The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

Geoffrey D. Calhoun

Real talk. No gatekeeping. Welcome to The Successful Screenwriter Podcast, where screenwriters Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Lee Lussier have honest conversations about writing, filmmaking, and navigating the industry. From developing and rewriting your screenplay to getting your work made, Geoffrey and Kristy break down the craft, business, frustrations, and realities of building a career in film. They also take the conversation live on Instagram, answering screenwriting questions from listeners and diving into questions pulled directly from the comments. Along the way, they share lessons from their own experiences and talk openly about what’s actually happening in the industry. About the Show Screenwriting is about more than formatting a script or following a formula. It’s about learning the craft, finding your voice, surviving the rewrite, understanding the business, and figuring out how to keep moving forward. Each episode tackles the questions and challenges writers actually face, from story, character, dialogue, and rewriting to pitching, representation, production, and breaking into the industry. Your Hosts Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a produced screenwriter, filmmaker, screenwriting instructor, and bestselling author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter. His work spans feature films, television, streaming, and independent production. He brings firsthand experience from both sides of the page: writing scripts and getting them made. Kristy Lee Lussier brings a filmmaker’s perspective to the conversation, challenging ideas, asking the questions writers want answered, and joining Geoffrey for candid discussions about storytelling, filmmaking, and the realities of working in the industry. What You'll Find Screenwriting Q&A: Real questions from writers with practical, straightforward answers.Writing & Rewriting: Story, structure, character, dialogue, theme, rewriting, and making the script on the page actually work.Breaking In & Building a Career: Representation, pitching, networking, getting read, getting produced, and creating opportunities.Filmmaking & Production: What happens when a screenplay leaves the page and becomes a film.State of the Industry: Candid conversations about what’s happening in film and what it means for working screenwriters. Connect with Us: Subscribe to the podcast on Spreaker for regular updates.Join us on Instagram @screenwriterpod for our livestream episodes.Visit our official website, thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com, for additional resources such as: Screenwriting Gigs, Screenplay Library, Seminars, and other exclusive content.Real talk. No gatekeeping. Just screenwriters helping screenwriters.

  1. 19h ago

    Ep 319 - AI in Film, Unlikable Characters & Writing Emotion Without Dialogue

    Stuck on that rewrite? I got you. Grab The Rewrite Workbook and work through your screenplay one draft at a time. Could AI let audiences rewrite a movie’s ending and what would that mean for screenwriters? Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh Lussier discuss the possibilities, the concerns, and the value of human storytelling.Then we tackle your screenwriting questions: Do characters have to be likable? How do you convey emotion without dialogue? Should you avoid adverbs? We also discuss juggling multiple scripts, writing across different mediums, and why we both use WriterDuet. What You’ll Learn Why audiences can connect with a character they don’t like.How to convey emotion through behavior without micromanaging actors.How specific action verbs bring energy to your scene descriptions.What to consider when working on multiple screenplays.How theater, film, and video games approach the character experience.Why AI-generated endings raise questions about storytelling and creative control.Key Moments 02:33 — AI filmmaking and the possibility of audience-generated endings.09:59 — Bad screenwriting advice: every character must be likable.12:30 — Should you work on more than one script at a time?14:24 — Theater, film, and video game storytelling.16:34 — Why we use WriterDuet.21:44 — Adverbs, action verbs, and finding the right amount of description. ConnectJoin our live screenwriting Q&A Fridays at 6 p.m. Eastern on Instagram. Bring your questions! Instagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriterScreenwriting resources and membership: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com#Screenwriting #ScreenwritingTips #CharacterDevelopment #WritingEmotion #AIInFilm #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife Please share this podcast with your community!

