The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

• Ep 296 - When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Break Screenwriting Rules

  Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier dive into horror films, story rules, and the art of breaking them the right way. From Geoffrey’s emotional reaction to Good Boy to their debate on flashbacks and narrative discipline, this episode is packed with insights for any writer exploring tension, fear, and structure. Plus, they brainstorm ideas for the upcoming 300th episode giveaway and talk about the films every horror fan should see.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to break story rules the right wayThe importance of structure and consistency in screenwritingHow to use flashbacks effectively (and when they hurt your story)Writing fear through tension, atmosphere, and primal emotionWhat today’s horror films can teach about character and storytellingKey Moments00:22 Brainstorming ideas for the 300th episode celebration01:03 Geoffrey’s emotional reaction to Good Boy and dog-POV storytelling08:37 The Woman in the Yard and the danger of breaking story rules11:24 Trash Screenwriting Advice: “Just break the rules”19:28 Flashbacks and how to use them effectivelyAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker, writer, and producer with a passion for genre storytelling. She brings a sharp industry perspective and a love of horror to the conversation.Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her series The Witch Wolf’s Mate: Watch HereAbout 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 Guide For Every ScreenwriterGood BoyWe Are ZombiesTurbo KidTerrifier seriesThe Woman in the YardHalloween (1978)The ConjuringThe ExorcistSession 9Connect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram:@screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriterWe’re only four episodes away from 300! Have an idea for our big celebration or giveaway? Send it in and don’t forget to share your screenwriting questions for next week’s show.#Screenwriting #WritingTips #Filmmaking #HorrorWriting #Podcast🎬 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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• EP 295 - Anu Valia on Voice, Casting, and Indie Momentum

  Director Anu Valia joins Geoffrey to unpack the craft behind her feature We Strangers. We dig into keeping your voice while working in TV, building an indie over years, collaborating with actors who elevate subtext, and weaving race, class, and power into story without preaching. If you’re balancing paid gigs with personal work and wondering how to protect your vision, this one’s for you.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share it with a writer friend.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to keep your creative voice while directing for televisionA practical path from idea to finished indie featureCasting strategies that unlock subtext and performanceDirecting actors with clear, specific adjustmentsWriting themes of race, class, and power with nuanceKey Moments00:23 Welcome and credits that shaped Anu’s eye01:35 The journey of We Strangers and VOD access04:54 The premise, subtext, and why the “tiny lie” works06:58 Code switching, identity, and carrying the creative backpack16:08 Why “great directing is casting” and working the sceneAbout the GuestAnu Valia is a writer-director known for character-driven stories across film and television, including episodes of acclaimed series and the feature We Strangers.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 EpisodeWe StrangersShe-Hulk: Attorney at LawShrinkingAnd Just Like That…Connect with GuestLearn more about We Strangers on VOD platformsConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #directing #indiefilm #acting #casting #WeStrangers #AnuValia #TVdirector #storycraft🎬 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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• Ep 294 - Breaking In to the Industry Without Breaking Down

  Tommy Cresta from The Popcorn Podcast joins Geoffrey to talk about moving from reviewing movies to writing them. They dig into shopping a home-invasion feature called Trespass, ways to get eyes on your script, and the messy middle of creative burnout. The conversation also gets real about men’s mental health, eating disorders, and building support systems that keep you writing. Stick around for Alien and Predator franchise hot takes plus a peek at Tommy’s found-footage project and gaming content.If you are having thoughts of suicide or are in emotional distress, you are not alone.Call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, 24/7 confidential support.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodePractical ways to shop a first feature script without gatekeepersHow contests, listings, and “script for sale” pages can build momentumManaging burnout, depression, and isolation as a writerWhy community matters and how to find your tribeFranchise talk: Alien, Predator, and what’s worth studying as a writerKey Moments00:22 Welcome and the story behind Trespass02:19 From podcasting to screenwriting and finding purpose through writing06:38 Hitting rock bottom, NYU film training, and family support10:33 Men’s mental health, suicidal ideation, and reaching out for help16:14 A lighter turn: Alien, Predator, and finding inspiration in fandomAbout the GuestTommy Cresta is one half of The Popcorn Podcast. He reviews films, creates gaming content, and is shopping the home-invasion feature Trespass. He’s also developing a winter found-footage horror project and documenting a ghost investigation for his channel.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 EpisodeTrespass (feature script) and the strategy of listing scripts for purchase13Horror contest model for script visibilityAlien: RomulusThe Rookie (ABC)Hulu’s animated Predator filmNYU filmmaking program (as a career reset and skills boost)Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (U.S.)Connect with GuestThe Popcorn Podcast — YouTube and SpotifyInstagram: search “The Popcorn Podcast Tommy Cresta”Gaming and horror content on the same channelConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite:thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #indiefilm #screenwriterpodcast #horror #Alien #Predator🎬 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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• Ep 293 - Why Most Screenwriters Fail to Stand Out with Paul Chitlik

