies for writing authentic dialogue
How to approach talent attachment and financing
Help us spread the word and support indie filmmaking! Our new vertical thriller Elsy premieres this July, and the first trailer is live now on Instagram.

Watch the Elsy trailer now on Instagram Here 

Watch the trailer, share it to your stories, comment your theories and tag a friend who loves mystery, suspense, and post-apocalyptic storytelling. Every share helps us reach new viewers and brings more attention to independent 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.

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Website:thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
Instagram: @screenwriterpod
YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter

Connect with Kristy
Instagram: @kantoka127
Watch The Witch Wolf's Mate: C

#Screenwriting #Filmmaking #Hollywood #Backrooms #IndieFilm #Screenwriter #WritingCommunity #FilmIndustry #Storytelling #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

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In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy lighten things up after a heavy week and dive into what’s happening in movies right now. From walking out of Super Mario Bros 2 to breaking down why fan service is starting to replace real storytelling, this conversation gets honest about where the industry is heading. They also explore why adaptations like Project Hail Mary are resonating with audiences, how the Hero’s Journey is still alive and well, and answer real screenwriting questions from listeners. If you’ve been frustrated with modern films or wondering how to sharpen your own writing, this episode gives you clarity and direction.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why fan service is replacing story in major IP films
The problem with introducing characters too late in a script
Why faithful adaptations like Project Hail Mary work
The truth about the Hero’s Journey and why it never dies
How to write stronger characters in short films
Best practices for writing love scenes in today’s industry
How to approach a 48-hour film festival script
Why you don’t need Hollywood to succeed as a screenwriter
Key Moments
00:20 – Opening and shift to a lighter episode
00:55 – Geoffrey walks out of Mario Bros 2 and why
02:14 – The rise of fan service over storytelling
06:52 – Why Project Hail Mary connects with audiences
14:34 – “The Hero’s Journey is dead?” debate
About the Cohost
Kristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker and storyteller working across multiple formats, including the fast-growing vertical content space. She brings both creative and production insight into modern storytelling trends and industry shifts.

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
Project Hail Mary
Interstellar
The Martian
Ready or Not 2
They Will Kill You
Connect with Guest
Instagram: @kantoka127
Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs Mate
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
Instagram: @screenwriterpod
YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife

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Listener discretion is advised. Episode contains discussion of mental health and suicidal ideation.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support.

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Geoffrey shares his recent experience being hospitalized for mental health and suicidal ideation. What starts as a shocking revelation turns into an honest, raw conversation about depression, trauma, and the silent struggles many creatives face. Together with co-host Kristy Leigh, this episode explores what it feels like to hit a breaking point, what happens inside a psychiatric hospital, and why seeking help is not weakness but survival. If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or like you’re not enough, this conversation is for you. This isn’t just about screenwriting. It’s about staying here. If this episode reaches one person who needs it, it’s done its job.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The difference between sadness and high-functioning depression
What really happens during a psychiatric hospital stay
Why many creatives feel isolated despite outward success
How “masking” hides internal struggles
The importance of support systems during mental health crises
Why seeking help is a strength, not a weakness
How writing can serve as a lifeline during dark moments
Key Moments
00:23 – Episode introduction and unexpected reveal
00:49 – Geoffrey shares he was planning suicide
03:19 – Inside the psychiatric hospital experience
05:51 – Why people don’t reach out when they’re struggling
08:33 – The reality of masking and hidden depression
11:25 – Why writing became a saving grace
11:43 – The importance of the 988 crisis line
About the Cohost
Kristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker, writer, and creative collaborator who brings honesty and empathy to conversations about storytelling and life in the industry. As Geoffrey’s co-host, she helps guide meaningful discussions that go beyond craft and into the human experience behind it.

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
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988
Local mental health professionals and support groups
Connect with Guest
Instagram: @kantoka127
Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: The-Witch-Wolfs-Mate
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
Instagram: @screenwriterpod
YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
You’re not alone in this journey.
#MentalHealthAwareness #ScreenwritingLife #CreativeStruggles #DepressionAwareness #FilmmakerLife #WritersJourney #YouAreNotAlone #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

🎬 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!