  2. Oct 5

    Ep 318 - - Rewriting, Pacing & the Rules Writers Get Wrong

    The Rewrite Workbook is out now! I wrote it to simplify the rewrite process, so you can stop feeling overwhelmed by your draft and start making clear, focused improvements. Grab your copy on Amazon. Are screenwriting “rules” helping your script or getting in the way? Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down bad screenwriting advice, including character deaths, dramatic irony, rewriting, horror, first-draft self-doubt, and story pacing. Plus, Geoffrey talks about The Rewrite Workbook, his new tool for making the rewrite process simpler and more focused. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why screenwriting rules should be treated as tools instead of lawsWhen killing a character can establish stakes without advancing the plotHow dramatic irony lets the audience know more than your protagonistWhy rewriting is where much of the real screenwriting work happensHow to keep moving when self-doubt hits during a first draftPractical ways to identify and fix pacing problemsHow horror writers create tension beyond jump scaresKey Moments 07:22 — Bad screenwriting advice and the danger of blanket rules 12:32 — Should the audience ever know more than the protagonist? 14:37 — Geoffrey introduces The Rewrite Workbook 19:25 — Do you really need multiple screenplay drafts? 28:39 — What is story pacing, and how do you fix it? About the Hosts Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a produced screenwriter, bestselling author, filmmaker, and host of The Successful Screenwriter Podcast. He is the author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter and The Rewrite Workbook and has spent more than 25 years developing his craft as a screenwriter. Kristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, filmmaker, producer, and co-host of The Successful Screenwriter Podcast, bringing her writing and production experience to honest conversations about the craft and business of filmmaking. Resources Mentioned in the Episode The Rewrite Workbook by Geoffrey D. CalhounResident EvilMaudWriterDuetHalloween Have a screenwriting or filmmaking question? Join Geoffrey and Kristy live Fridays at 6 PM ET and drop your questions in the comments. They may answer yours on the next episode. #Screenwriting #ScreenwritingTips #WritingTips #Filmmaking # ScreenwritingPodcast Tags:  Geoffrey D Calhoun, Kristy Leigh Lussier, The Successful Screenwriter, The Rewrite Workbook Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife Please share this podcast with your community!

  3. Sep 6

    Ep 317 - I infiltrated Screenwriting Reddit. Here's What Happened

    Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier explore what happened when Geoffrey entered Screenwriting Reddit to offer writers free advice without promoting himself or selling anything. His posts quickly reached thousands of writers—but a message encouraging compassion also attracted hostility from the community’s self-appointed gatekeepers.They break down why some online writing communities become toxic, how anonymous critics continually move the goalposts, and why writers need to protect their confidence. Geoffrey and Kristy also discuss the surprising release of Coyote vs. Acme, Jason Statham’s unusual fight-contract rules, when a screenplay prologue works, and why a 30-minute short film may need to become a feature. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What happened when Geoffrey infiltrated Screenwriting RedditWhy compassion matters in online screenwriting communitiesHow writers can protect themselves from toxic feedbackWhy studios shelve completed movies for financial reasonsHow to avoid using a prologue as an exposition dumpWhy an overly long short film may work better as a featureKey Moments: 02:27 – How Coyote vs. Acme escaped the studio shelf 08:41 – The unusual rules behind Jason Statham’s fight scenes 09:45 – Geoffrey infiltrates Screenwriting Reddit 12:26 – When the Screenwriting Reddit trolls arrived 16:15 – Knowing your value when critics attack 24:10 – Avoiding the exposition and monologue trap 24:48 – Why a 30-minute short film may need to become a feature Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Screenwriting RedditCoyote vs. AcmeBatgirlMutinyTerminator 2: Judgment DayHalloweenThe Lord of the RingsRabbit TrapScreenplay prologues and cold opensShort-film structureOnline screenwriting communities Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife Please share this podcast with your community!

  4. Aug 17

    Ep 316 – Screenwriters, Stop Writing Dialogue Like This

    Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down one of the easiest ways to spot weak screenwriting: dialogue nobody would actually say. They share practical ways to write more authentic conversations before answering listener questions about first drafts, fixing scenes, formatting flashbacks, and whether a writer should ever give up on the dream. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why generic dialogue can immediately weaken a screenplayHow listening to real conversations can improve your character dialogueWhy every scene needs its own purpose, objective, and forward momentumHow to keep moving when a scene is slowing down your first draftHow to approach flashbacks and scene numbering in a screenplayWhy screenwriting formatting has become less rigid over the yearsWhy your filmmaking career may not look the way you originally imaginedHow writers and directors can start creating with the resources they have right now. Key Moments: 01:24 – Breaking down character-driven storytelling in recent movies 06:03 – The generic dialogue screenwriters need to stop using 10:30 – Kristy's techniques for developing authentic character voices 12:36 – What every scene needs to accomplish 15:26 – Why Geoffrey stopped using Final Draft 16:53 – When should you give up on your dream of writing and directing? 19:57 – Redefining what it means to be a writer and director today About the Co-host: Kristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and creative collaborator who works across multiple genres including horror and drama. She has experience in independent film production, writing, and on-set collaboration, and regularly shares insights into the filmmaking process with the screenwriting community. 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: Indie Gathering International Film FestivalScreenplay dialogue and character developmentFinal Draft screenwriting softwareIndependent filmmakingVertical filmmaking and mobile-first storytelling Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's Mate. Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch Geoffrey's Vertical Thriller: ElsyWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast #ScreenwritingTips #Screenwriting #WritingDialogue #Screenplay #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaker #Scriptwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter  #WritingCommunity Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife Please share this podcast with your community!