  Screenwriting legend Paul Chitlik joins Geoffrey to reveal why so many screenwriters struggle to break through and how to finally rise above the noise. They discuss the biggest mistakes writers make, why rewriting is the key to success, and how to craft stories and characters that truly stand out in today’s industry. Paul also shares insights from his new book, The Screenwriting Sensei, and how embracing structure (and knowing when to break it) can take your writing to the next level.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why “good” scripts still get ignored in HollywoodThe secret to developing characters readers actually rememberHow to master structure—then break it the right wayWhat today’s changing film industry means for screenwritersWhy rewriting 20+ times might be your key to successKey Moments:(00:35) The origins of The Screenwriting Sensei(04:00) Why the business keeps changing but story doesn’t(06:16) What makes a story truly work(10:22) How to use (and break) traditional structure(16:25) The truth about rewrites and patience in screenwritingAbout the Guest:Paul Chitlik is an award-winning screenwriter, author, and educator with decades of experience writing for film and television. His new book, The Screenwriting Sensei: A Complete Guide to Writing Your First Script, offers writers practical lessons and exercises to master the craft from page one.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 Screenwriting Sensei by Paul Chitlik — Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and MWP.com (25% discount at MWP)The Guide for Every Screenwriter by Geoffrey D. CalhounConnect with Guest:Website: https://www.paulchitlik.comConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Website: https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwriterpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast #ScreenwritingTips #ScreenwritingPainPoints #ScreenwriterAdvice #TheScreenwritingSensei #PaulChitlik #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!

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• Ep 292 - What to Do When Your Screenwriting Career Stalls

  What happens when you’ve done everything right. Made a film, landed a rep, and still find yourself stuck? In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy tackle the tough truth about stalled careers and how rebranding or shifting genres can reignite momentum. They also dive into Steven Soderbergh’s Presence, breaking down why its bold POV and long oners captivate audiences, and chat about Jonathan Nolan’s Fallout heading to New Vegas for Season 2. Plus, Kristy shares insights from her new vertical series The Witch Wolf’s Mate and why short-form storytelling is becoming a massive opportunity for indie filmmakers. Spoiler alert: We discuss key plot details from Presence.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy even successful screenwriters and filmmakers hit career stallsHow to rebrand or change genres strategically to stay relevantWhat makes Presence a masterclass in single-location storytellingWhy vertical short-form filmmaking is the next indie waveWhere to get free, verified weekly script leads from producersKey Moments00:23 First reactions to Presence and its surprising twist07:30 The craft behind Soderbergh’s long takes and single-location setup09:06 What to do when your screenwriting career stalls15:08 Fallout Season 2 moves to New Vegas — what that means for writers18:11 Kristy’s new vertical drama The Witch Wolf’s Mate and how RealShort changes the gameAbout the GuestKristy Leigh is a filmmaker and producer specializing in audience-friendly genre storytelling and emerging formats, including vertical dramas.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 EpisodePresence (dir. Steven Soderbergh; written by David Koepp)Fallout (Amazon) – Season 2 moving to New VegasRealShort App – Watch The Witch Wolf’s MateScript Leads by Geoffrey D. Calhoun – Free, verified weekly leadsConnect with Kristy Leigh📸 Instagram: @kantoka127🎬 Watch “The Witch Wolf’s Mate” on ReelShortConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun🌐 Website: The Successful Screenwriter📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.Got a screenwriting question or challenge you want featured on the show? Drop it in the comments or message Geoffrey on Instagram.#Screenwriting #Filmmaking #CareerAdvice #Soderbergh #Presence #Fallout #RealShort #ScriptLeads #IndieFilm #WritingCommunity🎬 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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