  5. Jul 19

    Ep 315 - The Secrets to Indie Film Success, George Ansara on Building Vault Studio

    Discover how an ordinary break room transformed into a post-apocalyptic set for Geoffrey’s new vertical thriller, Elsy. In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy sit down with filmmaker and Vault Studio founder George Ansara to explore his journey from commercial videography to launching one of Michigan’s top independent film studios. Go behind the scenes of Elsy’s intense five-day shoot, and learn the keys to indie film success: preparation, collaboration, and community. George reveals how Vault Studio empowers creators with affordable, professional spaces, while Geoffrey and Kristy share insights on producing indie films and the power of filmmakers supporting each other. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How George Ansara built Vault Studio into a filmmaker-first production facilityBehind-the-scenes stories from filming ElsyHow Geoffrey designed an entire film set using 3D modeling and AI visualizationWhy adaptable production spaces save time, money, and stress on independent productionsThe producer's perspective on keeping a five-day shoot running smoothlyWhy collaboration not competition is the key to growing the independent film communityGeorge's work with the Detroit 48 Hour Film Project and supporting local filmmakersHelp us spread the word and support indie filmmaking! Our new vertical thriller Elsy premieres soon, 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 with 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: https://thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com Instagram:@screenwriterpod YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwrite Connect with Kristy Lee Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127 Connect with George Ansara Vault Studio:  Vault Studio Podcast #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #IndependentFilm #FilmProduction #MichiganFilm #VaultStudio #VerticalSeries #Elsy #DetroitFilm #48HourFilmProject #Screenwriter #Storytelling #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife Please share this podcast with your community!

  6. Jul 6

    Ep 314 - Why Supergirl Doesn't Work (It's Not What You Think)

    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 hollowWhat makes an antagonist compellingThe 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 writerAI-generated outreach emails and why human editing still mattersFourth of July movie recommendations and a few classic film memoriesWhether 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 Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife Please share this podcast with your community!

  7. Jun 7

    Ep 313 – ELSY: The Post-Apocalyptic Vertical Series That Could Change Everything

    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 industryThe challenge of creating a cinematic experience in a vertical formatThe process of casting Karly Coffee, Rochelle Nicole, and Eric RomanBehind-the-scenes stories from shooting 21 episodes in just 5 daysWhy loneliness is the emotional core of ElsyThe future of vertical series and why Geoffrey believes this is where storytelling is headedElsy 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 ProductionPost-Apocalyptic StorytellingPsychological ThrillersWriting for Mobile AudiencesFilm Production on a BudgetThe Future of Streaming ContentBehind the Scenes of ElsyAbout 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 Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife Please share this podcast with your community!

  8. Jun 1

    Ep 312 - Hollywood Is Changing Faster Than Most Writers Realize

    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 HollywoodWhat the success of Backrooms reveals about modern audiencesStrategies for writing authentic dialogueHow to approach talent attachment and financingHelp 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 Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife Please share this podcast with your community!

4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Real talk. No gatekeeping. Welcome to The Successful Screenwriter Podcast, where screenwriters Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Lee Lussier have honest conversations about writing, filmmaking, and navigating the industry. From developing and rewriting your screenplay to getting your work made, Geoffrey and Kristy break down the craft, business, frustrations, and realities of building a career in film. They also take the conversation live on Instagram, answering screenwriting questions from listeners and diving into questions pulled directly from the comments. Along the way, they share lessons from their own experiences and talk openly about what’s actually happening in the industry. About the Show Screenwriting is about more than formatting a script or following a formula. It’s about learning the craft, finding your voice, surviving the rewrite, understanding the business, and figuring out how to keep moving forward. Each episode tackles the questions and challenges writers actually face, from story, character, dialogue, and rewriting to pitching, representation, production, and breaking into the industry. Your Hosts Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a produced screenwriter, filmmaker, screenwriting instructor, and bestselling author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter. His work spans feature films, television, streaming, and independent production. He brings firsthand experience from both sides of the page: writing scripts and getting them made. Kristy Lee Lussier brings a filmmaker’s perspective to the conversation, challenging ideas, asking the questions writers want answered, and joining Geoffrey for candid discussions about storytelling, filmmaking, and the realities of working in the industry. What You'll Find Screenwriting Q&A: Real questions from writers with practical, straightforward answers.Writing & Rewriting: Story, structure, character, dialogue, theme, rewriting, and making the script on the page actually work.Breaking In & Building a Career: Representation, pitching, networking, getting read, getting produced, and creating opportunities.Filmmaking & Production: What happens when a screenplay leaves the page and becomes a film.State of the Industry: Candid conversations about what’s happening in film and what it means for working screenwriters. Connect with Us: Subscribe to the podcast on Spreaker for regular updates.Join us on Instagram @screenwriterpod for our livestream episodes.Visit our official website, thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com, for additional resources such as: Screenwriting Gigs, Screenplay Library, Seminars, and other exclusive content.Real talk. No gatekeeping. Just screenwriters helping screenwriters.

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